Introduction to Old Testament By: Marina K. Lam

Reference Talk thru the Bible, by Bruce Wilkinson, Kenneth Boa, Chapter xxiii.

Introduction The Bible is the greatest work of literature, history, and theology ever written. In its production, preservation, proclamation, and product (changed history, changed lives), it stands as the most unique book in existence. It is a unity out of a diversity of authors, time span, and literary forms.

Introduction (cont.) The Old and New Testaments smoothly blend to create a bold sweep from eternity past to eternity future, from the heights of heaven to the depths of hell. In these sixty-six books we discover our past, understand our present, and attain hope for our future.

Introduction (cont.) The Old Testament is a redemptive history that lays the foundation upon which the New Testament is built. There is a progressive revelation in the Scriptures, and what is anticipated in the Old Testament is unfolded in the new. The Old points ahead and the New points back to the central event in all history—the substitutionary death of the Messiah.

Introduction (cont.) The Old Testament was originally divided into two sections: the Law and the Prophets. This was later expanded into a threefold division of the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings: LK 24:44 He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."

Introduction (cont.) All 39 books in our Old Testament are contained in the twenty-four books of the Hebrew Bible. The Greek translation of the Old Testament arranged the books in the four divisions that we use today: Law(5); History (12); Poetry(5); and Prophecy (17).

Pentateuch (The Law) The five books of Moses are variously known as the Law, the Torah (Hebrew for Law), the Law of Moses, the “five-fifths of the Law,” and the Pentateuch. The word “Pentateuch” is derived from the Greek words penta (five) and teuchos (scroll or book). Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy

17 Historical books The seventeen historical books trace the entire history of Israel from its inception to the time of the prophet Malachi. In the Pentateuch, Israel was chosen, redeemed, disciplined, and instructed. The remaining 12 historical books record the conquest of the land, the period of the judges, the formation of a united kingdom, and the division of that kingdom into the North (Israel) and the South (Judah). Each kingdom was taken into captivity but many of the people eventually returned.

Historical Books(12) Joshua Judges Ruth First Samuel Second Samuel First Kings Second Kings First Chronicles Second Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther

5 Poetical Books The five poetical books focus on a right relationship with God as the basis for a life of meaning, skill, and beauty. Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon

17 Prophetical books The 17 prophetical books have a two-pronged message of condemnation (because of Israel’s iniquity and idolatry) and consolation (future hope in spite of present judgment). Often at great personal cost, these men refused to dilute God’s strong words.

Major Prophets(5) Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel

Minor Prophets (12) Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi