Old Testament Reading Plan: Your Guide to the OT

Ever felt drawn to the Old Testament but didn't know where to start? You're not alone.

An old testament reading plan can help. It turns many old books into a daily journey. It makes reading manageable.

Maybe you've read the New Testament many times. Or maybe you're new to Scripture. Either way, the OT offers rich stories and timeless wisdom. It shows God's relationship with His people.

The good news? You don't need to be a scholar. You don't need years of experience. You just need a plan and willingness to show up. One day at a time.

Why Focus on an Old Testament Reading Plan?

Many Christians know the Gospels well. They know Paul's letters. But the Old Testament often gets skipped. That's understandable. It's big. It spans centuries of history, poetry, law, and prophecy.

But here's why it's worth your time:

It's the foundation of everything. The New Testament constantly references the OT. Without it, you miss context behind Jesus's teachings. You miss the meaning of sacrifice. You miss the depth of God's promises.

It contains Scripture's most powerful stories. Abraham's faith. David's psalms. Esther's courage. These stories shape who we are as believers.

It reveals God's character across time. You see His patience. His justice. His mercy. His faithfulness unfolds over thousands of years.

It's often the part people know least. Focusing on the OT fills big gaps in most people's Bible knowledge.

If you've been putting off the Old Testament, consider this your gentle nudge. It's worth it. And it's more approachable than you think.

How Long Does It Take to Read the Old Testament?

The Old Testament has 39 books. It has roughly 929 chapters. Here's a practical breakdown of reading time:

Most chapters take about 4-5 minutes to read. So a relaxed pace means 10-15 minutes per day. That's doable, even on busy days.

The key is choosing a pace that fits your life right now. There's no prize for speed. What matters is consistency and actually understanding what you read.

Old Testament Reading Plan Options

Here are three ways to read the Old Testament. Pick based on your timeline and goals:

One-Year OT-Only Plan

Perfect if you want to take your time. At 2-3 chapters per day, you'll finish the entire OT in 12 months. You have room to breathe.

This pairs well with a separate New Testament reading plan if you want both.

Six-Month Plan

A great middle ground. At 5 chapters per day (about 20-25 minutes), you'll complete the OT in six months.

This works well for readers who already have a daily habit. It's good for those who want a focused OT deep-dive.

90-Day Intensive

For the committed reader. About 10 chapters per day. This works best for people who've read the OT before. Or those who like ambitious goals.

Expect to spend 40-50 minutes daily.

Old Testament Book Order Explained

Understanding how the OT is organized makes a huge difference. It's not one continuous story. It's a library organized by genre:

The Law (Torah): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. These are the foundation of Israel's identity. They show their relationship with God.

History: Joshua through Esther. The story of Israel entering the Promised Land. The rise and fall of kings. Exile and return.

Poetry & Wisdom: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. Beautiful reflections on life, suffering, love, and faith.

Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel. Powerful messages of warning, hope, and future promise.

Minor Prophets: Hosea through Malachi. Shorter but equally powerful books. They address specific moments in Israel's history.

Knowing which section you're in helps. It helps you understand the purpose and tone. Poetry reads differently than law. Prophecy reads differently than narrative.

Chronological vs Traditional OT Reading Order

You have two main approaches to ordering your OT reading plan:

Traditional order follows the books as they appear in your Bible. This is straightforward and easy to track.

It's the best choice for first-time OT readers. It matches what you see when you open your Bible.

Chronological order arranges books by when events happened historically. You'd read Job during the time of the patriarchs. You'd weave prophets into the Kings narrative.

This approach helps you see historical flow. But it can feel jumpy if you're not familiar with the books. Check out our chronological Bible reading schedule for a detailed plan.

Our recommendation: If this is your first time reading through the OT, start with traditional order. It's simpler. It builds a natural foundation.

Save chronological for your second time through. It'll feel like discovering the story all over again.

Hardest Parts of the Old Testament (and How to Get Through Them)

Let's be honest. Some sections of the OT are tough. Here's what trips most people up and how to keep going:

Leviticus: All those laws and rituals can feel repetitive. Try reading it as a window into God's relationship with Israel. Each law had a purpose. Holiness, community health, and justice.

Numbers: The censuses and genealogies are dense. It's okay to read these sections quickly. Slow down for the narrative parts. Like the 12 spies or Balaam's donkey. Yes, that's a real story.

Minor Prophets: These books assume you know the historical context. Keep a simple Bible timeline nearby. Or read a brief introduction to each book before diving in.

Difficult passages: You'll encounter violence. Confusing customs. Things that feel foreign to modern life. That's normal. You don't have to understand everything on the first read. Just keep going.

The most important thing? Don't let a hard section stop you. If you're struggling with a passage, read it. Note your questions. Move forward. Understanding deepens over time.

Combining OT and NT Reading

Some readers prefer to read both Testaments daily. This is how many Bible reading plans work. They pair OT chapters with a NT chapter and a Psalm or Proverb each day.

Benefits of combined reading:

• You see connections between OT prophecies and NT fulfillment in real-time
• Psalms and Proverbs provide daily wisdom alongside heavier OT narrative
• It prevents "OT fatigue" by mixing genres

Benefits of OT-only reading:

• Full immersion in the Hebrew Bible's story
• Better sense of historical continuity
• More time to absorb difficult passages

Both approaches work well. BibleMate's free reading plan at bibleinyear.com includes balanced daily portions from both Testaments. You get the best of both worlds. And there's no account needed and no ads.

Free Old Testament Reading Schedule

Here's a sample one-year OT reading schedule. This follows traditional order at a comfortable pace:

Months 1-2: The Law

• Genesis (50 chapters) — ~2 chapters/day
• Exodus (40 chapters) — ~2 chapters/day

Months 3-4: Law & Early History

• Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy — 2-3 chapters/day
• Joshua, Judges — 2-3 chapters/day

Months 5-6: History

• Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings — 2-3 chapters/day

Months 7-8: More History & Poetry

• 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther — 2-3 chapters/day
• Job — 2 chapters/day

Months 9-10: Poetry & Major Prophets

• Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon — 3-4 chapters/day
• Isaiah (start) — 2 chapters/day

Months 11-12: Prophets

• Isaiah (finish), Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel — 3 chapters/day
• Minor Prophets (Hosea through Malachi) — 2-3 chapters/day

Want a plan that includes the New Testament too? Check out BibleMate's free 365-day reading plan at bibleinyear.com.

It gives you balanced daily portions from the entire Bible. Your progress saves automatically in your browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Read the Old Testament Before the New Testament?

Not necessarily. Many people start with the New Testament. Especially the Gospels. That's perfectly fine.

However, reading the OT gives you the full backstory. It makes the NT even richer. If you've already read the NT, an OT-focused plan is a wonderful next step.

How Many Chapters Are in the Old Testament?

The Old Testament has 929 chapters across 39 books. That's roughly 75% of the entire Bible.

At 3 chapters per day, you can finish in about 10 months.

What Is the Hardest Book to Read in the Old Testament?

Most people find Leviticus and Numbers the most challenging. They have legal codes and censuses. The Minor Prophets can also be difficult without historical context.

The key is to keep going. Even a challenging chapter is worth reading.

Can I Skip Parts of the Old Testament?

You can, but we'd gently encourage you not to. Even the toughest sections have value. They give context that enriches your understanding of Scripture.

If a section feels like a slog, try reading it faster. Don't skip entirely. You can always come back for a deeper read later.

What's the Best Translation for Reading the Old Testament?

For readability, the NLT or NIV are excellent choices. If you prefer something more traditional, the ESV offers good balance. It has accuracy and clarity.

The KJV has beautiful language but can be harder for first-time readers. Try a few translations. See what resonates with you.

How Do I Stay Motivated Through Long OT Books?

Keep a reading journal. Find a friend to read alongside. Use a tool like BibleMate to track your progress visually.

Celebrate milestones. Finishing Genesis. Getting through Leviticus. Reaching the Psalms.

Every chapter you read is a step forward. It's always okay to pick back up if you miss a day.

Is it okay to read the Old Testament in different orders?

Yes! Many people find success mixing up the order. You might read Psalms alongside historical books. Or start with stories like Genesis and 1 Samuel before tackling law books like Leviticus.

The important thing is to read consistently, not to follow a perfect order.

How long should I spend reading each day?

Start with 15-20 minutes daily. That's usually 2-4 chapters depending on the book. As you build the habit, you can read longer if you want.

Quality matters more than quantity. Better to read one chapter thoughtfully than rush through five.