The answer to your question is an oral history existed and was passed down to new generations of believers. Once written language developed this history was transcribed into the first five books of The Old Testament.
After that either the Prophets themselves wrote books or observers of the Prophets recorded accounts from a Prophet’s life. How and why a book was compiled into The Old Testament, I’m not sure. I believe the early Catholic Church chose the books that are included in the New Testament.
Lotsa folks in the bible between Adam and Jesus. Any idea what bible they read?
John 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
So,...Joeseph and Noah et.al. had a copy of "the Word"? Any idea what language it was in?
Not sure, I just know Jesus is the Word.
John 1:14
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
I believe the Word was spiritual in those days and not written, but I haven't really looked into it much.
The answer to your question is an oral history existed and was passed down to new generations of believers. Once written language developed this history was transcribed into the first five books of The Old Testament.
After that either the Prophets themselves wrote books or observers of the Prophets recorded accounts from a Prophet’s life. How and why a book was compiled into The Old Testament, I’m not sure. I believe the early Catholic Church chose the books that are included in the New Testament.