BecomingJewish.Org >> Tanach >> Ketuvim

The book of Psalms (תהלים)

Book One (1:1-41:14): Keys to good fortune are to shun evil influences and to study the Torah, Nothing can thwart G-d’s will, Trust in G-d will bring peace and security, Sinners who abandon deceptiveness of temporary glory and recognize the truth will repent and find true happiness, When beset by enemies pray for deliverance, Prayer for when the community or individual suffers oppression and deprivation, sickness, and distress, The righteous take heart in knowing that they will prevail over the wicked, One with clarity of vision perceives G-d’s handiwork everywhere, The wicked will fade into oblivion, G-d punishes the wicked and champions the downtrodden, The righteous suffer to atone for sin but are rewarded in the World To Come, G-d’s assurances are pure and enduring, Exile is like a long dark seemingly endless night, G-d will redeem His nation, To come closer to G-d one must be generous and honest toward man, Talent and external forces are G-d’s tools for guiding history, The righteous person beseeches G-d to examine his deeds, to protect, and allow him to enjoy G-d’s glory, David earned the right to sing G-d’s praises, Contemplation of nature and study of Torah will teach man to relate to G-d and to achieve spiritual fulfillment, G-d responds in times of distress, Kings and powerful people must set an example by acknowledging G-d’s kindness, The Jew prays for a final end to Israel’s long exile, G-d provides man’s every need, The personal qualities of the worshipers can build G-d’s Temple, The righteous seek closeness to G-d and salvation from distress by repenting and extolling G-d’s kindness to those who seek Him, The righteous walk in purity and vigilance, The House of G-d provides the sole island of constancy, G-d assists man in remaining on His chosen path, G-d’s power and glory pervade all of creation, Travail should be accepted as a prerequisite for success, We should entrust ourselves to G-d’s mercy, G-d sends suffering and misfortune to help man reach the state of true repentance and its accompanying joy, G-d’s moral demands are constant and inviolable, Our every faculty should be dedicated to G-d, Israel in exile appeals against nations that repay Israel’s contributions with oppression, Man can dispel false illusions only with the objective light of truth, It is G-d’s blessed ones who will inherit the earth, Suffering must be recognized as chastisement for sin, One should pray for the ability to devote oneself to Torah and mitzvot, A righteous person shows gratitude for G-d’s help, By contemplating the experiences of the poor and the sick one becomes aware of G-d’s loving closeness to man

Book Two (42:1-72:20): The exiled call longingly to G-d to be brought home, The exiles will return to their land when G-d sends forth His light, Israel pleads for strength to endure until it is redeemed, Song of praise describing the Messiah, In the upheavals of the Messianic era G-d will shield Israel, Mankind will recognize and accept G-d’s sovereignty, Jerusalem is eternally beautiful and glorious, Man should use his sojourn on earth to enhance his spiritual development and prepare for the World To Come, G-d desires not only external adherence to His mitzvot but purity of spirit, Prayer for penitence, Tragedy when one turns one’s talents to evil, Assurance of Israel’s eventual restoration, When pursued by foes one must pray for G-d’s salvation, David had faith that G-d would enable him to prevail, When in distress one’s trust in G-d should be unshaken, David affirms his absolute faith in G-d, Prayer for the destruction of the violent oppressors, David prays for G-d to rescue him, David’s experiences while fleeing into exile parallel Israel’s national experience, Never permit the power of ill-gotten wealth of the oppressor to erode one’s trust in G-d and faith in His justice, David never wavers in his love for G-d, When the enemy plots evil, attacks, or lays traps one should take refuge in G-d, Calamities should spur mankind to repentance, G-d’s intervention in the affairs of man is attested to by history, physically, perceptibly, and irrefutably, Prayer for the arrival of the Messianic era, Israel’s triumph over the mightiest empires has happened many times, Israel’s triumph will be repeated for the last time with the Final Redemption, Prophetic portrayal of Israel’s plight in its exile, Appeal to G-d for rescue from one’s enemies, With difficulties, one should turn to G-d Whose comfort never fails, David turns his unfinished work over to his son and prays for his success

Book Three (73:1-89:52): Emptiness and futility of the wicked’s glamorous lives, Jews pray for G-d’s deliverance of His nation, Prayer for the ultimate Redemption, Prayer for the time when man will completely accept G-d’s mastery, Israel will again intervene as G-d did when He redeemed Israel from Egypt, G-d’s love and concern for Israel are ever present, Prayer that Israel be restored to its land, Israel pleads for restoration of its glorious relationship with G-d, Firm resolve to heed G-d’s word will cause Him to loosen the fetter and send redemption, For continued existence of the world there must be maintenance of equity and justice, The enmity of the nations against Israel is an outgrowth of hatred for that which Israel stands, Even with persecution one must continue to strive for closeness with G-d, Prayer that G-d restore Israel and the Temple permanently, Supplication, dedication, and awareness of G-d’s closeness lift one’s soul and bring it closer to G-d, Greatness and nobility emanate from Jerusalem, Plea for deliverance from Israel’s exile, Throughout its exile Israel is sure that G-d will fulfill His promises to David

Book Four (90:1-106:48): Moses beseeches G-d to help man use his finite time properly and productively, By scorning conventional protection and seeking refuge in G-d the believer can live without fear of those who would do him harm, On the Sabbath the Jew can turn heart and mind to the perception of G-d’s way, G-d’s grandeur will be recognized by all in the Messianic times, Goodness will prevail and evil punished, Do not emulate your ancestors who strayed after falsehood, When all the nations will recognize G-d’s sovereignty they will join in a new song acknowledging Him, After the Messiah’s coming G-d will reign supreme over the earth, A song of praise for the revelation of the final redemption, The nations will follow the dictates of righteousness, A psalm to accompany the thanksgiving offering, Purity and truth enable an individual to utilize his abilities for their intended purpose, Prayer for those beset by any misfortune, A soul in turmoil is calmed by recounting G-d’s infinite kindness, Tribute to G-d for the wondrous world He has created and sustains, G-d guides the course of history, G-d’s presence and loving-kindness are always near

Book Five (107:1-150:6): Those who experience G-d’s deliverance must publicly proclaim their gratitude for G-d’s enduring kindness, Psalm about the consolidation of the Messiah’s reign, Plea to G-d for deliverance from scheming malingers, David’s power came through Divine favor, G-d created man with all that he needs in body and mind to perform G-d’s will, One who truly fears G-d will fear no misfortune, Psalm to G-d’s control of creation and kindness to creatures, Israel was elevated upon leaving Egypt, May idolaters come to know G-d, Israel declares its love for G-d and prays for redemption, Israel expresses gratitude and confidence as it looks forward to redemption, Ceaseless striving to faithfully live a Torah-true life, Songs of Ascents, Declaration of faith and a prayer for G-d’s constant protection, Hymn to Jerusalem, A Jew in exile yearns for G-d’s succor, Only G-d’s care and protection saved Israel from extinction, One who trusts in G-d will be secure in His protection, G-d will return Israel to its land, When G-d crowns man’s efforts with success he can raise his children to serve G-d, Only the righteous and his family experience true bliss in both worlds, Israel’s survival attests to G-d’s control over its destiny, A person in distress prays to G-d from the depth of his heart, A righteous person is not arrogant, If one cannot complete a task yet faithfully lays the groundwork the final goal will be achieved in his merit, Unity among brothers brings G-d’s blessings, Even in exile Israel blesses G-d, All is futile except to serve G-d, A song of G-d’s creation and rulership of the world and Israel, Never remove Jerusalem from your heart and mind, Live with the awareness that G-d is omnipotent and intimately close to those who seek Him, G-d’s omniscience and omnipotence are absolute, One who feels powerless against deceit must place his trust in G-d, Even in crisis one must pray not only for physical deliverance but also for help in avoiding sin, Utterly trapped, one places oneself completely at G-d’s mercy, One can be pulled from the abyss of persecution and suffering by recalling G-d’s past miracles, David attributes all his accomplishments to G-d alone, Man is obligated to praise G-d’s providential provision of the need of every living creature, G-d is the One Who cares for the underprivileged and oppressed, G-d will redeem and rebuild Jerusalem, All of nature joins in joyous songs to praise G-d, Lofty praises uttered in the honor of G-d will cut down the wicked and bring forward the glory of the righteous, Praise G-d in every way possible

The book of Proverbs (משלי)

Wisdom and Torah (1:1-3:35): Solomon’s purpose, Let G-d and your parents be your adornment, G-d’s message is everywhere and ignoring it leads to retribution, Only if you treasure wisdom will you acquire it, The Torah will save you from perverse ideas, evildoers, and purveyors of temptation, The just will prevail in the end, Cleave to Torah, Trust in G-d will bring success, Seek discipline and wisdom, The Torah and its wisdom are your guarantors for a good life, Be kind and thoughtful, avoid strife, violence, and scoffing

Guidance (4:1-7:27): Appreciate the value of wisdom, Torah guarantees meaningful life, Evil people are worse than one can imagine, Safeguard that which matter most, Consider your deeds carefully, Enticement leads to doom, Remain loyal to your wife and Torah, The wicked will be trapped by their own sins, Avoid commitments that are beyond your abilities, Learn to be industrious, Dishonest people will get their undoing, G-d hates those who incite strife, Seeks ways to keep the mitzvot, A naïve youth lurches toward temptation and rushes to his doom

Wisdom and Guidance (8:1-31:31): Wisdom invites all to learn from her, Wisdom is superior to all earthly riches, Torah is the source of the truest success and is generous to those who love it, Torah preceded everything and is the blueprint of Creation, Be wise: follow the Torah and its teachings, Fear of G-d is the road to blessing, Rulers should be straightforward and avoid evildoers, Be careful where you glorify yourself and beware of what you say, Be sincere but do not make yourself a burden to others, Never betray a friend, be generous to your foe, and never speak slander, Be principles and avoid excess, Everything in its proper time, Avoid contentious and foolish people, Lazy people harm themselves, Avoid disputes, Insincere compliments camouflage evil, Do not boast, Envy is worse than wrath, Loving rebuke is good, Be loyal, Good children gladden parents, Excess praise and nagging are bad, Friendly competition and diligence are good, Tend to your business and prepare for the future, Injustice has far-reaching consequences, Better naiveté than perversion, Dishonest profits will be lost, Innocence, understanding, and honesty are keys to success, Rulers must not be greedy, Evildoers will pay; good people will succeed, Greed brings destruction and generosity is rewarded, Stubborn people do not improve, Good and wise people are incomparably better for the world, Discipline is an investment in happiness, Torah is the best restraint, Fear G-d not people, Human wisdom is extremely limited—trust in G-d’s word, Avoid every form of slander, Denial of sin is incomprehensible, Rule with dignity and justice

The book of Job (איוב)

Tribulations of the Righteous Job (1:1-2:14): Feasts of Job’s children, Satan’s challenge, Evil decree, Job’s reaction, Satan’s second challenge, Job is afflicted, Job’s friends

First Round of Discussion (3:1-14:22): Job curses the day of his birth, questions his birth, and complains of his suffering, Vision about G-d’s way with man, Eliphaz’ curse and advice, Be confident of G-d’s help, Scales of suffering, Job cannot wait for deliverance, Empty talk is not moral support, Job loses hope and addresses G-d, Destruction of the wicked, It is futile to contend with G-d, Job asking for compassion, Man cannot fathom G-d’s ways, G-d’s mastery is obvious and He is all-powerful, Job pleads that G-d let him speak, Man’s mortality, afterlife, and irrevocable death

Second Round of Discussion (15:1-21:34): Man cannot question G-d, The wicked are doomed to fear for they dared defy G-d, Job depicts his plight, Only G-d knows the truth, Job decries the hypocrites, Job’s fate will be an object of astonishment, Job pleads for pity, Why do the wicked deserve undiluted good fortune

Third Round of Discussion (22:1-24:25): The best hope is repentance, The righteous can help the wicked, G-d is everywhere, The cruelty and brazenness of the wicked

Bildad’s Third Speech and Job’s Response (25:1-26:14): Job himself depicts G-d’s unparalleled might

Job’s First Soliloquy (27:1-28:28): Nothing will be left of the wicked’s wealth, G-d’s mastery over earth, G-d’s wisdom is incalculable, Wisdom’s essence is piety

Job’s Second Soliloquy (29:1-31:40): Longing for bygone days of comfort, righteous charity, security, and prestige, G-d has brought Job suffering but not total destruction, G-d knows Job’s righteousness

Elihu the Buzite (32:1-37:24): G-d, not age, is the source of wisdom, Elihu criticizes the friends’ tactics, Suffering can spare man from worse travail, A small amount of good can save man, Prayerful repentance is the cure, Man suffers only if he deserves to, G-d has no reason to pervert justice, Man is helpless against G-d, Virtue benefits man not G-d, The wicked do not reflect on G-d’s purpose and He will ignore their cries, G-d’s judgments are never haphazard, The fate of the wicked encourages the righteous, G-d’s voice is heard through His control of nature, G-d’s ways are beyond human comprehension

G-d Speaks from out of the Whirlwind (38:1-41:26): G-d created us and controls the rain, dew, ice, constellations, clouds, and lightning, G-d cares for all creatures, G-d rebukes Job and Job admits his error, The Behemoth and Leviathan

Job’s Repentance and Restoration (42:1-17): Job’s wealth is restored, A new and fruitful family

The book of Song of Songs (שיר  השירים)

G-d and Israel (1:1-8:14): Israel in exile, Israel to the nations, Israel to G-d, G-d responds to Israel, Israel about G-d, Israel reminisces, The nations to Israel, G-d and the Heavenly Tribunal

The book of Ruth (רות)

Story of Ruth (1:1-4:22): Famine, Untimely deaths, Widows, Dissuasion and sincerity, Naomi returns and Beth-lehem is astounded, Boaz of Beth-lehem; cousin of Elimelech, Ruth returns to Naomi, Naomi’s plan and Boaz’ actions, The lineage of King David

The book of Lamentations (איכה)

Jeremiah’s Prophecies (1:1-5:22): Jeremiah attributes all of the suffering to Divine retribution for Jerusalem’s sins, Jerusalem addresses the nations, G-d was patient and allowed Zion’s sins to accumulate, Zion acknowledges that G-d is righteous and justified in what He has done, Jeremiah laments that of all the prophets who foretold the destruction of the Temple it was he who actually saw it, Since it is certain that G-d will not neglect His people eternally, it is prudent to accept His yoke, One should never ascribe his suffering to chance, May G-d mete out retribution to Israel’s enemies, Israel beseeches G-d to take the initiative and draw us near; then we will repent our sins and return to You wholeheartedly

The book of Ecclesiastes (קהלת)

Solomon’s Writings (1:1-12:14): Although the wicked will prosper they will ultimately come to an unfavorable end, One who abandons Torah has become crooked, Obsession with worldly pleasure is itself futile, Folly helps one cherish wisdom, As one is pure in the hour of his birth so should he be pure in the hour of his death, One should rejoice in his lot and do what is right in G-d’s eye, Man will be held to account for his deeds, Agriculture is the best occupation and yields the most reward, Both the wise and the foolish must toil for what they achieve, G-d gave man life so that he can act righteously, G-d deals strictly with the righteous to atone for their sins so that they will not require punishment in the Hereafter, Evildoers will not escape punishment for their deeds, A fool will place himself in danger while a wise man will guard himself, Charity should be given even to strangers

The book of Esther (אסתר)

The Royal Banquet (1:1-22): The king’s lavish celebration, Queen Vashti’s feast and her defiance of the king

The Search for a Queen (2:1-23): Esther is brought to the competition but keeps her identity secret, Esther pleases Ahaseurus and becomes the queen, Mordechai saves the king’s life

Haman’s Rise and Esther’s Triumph (3:1-10:3): Mordechai defies Haman who decides to kill all Jews, Haman persuades the king, receives the royal signet, and issues the decree of genocide, Esther is informed and urged to help, Mordechai demands action, Esther asks for a fast, Esther risks her life but the king is gracious, Haman’s gallows, Haman’s arrival and prescription for honor, Esther’s plea and accusation of Haman, The king’s fury and demand for Haman’s hanging, Mordechai become viceroy, The decree is revised and the Jews defend themselves against their enemies, Purim is proclaimed

The book of Daniel (דניאל)

Daniel’s Prophecies and Writings (1:1-12:13): Daniel’s resolve and proposal, The kings dream, King orders the sages killed, G-d’s revelation to Daniel and his thanks, Daniel before the king and tells of a dream, Nebuchadnezzar exalts Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego’s refusal to bow to it, The three friends placed into the furnace and their survival, Daniel interprets and advises Nebuchadnezzer regarding his dream, The dream is fulfilled, Daniel is called by Belshazzar to read and interpret the handwriting on the wall, Daniel is appointed vizier, Daniel is placed in the lions’ pit and survives, Daniel’s vision of the four beasts, Daniel’s prophetic allusion to the final redemption, Daniel prays for redemption, Daniel’s vision

The books of Ezra-Nehemiah (עזרא-נחמיה)

Return to the Land (Ezra 1:1-2:70): Cyrus’ proclamation and the response, Returning Israelites by family and by city, The Temple ministrants, Those of dubious descent

Building the Second Temple (3:1-6:22): The Altar and its offerings, Construction of the Temple’s foundation begins, The enemies offer assistance, The Temple construction is halted, Haggai and Zechariah prophesy, Tattenai investigates and informs the king, Recollection of Cyrus’ decree, The king’s reply to Tattenai and his directive, Successful construction, The inauguration celebration and the Pesach offering

Ezra Takes Charge (7:1-10:44): The king’s letter and permission to return, Contributions for the Temple, The king finances the Temple services, Temple personnel exempted from taxes, Enforcement of Torah law, Ezra’s thanksgiving praise, The family heads, The Levites, Ezra’s fast, Guardians for the valuables, The valuables delivered and weighed, Burnt offerings, Royal decrees transmitted, Ezra’s public prayer, Assembly and remorse, Covenant and oath, Public assembly in Jerusalem, Ezra’s charge to the people and the congregation’s response and compliance, The repentant transgressors

Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:1-2:20): News of Jerusalem, Nehemiah’s distress and prayer, Nehemiah before the king, The people accept Nehemiah’s plan and the enemies ridicule

Building Jerusalem’s Wall (3:1-4:17, 6:1-6:19): The eastern wall, northern wall, western wall, and southern wall, Sanballat’s threat, Nehemiah’s prayer, Jerusalem’s enemies conspire, Defensive measures, False prophet detected, Completion of the wall, Tobiah’s Jewish friends

Economic Inequity and Iniquity (5:1-5:19): Nehemiah confronts the lords and sets the example

Populace of Judah (7:1-9:5): The Book of Lineage, Returnees by family and by city, The Temple ministrants, Those of dubious descent, The total, The leaders contribute, The people request Torah and Ezra reads to them, The learned clarify for the unlearned, Succos festival, Public penance

Levites’ Song of Praise (9:6-10:1): Selection and covenant of Abraham, Redemption from Egypt, Revelation at Sinai, Rebellious nation, Divine compassion, Conquest of Canaan, Recurrent rebelliousness, Plea for mercy

The Lasting Covenant (10:1-40): The signers: Kohanim, Levites, others, The oath of allegiance to the Torah and its laws, Temple offerings, Priestly offerings

Settlers of Jerusalem (11:1-36): Settlers of Jerusalem: Judah and Benjamin, Kohanim, Levites, and others, Towns, Benjamites

Families of the Kohanim and Levites (12:1-26): Succession of High Priests, Family heads of the Kohanim, Family heads of the Levites

The Walls of Jerusalem Dedicated (12:27-13:3): The march begins, The Kohanim, The procession continues, Portion of the Kohanim and Levites

Nehemiah’s Reforms (13:1-31): Alien men, Eliashib and Tobiah, Levite portion, Sabbath desecration, Gentile wives

The book of Chronicles (דברי  הימים)

Genealogy of the Davidic Dynasty (I Chronicles 1:1-3:24): Abraham’s seed, Ishmael, Sons of Jeturah, Isaac, Esau, Seir, Edom’s early kings

The Genealogy of Judah (2:1-4:23): Perez to David, Other descendants of Hezron, Caleb son of Hezron, King David’s children and royal line, Other descendants of Judah, Caleb son of Jephunneh

Genealogies of the Other Tribes (4:24-8:40): Simeon, Reuben, Gad, Half of Manasseh, The tribe of Levi Kohanim, Levite families, The Temple singers, Levite cities, Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, The other half of Manasseh, Ephraim, Asher, Genealogy of King Saul, The first Royal family

The Returning Exiles (9:1-38): Returning exiles

King Saul (9:39-10:14): Genealogy, Death of King Saul

King David (11:1-29:30): David’s leading warriors, David’s first loyalists, His camp grows: from Benjamin and Judah, from Menasseh, and from the other tribes, David becomes king, Unity and the Ark, The monarchy is established, David defeats the Philistines and does it again, The Ark arrives, Celebration and thanksgiving, Remembering G-d’s covenant, Jerusalem and Gibeon, David’s rejected hope to build a Temple, Promise that Solomon will build the Temple, David subdues his enemies, David’s ill-fated census, Preparation for the Temple, Officers of the realm, David’s last days

King Solomon (II Chronicles 1:1-9:31): G-d is with Solomon, Solomon requests wisdom, Alliance with Huram, Solomon builds the Temple, Solomon’s prayer, New cities, Labor conscripts, Palace for the queen, The Queen of Sheba and the royal gifts, Solomon’s throne and stables

King Rehoboam (10:1-12:16): Jeroboam confronts the new king, The elders’ sound advice is ignored, The king rebuffs his subjects and they respond in kind, Rehoboam abandons the fight and consolidates his rule, G-d-fearing people rally to him, Rehoboam’s family and his decline, Egypt advances and plunders, The prophet’s warning and Israel repents

King Abijah (13:1-23): Abijah challenges Jeroboam, Jeroboam’s disloyalty and hypocrisy, Victory for Judah

King Asa (14:1-16:14): Asa destroys the idols, Battle with arms and prayer, Azariah exhorts Asa to repent and Asa obeys, Offerings and covenant, Asa’s first war

King Jehoshaphat (17:1-21:1): G-d’s approval, Teaching Torah, Alliance with Ahab, Ahab’s false prophets, Micah is summoned and brings a dire vision, Jehoshaphat’s escape and Ahab’s death, Jehu’s admonition, G-d protects Jehoshaphat, Prophecy and salvation, G-d confuses the enemy and total victory, Jehoshaphat’s successful reign

King Jehoram (21:1-20): Jehoram sins, Edom’s rebellion, Elijah’s ominous letter, Disaster strikes Judah

King Ahaziah (22:1-12): His wicked mother dominates, Misguided wars, Double assassination

King Joash (23:1-24:27): Joash is crowned, Athaliah is arrested, Jehoiadah’s covenant, Joash renovates the Temple, Zechariah assassinated, Aram invades, Joash assassinated

King Amaziah (25:1-28): Amaziah avenges his father’s death, Prophetic warning, Amaziah obeys and succeeds, Judah defeated, Jerusalemites loyal to G-d

King Uzziah (26:1-23): Victory against Philistines, Uzziah’s towers, Offensive and defensive weaponry, The Kohanim remonstrate, Uzziah’s punishment: Leprosy

King Jotham (27:1-9): Defeat Ammon

King Ahaz (28;1-27): Baal worship, Struck by kings of Aram and Israel, Prophetic warning to Samaria, Ephraimites obey the prophet, Ahaz suffers at hands of Edomites, Philistines and Assyria,

King Hezekiah (29:1-32:33): Hezekiah exhorts Kohanim and Levites to cleanse the Temple of idolatry, The consecration, Pesach offering, Letters of return mocked by majority of Ephraim and Manasseh, Festival of Matzos, Destruction of idolatry, Priestly and levitical portions, Preparations for war, Sennacherib’s blasphemous threats, Hezekiah and Isaiah pray and are answered, Hezekiah’s near-fatal illness, Hezekiah’s wealth

King Manasseh (33:1-20): Builder of idolatry, Manasseh leads Judah astray, G-d sends Assyria; Manasseh repents, Manasseh fortifies Jerusalem, removes idols, and rebuilds G-d’s altar

King Ammon (33:21-25): King Ammon

King Josiah (34:1-35:27): Seeker of G-d; destroyer of idols, The Temple is repaired, The newly-founded Torah scroll and is read to the king, G-d’s wrath will not be extinguished, The king reads the Scroll in public, Josiah’s Pesach offering, Sacrificial service, Josiah confronts Neco, king of Egypt, and is killed

Remaining Kings (36:1-23): King Jehoahaz, King Jehoiakim, King Jehoiachin, King Zedekiah