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In Genesis 2:8-9 the Lord planted the garden in Eden and there he put man whom he had formed. Out of the ground he placed every tree that is pleasant for sight and good for food. In the midst of the garden he planted the Tree of Life. The Garden of Eden was in the rich valley near Babylon. The Psalmist reminds us blessed is the man who delights in the laws of the Lord for (Psalms 1:3) "He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does he prospers." Selected locations from of the Old Testament are located on the right side of the Tree (above) to remind us the roots the Old Testament provides for the life of Christ and the New Testament. The cross of Christ is noted at Jerusalem, and provides a "hinge" for important cities depicted on the left side of the Tree of Life when we study the New Testament (NT) Epistles. For a follower of Jesus Christ the Old Testament is the foundation for the Messiah’s coming. For Islam, Abraham’s son Ishmael, the Laws of Moses, and many Old Testament Prophets are important to the Koran and Mohammed in Islam. The Hebrew Old Testament contains thirty-nine books which Hebrew scholars organize the into, Torah, Prophets, and Writings:
As a Christian I have found the Old Testament (OT) easier to understand and remember on a historical narrative basis. In reading the OT I visualize eight great narratives and God’s lessons through the people and events of each time period. Secondary reading is noted when Wisdom, Psalms, or Prophets books support Old Testament history or come out of reading Old Testament as a historical narrative. The eight Old Testament narratives of God’s people with a key recall idea are:
Read: Genesis 1-4 (Attributes of God, Man, and Satan) Genesis 5-11 (Account of Noah, a man of Faith)
Creation - SUMMARY OBSERVATIONS In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1. God created man in his own image, male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27 .The earth was formless, and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep. The creation was a part of the Hebrew nomadic oral tradition. Recorded during Moses’ time, creation accounts were pre-scientific. The assumption of a three storied (Ex. 20:4) universe is made; heaven, (dwelling place of God), the land, and pillars beneath the land held it above the water. Genesis refers to geneses – beginnings. Subjects included in the Book of Genesis are: Subject
Outline – Book of Genesis - (Chapters are in
[ ]) World and
universe [1] Humanity
[2] Sin and the
fall of man [3-4] Judgement ark
of salvation [5-11] Covenant with
Abraham and promise of redemptive blessings of
nations through him [12-36] Preservation
of covenant people in Egypt – the Joseph story
[37-50] This CREATION section covers Genesis 1-11 and begins with God’s powers are infinite. Man’s dominions are earthly; bound by the seas, animals, plants, and earthly creations of the Lord. Yet, the Bible demonstrates man’s free will. God set up a situation to help men and women understand their dependence on Him. Adam and Eve, in a situation of innocence, eat from the tree of good and evil. The fall of man activates the power of Satan. Later, (Mt. 4) when Jesus was tempted, Jesus overcame the Devil (or Satan’s power). The term Satan when used in the Old Testament refers to the enemy or adversary. Satanic power is a modern term we use today. God created men and women to be helpmates and joined together becoming one flesh. The oneness of marriage is affirmed; so man can leave his father and mother uniting with his wife. The orderly steps in creation (light, firmament, vegetation, day and night, swarms of living creatures, and man / woman) are outlined. God’s order in creation is affirmed today as we understand the miracles of fertilization, life, complexities of cellular biology, and the universe.
REFLECTIONS Dr. Stan Nelson, in discussing creation brought up the question of Genesis 4; should Adam and Eve be viewed as the first persons God "visited"? Gen. 4:15 notes the mark God placed on Cain. In v. 17 Cain built a city. There appear to be a considerable number of fellow humans around at Cain’s time. Dr. Herschel Hobbs, in The Baptist Faith and Message points out the Hebrew word for "day" is yom. Like its English counterpart, yom means any number of indefinite time periods; twenty four hours, a generation, or an era. I’m comfortable with Dr. Nelson’s question and Dr. Hobbs position. I pray my faith in the omnipresence and omnipotence of God and my need for His salvation is evident daily in my life .
Read: Genesis 12-50 (Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph) Secondary Book of Job (Old Testament Theology - Divine Retribution is Questioned)
Patriarchs – SUMMARY OBSERVATIONS God to Abram (Abraham) I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you. Genesis 12:2 Abraham, son of Terah lived in Ur of the Chaldeans, 100+ miles south west of Babylon. Abraham married Sarah. They set out from Ur to Haran, a city on the Euphrates River. Terah died in Haran. Abraham received God’s call to set out for the promised land, occupied by the Canaanites. The tribe of Abraham lived on marginal hill land, leaving the valleys to Canaanites. The characters of the Patriarchal period are related (except for Job). Abraham, is father of Isaac (by Sarah) and Ishmael (by Hagar), Isaac is father of Jacob (twin brother Esau both born to Rebekah), and Jacob (via four wives) has twelve sons for whom the twelve tribes of Israel would be named. Because of the faith covenant of one man, Abraham, with His God, monotheism (one God) is born, and three great religions of today, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity have their roots. While the key persons are related (heirs of Abraham), deceit and cunning are a part of this family’s leadership and lives. Brothers cast aside kin to gain a father’s blessing; an unpopular brother is sold into slavery and taken in the family for dead. Genesis (37-50) tells of Joseph, Jacob’s favorite among his twelve sons. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph is transported to Egypt. He recovers to prosper in Egypt and win favor with Pharaoh by interpreting his dreams. Famine and drought befall Jacob and Joseph’s eleven brothers. Jacob’s tribe and family are forced into Egypt for survival. The great story of a family reuniting unfolds. God’s promise to Abraham "I will be your God, you will be my people" continues on in Egypt. A patriarchal family life style is defined with genealogy. We can learn lessons regarding; the sin of sibling rivalry and forgiveness, particularly in a family. Job said to God: I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. Job 19:25 Job lived in this period. Job is a person who; took his doubts to the Lord, accepted Yahweh’s explanations, and emerged victorious from his struggles. This was contrary to the popular divine retribution doctrine of Israelites which refers to; do good and God will reward you, do bad things and God will punish you (Job 19:25). Job’s message reshapes the doctrine of divine retribution.
REFLECTIONS Ishmael (born of Abraham’s maidservant Hagar) should not be overlooked. He is viewed today as important in the nation of Islam. Read Genesis 16, 21:9-21, 25:12-18. These passages tell the story of Hagar, Abraham’s maidservant and her son Ishmael. They were sent away from Abraham’s camp after the birth of Isaac. We must remember, (Gen. 21:20 ) teaches, God was with the boy and he lived in the desert and became an archer.
Read: Exodus (God’s Deliverance Depicted), Deuteronomy (2nd Telling of Story) Secondary Leviticus (Laws of Priesthood–Atonement), Numbers (1,2,3 Census)
SUMMARY OBSERVATIONS The book of Exodus relates the great work of God through Moses in redeeming the nation of Israel out of slavery in Egypt. God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM" This is what you are to say to the Israelites: "I AM has sent me to you" Exodus 3:14. Later in Exodus The Song of Moses and Miriam – The Lord Shall Reign Forever Exodus 15:18 It has been 430 years since Joseph died. The Israelites are enslaved in Egypt building cities for the Pharaoh. Oppressed the Hebrews multiplied; thus Pharaoh decides to cast all Hebrew boy babies into the Nile. Placed in a basket, covered with tar, discovered among the Nile reeds, Moses is named and raised by Pharaoh’s daughter. The life of Moses can be divided into three periods of about forty years each:
Exodus is an epic story of the emergence of a nation. The key events by Chapter group are: Exodus
– Subject Chapters
of Exodus Burning bush,
reuniting of Moses with brother Aaron 3,4 Ten Plagues
on Pharaoh and Egypt 5-11 The Passover,
Exodus, and crossing the Red Sea 12-14 Survival in
Desert : Manna, Quail, and Water 15-18 The Laws, Ten
Commandments 19-24 Tabernacle as
God’s dwelling place and priestly order under
Aaron 25-40 The book of Deuteronomy refers to the second telling of God’s Laws. It can be studied as Moses’ final sermon to God’s people, training them for dwelling in the Promised Land [Palestine]. For example the Ten commandments are repeated in the book’s 5th Chapter. Perhaps the most important instruction Moses shared was "to love and serve only one God". In Deuteronomy 6, God through Moses, instructs us to impress the commandments on our children, talk about them as we sit at home or walk on the road, tie them as symbols to our bodies and write them in our homes.
REFLECTIONS The Israelite’s life in the desert was hard. Moses needed input on when to advance to Canaan, the Promised Land. Twelve spies (Num. 13) were sent to explore options; ten returned advising Moses "don’t go"; only Joshua and Caleb advised "go". Knowing God’s will is not easy! Risking decisions based upon God’s leadership and promises takes courage, but retreating in fear and unbelief is a deadly comfort.
Reading: Joshua - How land was occupied Secondary Judges - Book of Cycle
At the end of his life Joshua can speak to his kin…As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15b. How did he reach such an envious position? After 40 years in the desert, upon Moses’ death, the Lord commands Joshua to get the nation ready to cross the Jordan River into the promised land. Joshua sends two spies, and with the help of a prostitute Rehab, the spies detect melting fear. Joshua, with God’s hand, leads Israelites in the Fall of Jericho, which begins their occupation of the Canaanite lands. Joshua is a great military strategist. He brings victory to the people of Yahweh, in three campaigns following victory in Jericho. Divine power not human might provides victory for God’s people. God fulfilled His promise of land for the Israelites. In Joshua 3:5 Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you." While Abraham only possessed Canaan marginally, and had to purchase land for the burial of his wife, the people in Joshua’s day learned of God’s faithfulness. This success story becomes the basis of future warnings and admonitions. A disobedient people cannot expect God’s blessings. Obedience to Yahweh God provides basis for the continuing blessings. Joshua divides the conquered land as an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. He calls the leaders together (Joshua 23) and instructs them to obey all that is written in the book of the Law of Moses. Joshua encourages them not to intermarry with the conquered nations and reminds all to serve the Lord God and not other gods. Outlining their choices (Josh. 24) he reminds them, they may serve the gods of the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Jebusites, etc. As for Joshua…."me and my household, we will serve the Lord." The book of Judges has been referred to as the Book of cycles. [Disobedience® Bondage® Repentance® Redeemer/Judge® Freedom]. Joshua’s charge was fulfilled at varying levels by the various tribes. Leadership was decentralized. The cycle of disobedience to God (Yahweh), led to suppression of Israelites by locals. God fearing Judges were raised, and for a time they rescued God’s people. Examples of Judges who served God were: Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson to mention a few. REFLECTIONS What is the proper balance between centralization and de-centralization of God’s people in doing His will? Why was the unity that Joshua talked about not attained? How can I (we) prepare for God’s coming again? Why does the act of obedience have such a short life span?
READ: I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings: 1-11 (Samuel the last Judge turns leadership to a King, The Reign of Saul, David and Solomon). Secondary Ruth, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, I and II Chronicles: 1-9. Monarchy - SELECTED SUMMARY OBSERVATIONS Ruth accompanies her mother in law, Naomi from Moab to Judah. While gleaning fields, Boaz notices then marries Ruth. Boaz fathers Obed, who fathers Jesse, the father of David; thus Ruth is David’s great grandmother. Samuel, the last Judge, implements the desire of the people for a king and crowns Saul. Saul’s reign starts serving God, but ends with a tragic reversal. The death of Johathan, his son (a friend of David) and Saul by the Philistines, leads to David’s reign . From 1020 BC to 900 BC are the golden years of Israel. Samuel the last Judge, follows the will of the people and anoints Saul as Israel’s first King. Israel’s greatest King, David was a shepherd boy who showed faith killing Goliath with a single stone from his sling. David had a long a special friendship with Johnathan, Saul’s son. Johnathan saves David from his jealous father who tries to kill David. II Samuel is the story of David assuming the throne, after Saul’s death. David consolidates the northern tribes, the capital is moved to Jerusalem, and David’s army leads in victories over neighbors. David was a man after God’s heart. (I Samuel 13:14) Many of the beautiful Psalms, for example, Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path, (Psalms 119:105). Yet, David commits adultery with Bathsheba, and sends her husband, Uriah, to his death at the front lines of battle. The prophet Nathan rebukes David regarding his sin, and David seeks God’s forgiveness. Important Psalms [3-41 and 51-71] are attributed to David. Psalms, is book of worship. It defines the relationship between people and the Lord through hymns, anthems, prayers, and laments. After David’s death Solomon assumes the throne. Solomon is known for his wisdom and organization. He constructs a magnificent temple to honor the Lord. Trade and commerce create great wealth. The worship and wisdom of this golden age provides rich books of the Old Testament.. Solomon, was a patron of the wisdom movement in the ancient Near east. Proverbs, a book of short pithy sayings, is a guidebook for successful living. The Proverbs of Solomon [10:1-22:16] number about 375 and are generally considered the oldest section of the book.
REFLECTIONS The issue of obedience resurfaces in the Monarchy. Examples include; Saul’s disobedience and decline, David’s adultry, and Solomon with both wealth and wisdom, lacked obedience. Israel rebels against Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, and the kingdom divides. Does the Monarchy demonstrate the frailties of man’s leadership and the importance of God’s kingdom? As the riches and golden temples created are destroyed, Jesus’ promise of eternal life in John 3:16 becomes important.
READ: I Kings: 12 – II Kings: 17 (Selected Kings discussed) Secondary Amos, Hosea, Jonah, Nahum, Northern Kingdom - SUMMARY OBSERVATIONS Jeroboam, a man of standing in Solomon’s court, had fled to Egypt when King Rehoboam, (Solomon’s heir) came north, to gain support of his subjects. Rehoboam rejected the advice of his elders and maintained harsh taxation. Jeroboam was raised up to lead the ten Northern tribes (Israel), Rehoboam returned to Jerusalem to lead the Judah and Benjamin tribes. Most Kings in the North (Nadab, Omri, Ahab, Ahaziah, Joram, Jehu, Jeroboam II, and Hoshea) did evil and did not serve the Lord. Baal worship was common. God’s word came through His prophets or messengers. Some important messengers were oral prophets (Elijah, Elisha) and warriors (Ben-Hadad defeated by Ahab). For example on Mt. Carmel Elijah said to to King Ahab: The God of Israel Lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew or rain for the next few years except by my ord. I Kings 17:1 Jonah also obeyed the Lord by going to Nineveh; the Ninevites believed God. Jonah 3:3-5 The popular definition of prophet is someone who foretells the future. The biblical definition come from the Greek prophetes which means; one who speaks for god and interprets his will to man. Prophets of the Northern Kingdom whose written works are Old Testament Books include, Amos, Hosea, Jonah, and Nahum. (Nahum, preached against the fall of Nineveh and Assyria. It was written 100 years after Jonah visits Ninevah, describes destruction of Ninevah and is included here for reading continuity.) Amos was not a professional religious leader, and was called from the South (about 765 BC) to the Northern Kingdom during a great time of wealth in the North. Religion of the day included worship of the God of Israel along with the Baals of Canaan. Amos condemned the empty religion he saw and called for practice of justice and righteousness. The Love of God is the doctrinal foundation of Hosea. God seeks a covenant relationship with his people. Hosea used the reconciling love with his adulteress wife Gomer as an example of how the Lord loves the Israelites. Jonah obeyed the Lord and led a great conversion in Nineveh. A century later Nahum would find the city had fallen away from its commitment to the Lord; my people your God. In 724 BC Shalmaneser king of Assyria invaded Samaria, laid seige and in 722 the King Hoshea, the last King of Israel surrendered and Israelites were deported to Assyria. REFLECTIONS Israelites inter-married with Assyrians and Samaritan genealogy (considered inferior by Hebrews returning from Babylon, who had not inter-married) was started. We have studied; patriarchs, priests / judges, monarchs / kings, and prophets; can Christ be considered God’s prophet, priest, and king in one? (This subject is further discussed in the New Testament book of Hebrews.)
READ: Isaiah, Jeremiah, II Kings 18-25, II Chronicles 10-36,Ezekiel, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah Secondary Lamentations, Joel, Micah, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Esther SOUTHERN KINGDOM - SELECTED SUMMARY AND OBSERVATIONS The center of the Southern Kingdom story is Jerusalem and the Temple of Solomon. The story is told in three periods; Pre-exile (931-586 BC), Exile to Babylon (586-539 BC) and Return of the Remnant (539-350 BC). The next narrative, Fullness of Time, brings us to the New Testament. The Southern Kingdom, (House of David from Judah) provides Christ’s genealogy. During the pre-exile period, Judah was blessed with few godly kings, (Hezekiah, Josiah). Corrupt, ungodly kings (i. e. Manasseh) were common. Prophets became God’s messengers. Isaiah’s messages of judgement were matched by words of comfort and hope. From 739 BC (the year King Uzziah died) until his death (681 BC), Isaiah worked for the Lord spanning the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah. Isaiah was put to death by Manasseh (Hezekiah’s son). Two of my favorite passages from Isaiah the Prophet include his 9th chapter and 40th chapter. Telling about a people walking in darkness will see a great light Isaiah for sees (9:6) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, ….and he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.. In 40:31 Isaiah shares the reassuring words: But, those who hope upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will; soar on wings like eagles; run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint. Jeremiah’s writings began about 627 BC and continued past the fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC. The emotional book is a collection of his sermons and historical narratives. His unpopular mission was to call Judah to submit to foreign domination as discipline from the Lord. Jeremiah’s 30-33 is among the most important prophecy of the Old Testament. Key verses 31:33-34 envision the New Covenant; putting God’s law in the mind and writing it on the heart. During the exile period in Babylon the synagogue develops, scriptures are recorded, and a dedicated remnant core prepares to return and re-build the Jerusalem temple under Persian rule (Babylon fell 537 BC). God’s prophets during the exile include; Ezekiel, Daniel. Haggai and Zechariah encourage returning Israelites to Jerusalem (520-516BC) to re-build the temple. The OT draws to a close with the historical books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Ezra can be thought of as the father of modern Judaism, establishing temple worship practice. Nehemiah calls on the heart of God’s followers to build a wall around the temple to protect God’s house.
REFLECTIONS The Southern Kingdom becomes God’s remnant for maintaining His word thru Old Testament laws and practices among families and communities in Judea. The area will undergo a series of occupations by other nations but the people of God hold firm!
READ: Class notes, GGBTS. Library reading, Web searches of a historical nature.
Inter-Testament Period - SELECTED SUMMARY OBSERVATIONS Paul records in his letter to the Galatians, But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the Law. (Galatians 4:4) The "Fullness of Time" refers to convergence of Hebrew, Greek, and Roman cultures to provide a "back drop" for the birth of Christ. Main period characters include Alexander the Great – Greek (356-323 BC), Judas Maccabeas – (d. 161 BC), Maccabees family, prominent Jewish patriots and Julius Caesar (100BC-44BC.) Roman Emperor, statesman, writer and general. The "Inter-Testament Period" (between the Old and New Testament) starts about 350 BC and takes us to the birth of Christ. The remnant had returned and set up a small theocratic, community governed by Priests. The Hebrew tribes which were molded into the united and then divided Kingdoms of Israel and Judah becomes divided on theocratic "parties" at Jesus birth; the Pharasees, (middle class) Sadducees (Wealthy), Essenes (Communal, Mosastic), and Zealots (Rebel against Rome). Worldly powers will deal, sometimes harshly, with the Hebrew community and its laws. In 333 BC Alexander captured Persia and ruled Palestine. Greek culture (Hellenism), language, and philosophy were important throughout the area. The Greek common language (koine) would become the language early believers used to record the "Good News" of Jesus Christ. The writings of Plato, on the supreme god, were read by scholars. Within the Greek culture stoicism (emphasis on moral life) and Apethia (emphasis on the simple life) would provide Christians a base to discuss; monotheism and the Ten Commandments. Alexander died at age 33 in Babylon. A conqueror, his vision was a world commonwealth of people. with marriage between Macedonians and Asians. Rome became a republic in 509 BC and an Empire under Pompey in 51 BC. In 49 BC Julius Caesar replaced Pompey. Caesar plunged himself into consolidating the empire. Elected Dictator for life, Caesar’s head was stamped on coinage. Ruling a short five years he was assassinated March 15, 44 BC by Marcus Brutus. Roman rulers pursued "PAX Romano", peace within the Empire. Paths (roads) were created upon which Christian missionaries could travel. These were tolerant times, all gods were acknowledged; one god was good, more were better. Proper recognition of the Emperor / Dictator was the goal. Roads were built, commerce expanded, thus making travel possible for Christian Apostles. While the remnant re-established the Jerusalem temple (Ezra and Nehemiah) dispersion (Diaspora) of Jews had occurred. During the 1st Century AD about 10% of all persons in the Roman Empire were Jewish. Synagogues provided a platform for Paul and other apostles to teach the word of Christ. About 250 BC, in Alexandria, the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) was translated by 70 (LXX) Jewish scholars. The moral and messianic teachings of the Old Testament became available in the familiar Greek language. In 163 BC Judas Maccabeas cleansed the temple of Hellenism (Hanukkah). The Hasmonaean Dynasty came from Maccabees family. Roman soldiers aided Herod defeat Antigonus (last Hasmonaean ruler) in 37 BC. Herod, King of Judea when Jesus was born, was to undertake an ambitious temple and public building program, yet later in life slay children in Bethlehem to insure his rule. Back To Top |