Melito (c. 170 AD) gives the list as follows :-'Their names are as
follows: Of Moses, five books: Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Leviticus,
Deuteronomy; Jesus Nave, Judges, Ruth; of Kings, four books; of
Chronicles, two; the Psalms of David, the Proverbs of Solomon, Wisdom
also, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Job; of Prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah;
of the twelve prophets, one book ; Daniel, Ezekiel, Esdras.'
As you can see, he includes the Wisdom of Solomon and excludes Esther.
(DAVE 5/21) Steven: Why is this do you think? What is the history of
Esther as far as canonization goes? And what is "Jesus Nave" - I have never
heard of that?
Steven
He is also using the Greek Septuagint LXX versions (4 books of Kings),
versions which you reject.
(DAVE 5/21) Steven: Not necessarily "reject" - I don't have a good enough
reason for that - I don't know enough about them.
Steven
Presumably it took the Holy Spirit a while to
guide the early Christians to the 'right' books.
(DAVE 5/21) Steven: It seems so - I see no reason why this couldn't be the
case (and still so) - hypothetically speaking, a handwritten letter by Jesus
being found today would certainly change what we consider the "right" books
- I think, as a result of this sort of possibility, we have to be open to
change, to an extent.
Steven
Notice that he will be including Nehemiah with Ezra and Lamentations,
and possibly Baruch, in with Jeremiah.
(DAVE 5/21) Steven: Could Esther be included in some way in any of the above?
Very interesting. Thanks.
Dave.
"Life is more fun when you're good"
- Wally Court