EZRA (Ezra) The Book of Ezra does not specifically name its author but tradition is that the prophet Ezra was the author. The name Ezra in Hebrew means helper. It is interesting to note that once Ezra appears on the scene in the 7th chapter the author switches from writing in the third person to writing in first person. The …
Aleph Tav Alert: Nehemiah
NEHEMIAH (Nechemyah) The Book of Nehemiah does not specifically name its author, but tradition from both Jewish and Christian sources recognizes Ezra as the author. The name Nehemiah in Hebrew means comforted by Yah. This is based on the fact that the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah were both combined originally as one. The Book of Nehemiah was likely written …
Aleph Tav Alert: Esther
ESTHER (Ester) The Book of Esther does not specifically name its author but popular traditions claim it could have been Mordecai, Ezra or Nehemiah because of their familiarity with the Persian customs and events. The name Ester in Hebrew means star. The book was most likely written between 460 and 350 B.C. to display the providence of Elohim, especially in …
Aleph Tav Alert: Job
JOB (Iyov) The Book of Job begins the Poetic Books of the Tanakh between Job and the Song of Solomon. The Book of Job does not specifically name its author but tradition points to the most likely candidates as Job, Elihu, Moses or Solomon. The name Job in Hebrew means persecuted or hated. The date of the authorship of the …
Aleph Tav Alert: Psalms
PSALMS (Tehillim) David is listed as the author of Psalms in 73 instances but he is definitely not the author of the entire collection. Psalms gives up a look into David’s personality and identity. There are 150 Psalms and it is the longest book in the Tanakh. It is also one of the most diverse. Both Psalms 72 and 127 …