who wrote the old testament

The Old Testament was written by multiple authors over a long period. Traditionally, the first five books (the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) are attributed to Moses. Other historical books were written by figures such as Joshua, Samuel, and Ezra, though many sections are considered to have been composed or edited by anonymous authors. Wisdom and poetry books like Psalms and Proverbs are traditionally credited to David and Solomon, respectively, but scholars acknowledge multiple contributors. Overall, the Old Testament is the work of many inspired writers compiled and edited over centuries.