Old Testament Survey

This session, explores the arrangement of Old Testament books and their division into the Law, Prophets, and Writings. Jesus recognized the entirety of the Old Testament as the Word of God. The lesson also covers the transmission of the text, highlighting the meticulous efforts of scribes to preserve accuracy. The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in 1947, affirmed the reliability of the Old Testament. The discussion extends to translation methods and versions. The second part of the session delves into the concept of creation, emphasizing God as the intelligent Creator and humans made in His image, possessing intelligence, self-awareness, and moral consciousness.

This session 3 delves into the Old Testament, exploring the creation of man in God’s image. Man possesses unique qualities such as intelligence, moral consciousness, and a supernatural capacity to experience God’s presence. Despite these virtues, the session discusses the fall of man, initiated by Satan’s manipulation and man’s exercise of free will. The concept of identity is explored through individualism and solidarity, emphasizing the choice to align with God’s covenant. The progression of sin is traced through Cain’s murder of Abel, highlighting the impact on both vertical and horizontal relationships. The session concludes with the judgment of the flood, illustrating God’s salvation for the obedient and judgment for the disobedient.

This session delves into Genesis 11 and beyond, highlighting the Tower of Babel’s disobedience and God’s judgment. Abraham’s journey, faith, and covenant with God are explored, emphasizing his role as the father of the faithful. The covenant, mirrored in the New Testament through Jesus, signifies a profound tie between God and believers, crucial for comprehending the Old Testament’s entirety.

This session explores Abraham’s life, focusing on his faith and God’s covenant. It addresses the impact of cultural influences and written marriage contracts. The narrative shifts to the pivotal moment of Abraham offering Isaac, highlighting the conflict between faith and culture. It then covers Joseph preserving the family, Moses as a national deliverer, and the burning bush encounter revealing God as the eternal “I AM.” The summary touches on plagues, Passover symbolism, and the Exodus leading to the Covenant at Mount Sinai. It concludes with insights into Suzerain Treaty, law codes, and the ongoing relevance of Old Testament laws for Christians, emphasizing God’s consistent character.

Session 6 delves into the Tabernacle’s role in unifying Israel, symbolizing the Covenant with God. Positioned at the camp center, it imparts a spiritual lesson on holiness, emphasizing separation for God’s service. The anointing oil signifies the sacredness of objects dedicated to God. Holiness reflects God’s multifaceted character. The Tabernacle symbolizes Christ and prepares for sin atonement as people enter the Promised Land. God’s instructions to Joshua stress obedience for blessings, recounting the miraculous Jordan crossing.

Session 7 explores Joshua, Judges, and Ruth. Geographically, Canaan, a buffer state, is divided into city-states with a challenging climate and Canaanite religious influence. The conquest unfolds with Rahab, a Canaanite harlot, whose faith connects her to Jesus’ lineage. The scarlet cord symbolizes salvation, akin to the Passover. The Judges era, post-Joshua, lacks central leadership, leading to a cyclical pattern. Ruth, a Moabite, shifts her identity, choosing loyalty to Naomi over her roots, showcasing ḥeseḏ (loyalty). The introduction of the Philistines sets the stage for judges and kings. 

Session 8 explores the transition from Israel’s tribal confederation to monarchy, emphasizing the Philistine threat and the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David. David’s seven years in Hebron, capturing Jerusalem, and his spiritual journey, notably expressed in Psalm 51, are highlighted. The session delves into Hebrew poetry, particularly in Psalms, discussing characteristics like parallelism, figurative speech, and intense emotional expression. Solomon’s reign is outlined, focusing on his wisdom, the temple, palace, and the consequences of his actions, leading to the division of the kingdom. Wisdom literature examples from Proverbs underscore ethical principles in daily life.

Session 9 delves into Wisdom Literature, Division, and Exile. Solomon, known for building the temple and imparting wisdom, is associated with Ecclesiastes, emphasizing life’s dissatisfaction without aligning with God’s will. The Book of Job explores the suffering of a righteous man, challenging traditional views of divine justice. The lesson shifts to the division of Israel in 931 BC, caused by Solomon’s disobedience. Israel faces instability with kings like Omri and Ahab, while prophets Amos, Hosea, and Micah warn of Assyrian threats. Judah, led by kings like Hezekiah and Josiah, experiences reforms but succumbs to Babylonian conquest after Josiah’s death.

Session 10 delves into Babylonian Captivity, Return from Exile, and the Prophets. In 597 BC, Babylon, led by Nebuchadnezzar, deported Judah, sparing the city. However, in 586 BC, Babylonians returned, destroying Jerusalem and reshaping Jewish practices. Persia’s capture of Babylon in 539 BC fulfilled Jeremiah’s 70-year prophecy. Key figures like Sheshbazzar, Zerubbabel, Haggai, and Zechariah played crucial roles. Esther’s story unfolds in the 59-year gap. Ezra (457 BC) and Nehemiah (444 BC) oversaw Jerusalem’s rebuilding. The session explores prophets as spokesmen for God, emphasizing righteousness, social justice, and conditional prophecies. Examples include Ezekiel’s Tyre doom and Isaiah’s depiction of Jesus’ sufferings.