The Easiest Book in the Bible to Read

Posted on November 18, 2021

11


By David Ettinger

Subjective Blog
This is a subjective blog. I mean, who’s to say what’s easy and what’s not when it comes to Bible reading? And besides, when it comes to the Bible, how is the word “easy” to be defined? And should the word “easy” even be applied to the Bible?

When it comes to books of the Bible, I would describe as “easy” that which can be clearly understood by merely reading it. By “merely reading” I mean outside materials such as commentaries and study Bibles are unnecessary to comprehend what the book is about.

An “easy” Bible read would also include – dare I say it – an “entertainment” element. This implies a good narrative, or story. For example, Psalms may qualify as an “easy” read in that it is understandable by a normal reading, but there is no “entertainment” aspect to it.

An “easy” Bible read, therefore, is reasonably understandable and has entertainment value. (It is a given that every Bible book contains spiritual significance and can impact one’s life.)

Fitting the Bill
So, which Bible books fit the bill?

Chronologically, Genesis contains these characteristics, but also has many genealogies, which can slow down its reading and temper its entertainment value. Exodus features fascinating accounts, but stalls when reaching Chapter 25 – the instructions for and building of the Tabernacle.

Joshua is fast-paced and exciting, but loses momentum when getting to the divvying up of Canaan and distribution of Levitical cities. Judges and Ruth certainly measure up, but Judges is very dark, and the customs of the day recorded in Ruth can throw some readers for a loop.

The two books of Samuel and Kings come pretty close, as well, but because they cover large swathes of time, it is impossible to concentrate on one primary event. The same goes for the 4 Gospels and Acts.

The Best Candidates
Based on the “easy” guidelines – reasonably understandable and entertaining – 2 books rise to the top: Jonah and Esther.

Both can be clearly understood by a simple reading (though a commentary can give valuable background), and the events covered are entertaining. And another bonus: both are short. Esther is 10 brisk chapters while Jonah is just 4.

Though brief, Jonah has a lot going for it. There is a disobedient prophet of God; a large fish which swallows said prophet; the true repentance of an entire heathen nation; and enraged said prophet when God forgives said heathen nation. Great stuff!

Esther, for its part, has palace and political intrigue; a beauty pageant of sorts; a maniacal, murderous, madman; all manner of twists and turns; a comeuppance of biblical proportions; and the miraculous saving of an entire people.

And the Winner Is …
So, who wins the prize as the Bible’s easiest book to read?

I choose Esther. Though it takes a little longer to read than Jonah, Esther features a more developed modern-day plot (for lack of a better term). We have a real drama with a solid beginning, middle, and end.

We have high stakes as an entire people is threatened with extinction.

We have individuals strategically placed in just the right spots, allowing them to “save the day” when all looks bleak.

And we have the “happily-ever-after” conclusion, which Jonah lacks.

So, for me, Esther is the “easiest” Bible book to read. Of course a deeper study of it reveals spiritual lessons on faith, perseverance, and, most importantly, God’s sovereignty. But on its surface, Esther makes for a great short story – one filled with all the suspense and excitement of a heart-pounding thriller!

What About You?
So there you go, a little light – but I hope fun – fare.

What about you? Is there a book of the Bible you find “easy” or “entertaining” to read? If you can’t bring yourself to categorize Bible books this way, how about the book you most enjoy reading whose name is not “Leviticus” or “1 Chronicles”?

Tagged: , , ,
Posted in: Bible personalities, Bible teaching, Christianity, New Testament, Old Testament, Practical