Old Testament

Old Testament Study Guide

Events

  1. Creation of the World

    • Definition: The act by which God created the heavens, the earth, and all living things in six days (Genesis 1-2).

    • Summary: God created the universe with purpose and order, culminating in humanity being made in His image.

  2. Creation of Adam & Eve

    • Definition: The first human beings created by God, formed from the earth (Adam) and from Adam's rib (Eve).

    • Summary: Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden to live in harmony with God and each other.

  3. The Fall

    • Definition: The event in which Adam and Eve disobeyed God's command and ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

    • Summary: This disobedience brought sin into the world, causing separation from God and introducing suffering and death.

  4. The Flood

    • Definition: A global flood sent by God to cleanse the earth of wickedness, sparing Noah and his family.

    • Summary: Noah's ark preserved life during the flood, marking God's judgment on sin and His promise of redemption.

  5. The Covenant with Noah

    • Definition: A promise from God to Noah and all living creatures that He would never again destroy the earth with a flood.

    • Summary: This covenant is symbolized by the rainbow, emphasizing God's mercy and faithfulness.

  6. The Building of the Tower of Babel

    • Definition: Humanity's attempt to build a tower that reached the heavens, leading to God scattering people and confusing their languages.

    • Summary: The event explains the origin of different languages and God's sovereignty over human pride and ambition.

  7. The Calling of Abraham

    • Definition: God calls Abraham to leave his homeland and promises to make him the father of a great nation.

    • Summary: Abraham's obedience establishes the foundation for God's covenant with Israel.

  8. The Birth & Sacrifice of Isaac

    • Definition: Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, is born miraculously. God later commands Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, but provides a ram instead.

    • Summary: This event demonstrates Abraham's faith and foreshadows God’s provision of Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice.

  9. Israel's Migration to Egypt

    • Definition: Due to a famine, Jacob’s family (the Israelites) moves to Egypt, where they eventually become enslaved.

    • Summary: This event sets the stage for the Israelites' deliverance, marking a pivotal moment in Israel’s history.

  10. The Calling of Moses / Burning Bush

    • Definition: God calls Moses from a burning bush to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

    • Summary: God’s personal call to Moses marks the beginning of Israel's redemption from slavery in Egypt.

  11. Passover & Exodus (Departure) from Egypt

    • Definition: The event in which God sends ten plagues to Egypt, culminating in the death of the firstborn, leading to the Israelites’ escape.

    • Summary: The Passover celebrates God’s deliverance of Israel, and the Exodus marks the beginning of their journey to the promised land.

  12. Giving of the Law at Mount Sinai

    • Definition: God gives Moses the Ten Commandments and other laws on Mount Sinai.

    • Summary: This event establishes Israel's covenant with God and sets the standards for moral and ceremonial living.

  13. Sin of the Golden Calf

    • Definition: The Israelites build and worship a golden calf while Moses is on the mountain, breaking God’s law.

    • Summary: This incident reveals Israel's tendency toward idolatry and the consequences of disobedience.

  14. Building of the Tabernacle

    • Definition: The Israelites build a portable sanctuary where God’s presence dwells among them.

    • Summary: The tabernacle symbolizes God's presence with His people and serves as the center of worship.

  15. Israel’s Wandering in the Wilderness

    • Definition: The Israelites wander in the desert for 40 years due to their disobedience and lack of faith.

    • Summary: The wandering period is a time of purification, discipline, and preparation for entering the promised land.

  16. Conquest of Canaan

    • Definition: Under Joshua's leadership, Israel defeats the Canaanites and takes possession of the promised land.

    • Summary: This conquest fulfills God's promise to Abraham and establishes Israel as a nation in the land of Canaan.

  17. The Time of the Judges

    • Definition: A period of Israel’s history when God raised up judges to deliver the people from oppression.

    • Summary: The time of the judges was marked by cycles of disobedience, judgment, and deliverance.

  18. Reigns of Saul, David, Solomon

    • Definition: Saul is Israel’s first king, followed by David (a man after God’s own heart) and Solomon, who builds the temple.

    • Summary: The reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon establish the monarchy and define Israel's national identity.

  19. God's Covenant with David

    • Definition: God promises that David’s descendants will rule Israel forever, pointing to the future Messiah.

    • Summary: This covenant forms the foundation for the messianic hope, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

  20. Building of Solomon’s Temple

    • Definition: King Solomon builds the first permanent temple in Jerusalem.

    • Summary: The temple becomes the center of worship for Israel and symbolizes God’s presence among His people.

  21. The Division of the Kingdom into Israel & Judah

    • Definition: After Solomon’s death, Israel splits into two kingdoms: the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah).

    • Summary: This division leads to political instability and eventual conquest by foreign powers.

  22. The Fall of the Northern & Southern Kingdoms

    • Definition: Israel (the northern kingdom) is conquered by Assyria in 722 B.C., and Judah (the southern kingdom) is conquered by Babylon in 586 B.C.

    • Summary: The fall of both kingdoms demonstrates the consequences of disobedience to God and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings.

  23. Destruction of the Jerusalem Temple

    • Definition: The Babylonian forces destroy Solomon’s temple in 586 B.C.

    • Summary: The destruction marks the end of Israel’s sovereignty and the central place of worship.

  24. The Babylonian Exile

    • Definition: The Israelites are taken captive to Babylon, where they remain for 70 years.

    • Summary: This period of exile is a time of judgment and spiritual renewal for Israel.

  25. The Decree of Cyrus

    • Definition: The Persian king Cyrus allows the Israelites to return to their land and rebuild the temple.

    • Summary: This decree fulfills God’s promise to restore Israel and rebuild the temple.

  26. The Building of a New Temple under Ezra & Nehemiah

    • Definition: After returning from exile, the Israelites rebuild the temple and the walls of Jerusalem under Ezra and Nehemiah’s leadership.

    • Summary: This marks the restoration of Israel’s worship and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

People

  1. Adam & Eve

    • Definition: The first human beings created by God.

    • Summary: Adam and Eve represent the beginning of humanity and the first example of human disobedience.

  2. Cain & Abel

    • Definition: The sons of Adam and Eve, where Cain kills Abel out of jealousy.

    • Summary: This story demonstrates the destructive effects of sin and jealousy.

  3. Noah

    • Definition: The righteous man chosen by God to survive the flood and preserve life.

    • Summary: Noah represents God’s judgment on sin and His mercy in preserving a faithful remnant.

  4. Abraham

    • Definition: The father of the Israelites and the recipient of God’s covenant.

    • Summary: Abraham is a model of faith and obedience, foundational to Israel’s identity.

  5. Isaac & Ishmael

    • Definition: Isaac is the son of Abraham and Sarah; Ishmael is the son of Abraham and Hagar.

    • Summary: Isaac represents the promised son, while Ishmael’s descendants become the Arab nations.

Topics

  1. The 7 Days of Genesis 1-2

    • Definition: The account of God’s creation of the world in six days, with the seventh day as a day of rest (Genesis 1-2).

    • Summary:

      • Day 1: God creates light, separating it from darkness.

      • Day 2: God creates the sky and separates the waters above from the waters below.

      • Day 3: God gathers the waters together, allowing dry land to appear and creating vegetation.

      • Day 4: God creates the sun, moon, and stars to govern day and night.

      • Day 5: God creates sea creatures and birds.

      • Day 6: God creates animals and humanity (male and female).

      • Day 7: God rests from His work, establishing the Sabbath.

    • Significance: The creation story emphasizes God's sovereignty, order, and purpose in creation. It also sets the pattern of work and rest.

  2. Sabbath

    • Definition: The seventh day of the week, consecrated by God as a day of rest.

    • Summary:

      • After six days of creation, God rests on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3).

      • The Sabbath is a day for worship, rest, and remembrance of God's creation.

    • Significance: The Sabbath is both a command and a gift from God, symbolizing rest, holiness, and trust in God’s provision. It is later formalized in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11).

  3. Portrayal of the Structure of the Cosmos in Genesis

    • Definition: The Genesis creation narrative outlines the ordering of the cosmos—heaven, earth, and all living things—with God at the center.

    • Summary:

      • Genesis 1:1 begins with God creating the heavens and the earth, establishing a cosmic order.

      • The structure shows that everything is created by God, is good, and has purpose.

    • Significance: This portrays a universe created intentionally by God, with human beings placed as stewards of the earth. The creation is seen as good and ordered under God's reign.

  4. God's Final Intent for the World / Biblical Hope

    • Definition: God's ultimate purpose for creation involves the restoration and reconciliation of all things, culminating in a new heaven and new earth.

    • Summary:

      • The fall of humanity brought disorder, but God’s final intent is to restore creation, bringing peace and justice.

      • This is revealed through God’s covenants and fulfilled in Jesus Christ’s second coming.

    • Significance: Biblical hope emphasizes God’s promise of renewal and restoration of the world through His Kingdom, where there is no more sin, death, or suffering.

  5. Basic Design & Functions of the Tabernacle & Temple

    • Definition: The tabernacle was a portable sanctuary where God dwelt with His people, and the temple was a permanent structure in Jerusalem for worship.

    • Summary:

      • The tabernacle was built according to God’s instructions to house His presence and was used for sacrifices and worship.

      • The temple in Jerusalem, built by Solomon, served as the central place of worship and sacrifice.

      • Both the tabernacle and temple symbolized God’s presence among His people and facilitated worship.

    • Significance: The tabernacle and temple represented the intersection of heaven and earth, and they pointed to Christ, who would ultimately be the true temple (John 2:19-21).

  6. The Office of "Prophet" & Prophetic Literature

    • Definition: A prophet is a spokesperson for God, delivering His messages to the people, often calling for repentance and foretelling future events.

    • Summary:

      • Prophets like Moses, Elijah, and Isaiah played crucial roles in Israel’s history, confronting sin and calling Israel to faithfulness.

      • Prophetic literature includes books like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, which record God's messages to Israel and other nations.

    • Significance: Prophets served as mediators of God's word and often pointed to a future Messiah who would fulfill God's plan for redemption.

  7. God's Covenant with Noah

    • Definition: The covenant God made with Noah after the flood, promising never to destroy the earth with a flood again.

    • Summary:

      • God established this covenant with Noah and all living creatures, symbolized by the rainbow.

    • Significance: It demonstrates God's mercy and faithfulness despite humanity's sin and failure. It also marks a new beginning for creation after the flood.

  8. God's Covenant with Abraham

    • Definition: The covenant in which God promises Abraham descendants, land, and blessings for all nations.

    • Summary:

      • Abraham is promised to become the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4-5).

      • The covenant is symbolized by the act of circumcision.

    • Significance: This covenant forms the foundation of the nation of Israel and points to the ultimate blessing through Christ, a descendant of Abraham.

  9. God's Covenant with Israel (at Sinai)

    • Definition: The covenant God makes with Israel at Mount Sinai, giving them the law and setting them apart as His people.

    • Summary:

      • This covenant includes the Ten Commandments and laws for worship, civil life, and holiness.

      • It emphasizes the relationship between God and Israel, with Israel as a "kingdom of priests" (Exodus 19:5-6).

    • Significance: This covenant establishes the people of Israel as God's chosen nation, laying the foundation for later covenant promises, including the coming Messiah.

  10. God's Covenant with David

    • Definition: The covenant God makes with King David, promising that his descendants will rule forever.

    • Summary:

      • God promises that David’s throne will be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16).

      • This covenant points to the future Messiah, who would be a descendant of David, Jesus Christ.

    • Significance: It highlights the continuity of God's plan for redemption and the coming of an eternal King from David's line.

  11. The New Covenant

    • Definition: A new covenant promised by God in which He would write His law on the hearts of His people and forgive their sins.

    • Summary:

      • The New Covenant is prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and is fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Luke 22:20).

      • It emphasizes a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than adherence to the law.

    • Significance: The New Covenant fulfills the promises of the old covenants and offers salvation to all people through Jesus’ death and resurrection. It is the basis of the Christian faith.