Overview of the Old Testament: Canon and Theology

Apocrypha

A collection of Jewish writings not included in the Hebrew Bible but found in some Christian Old Testaments (e.g., Catholic and Orthodox traditions).

Septuagint (LXX)

The Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, completed in the 3rd-2nd centuries BCE.

Vulgate

Latin translation of the Bible by St. Jerome (4th century CE).

Canon

The official list of books considered Scripture.

Masoretes

Jewish scribes (6th-10th centuries CE) who preserved the Hebrew text and added vowel markings.

Leningrad Codex

The oldest complete Hebrew Bible manuscript (c. 1008 CE).

Samaritan Pentateuch

A version of the Torah preserved by the Samaritans with some textual differences.

Targumim

Aramaic paraphrases of the Hebrew Bible.

Dead Sea Scrolls

Ancient Jewish manuscripts (3rd century BCE - 1st century CE) found in Qumran, containing biblical and non-biblical texts.

Fertile Crescent

A region of rich farmland from Mesopotamia to Egypt where early civilizations, including Israel, developed.

Covenant

A binding agreement between God and His people (e.g., Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic covenants).

Torah

First five books of the Bible; means 'law' or 'instruction.'

Pentateuch

Another name for the Torah.

Other Names for Torah

'The Law of Moses' or 'The Five Books of Moses.'

Major Unifying Theme of Torah (Gen 12:1-3)

God's promise to Abraham - Land, Descendants, Blessing.

Three-Fold Promise to Abraham

Land (Canaan), Descendants (Great Nation), Blessing (to all nations).

Division of Torah into Two Parts

Genesis 1-11 (Primeval history) and Genesis 12-Deuteronomy (Patriarchal & Israelite history).

Traditional Author of the Torah

Moses.

Classic Documentary Hypothesis (JEDP)

Theory that the Torah was composed from four sources (J-Yahwist, E-Elohist, D-Deuteronomist, P-Priestly).

Genesis

Means 'beginning' in Greek.

Enuma Elish

Babylonian creation myth, similar but different from Genesis 1.

Elohim

A Hebrew name for God, often used in Genesis.

Protevangelium

The 'first gospel' (Genesis 3:15), predicting Jesus' victory over sin.

Epic of Gilgamesh

Ancient Mesopotamian story with a flood narrative similar to Noah's flood.

Royal Land Grant Treaty

Ancient treaty form that resembles God's unconditional covenant with Abraham.

Circumcision

The sign of God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17).

Outline of Genesis

Genesis 1-11: Creation, Fall, Flood, Babel; Genesis 12-50: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph.

Purpose of Genesis

To establish Israel's origins and God's promises.

Best Understanding of the Image of God

Humans reflect God's rule, morality, and relationship.

Significance of Noah and the Flood

Shows both judgment and grace.

Tower of Babel & Abrahamic Covenant

Babel divides nations; Abraham's covenant brings unity through Christ.

Significance of Genesis 15 Covenant Ceremony

God unconditionally binds Himself to Abraham's promise.

Climax of Covenant Challenges

Abraham's test with Isaac (Genesis 22).

Significance of Jacob's Wrestling with God

Renamed 'Israel,' showing struggle and blessing.

Significance of Joseph's Story

Demonstrates God's sovereignty and providence (Genesis 50:20).

Exodus

Means 'departure,' referring to Israel's escape from Egypt.

Yahweh

The personal name of God revealed to Moses.

Passover

Jewish festival commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt.

Suzerain-Vassal Treaty

A treaty format resembling God's covenant with Israel.

Tabernacle

Portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelled.

Two Possible Dates for Exodus

1446 BCE (Early) or 1260 BCE (Late).

Three Major Events in Exodus

Deliverance from Egypt, Covenant at Sinai, Tabernacle Construction.

Purpose of Exodus

To show God's power and establish Israel as His people.

Theological Significance of the Ten Plagues

Shows Yahweh's power over Egyptian gods.

Firstborn Concept in Exodus

Foreshadows Jesus as God's Firstborn sacrifice.

Significance of the Sinai Covenant

Establishes Israel as a holy nation under God's law.

Significance of the Golden Calf Incident

Israel's failure, but God's covenant renewal.

Leviticus

Means 'pertaining to the Levites,' focuses on holiness and worship.

Holiness Code

Laws defining moral and ritual purity (Leviticus 17-26).

Yom Kippur

Day of Atonement; high priest enters the Holy of Holies.

Purpose of Leviticus

Holiness and proper worship.

Goal of Sacrificial System

Atonement for sin.

Purpose of Clean and Unclean Laws

To separate Israel as holy.

Numbers

Named for Israel's censuses.

Nazirite Vow

Special vow of dedication to God (no cutting hair, no wine, no touching the dead).

Significance of Rebellion in Numbers 13-14

Led to 40 years of wandering.

Moses' Disobedience (Numbers 20)

Prevented from entering Canaan.

Fiery Serpent Episode & NT Connection

Foreshadows Jesus' crucifixion (John 3:14-15).

Deuteronomy

Means 'second law.'

Shema

'Hear, O Israel...' (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), foundational Jewish confession.

Purpose of Deuteronomy

Covenant renewal before entering Canaan.

Deuteronomic Formula

Obedience = blessing, disobedience = curse.