Quick Facts on the 5 Books of Law in the Old Testament

The first segment of books in the Bible is known as the Books of Law in the Old Testament.  In Hebrew, these books are known as the Torah, and in Greek they are known as the Pentateuch.

  • Author of the Law: Moses by the instruction from God
  • Number of Laws: 613 total Laws
  • The Books of Law are the first five books in the Bible

The Old Testament Books of Law in Order

  • Genesis

    • Author: Moses
    • Written: 1450 BC – 1400 BC
  • Exodus

    • Author: Moses
    • Written: 1445 BC – 1440 BC
  • Leviticus

    • Author: Moses
    • Written: 1445 BC – 1400 BC
  • Numbers

    • Author: Moses
    • Written: 1445 BC – 1400 BC
  • Deuteronomy

    • Author: Moses
    • Written: 1401 BC – 1400 BC

More About the Authorship

It is important to note that Genesis does not state who the author is.  However, it is most obvious that Exodus is a continuation of Genesis.  And Exodus does state that Moses authored sections of the book. 

Nevertheless, there is ample evidence that Moses most likely authored the entire book of Exodus, along with the book of Genesis and the other 3 Law Books in the Bible.

For example, Jesus declares in the Gospel of John 7:19, “Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?”  And God casts a reminder in Malachi 4:4, “Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel.”

However, as you search the Scriptures you will discover Joshua mentions the “Law of Moses” in Joshua 8:31-32.  The Law given through Moses is referenced again in Judges 3:4.

There are also many references to Moses and the Law in the New Testament, including Matthew 8:4, Acts 3:22, and Romans 10:5 among others.  The Jewish historian, Josephus, attributes the books of Law to Moses in Against Apion, 1:8.

More Old Testament Knowledge

  • Major and Minor Old Testament Prophets

    There are 17 Major and Minor Old Testament Prophets.  However, they also are divided into segments - the Major Prophets and the Minor Prophets. 

    There are 17 Major and Minor Old Testament Prophets.  However, they also are divided into segments - the Major Prophets and the Minor Prophets. 

  • Five Old Testament Poetry Books

    Below, you will discover the 5 Old Testament Poetry Books, along with the author(s) and approximate date each were written where that information is available.

    Below, you will discover the 5 Old Testament Poetry Books, along with the author(s) and approximate date each were written where that information is available.

  • The 12 Old Testament History Books

    The 12 Books of History in the Old Testament in Order. Discover any known author and approximate time each of the Old Testament books of history were written.

    The 12 Books of History in the Old Testament in Order. Discover any known author and approximate time each of the Old Testament books of history were written.

  • Old Testament Books of the Bible in Order

    There are 39 books in the Old Testament of the Protestant Christian Bible.  You might also wish to note that the 39 Old Testament Books are divided into 5 different segments, or groups. These segments are..

    There are 39 books in the Old Testament of the Protestant Christian Bible.  You might also wish to note that the 39 Old Testament Books are divided into 5 different segments, or groups. These segments are..