About 1400 BC (About 3,400 years ago)
The writing of the Old Testament began sometime during the time of Moses, about 3,400 years ago. He wrote the first five books of the Old Testament, which are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
The writing of the Old Testament, which contains 39 books, continued for another 1,000 or so years. The last book, as in the most recently written, is the book of Malachi, which was written about 2,400 years ago.
The Old Testament is centered on the problem of sin and on the promise of a solution, a savior, called the Messiah, who would suffer and die for the sins of others.
Next: Israel begins establishing itself as a country
Go to: Bible history timeline