Unit 2: Reading Scripture within the Catholic Tradition

Section 2: Introduction to the Old Testament

Introduction to the Old Testament The Bible (The Christian Scriptures) –The Story of God’s actions in history and humanity’s response to God’s actions –The relationship between God and humanity is usually referred to as a Covenant (solemn agreement) Two Major Parts –The Old Testament (The Hebrew Scriptures) –The New Testament

Introduction to the Old Testament The Old Testament (The Hebrew Scriptures) –The Story of God’s Original Covenant Relationship with the Chosen People of Israel The descendants of Abraham were originally called Hebrews, later Israelites, and finally the Jewish people The New Testament –The Story of God’s New Covenant Relationship with All People through Jesus

Introduction to the Old Testament Salvation History –The Story of God’s actions in history and humanity’s response to God’s actions The Stories of the Jewish people included in the Old Testament The Stories of the Christian people included in the New Testament, Lives of the Saints, and other Histories The Creation of the World The 21st C. World of Today

Introduction to the Old Testament Jewish TaNaKh “Bible” Three Parts 1.Torah The Law Books of Moses Pentateuch (5 Books) 2.Nevi’im The Prophets 3.Ketuvim The Historical Writings Contains 36 Books Catholic Old Testament Four Parts 1.The Pentateuch (Torah) 5 Books 2.Historical Books 16 Books 3.Wisdom Books 7 Books 4.Prophetic Books 18 Books Contains 46 Books The Old Testament (The Hebrew Scriptures)

Introduction to the Old Testament The Pentateuch Historical Books Wisdom Books Prophetic Books Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Tobit Judith Esther 1 Maccabees 2 Maccabees Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Songs Wisdom Sirach Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Baruch Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

Introduction to the Old Testament Biblical Passage Citation Three Parts of the Citation 1.Book –Abbreviated Title of Book –Might be a Number before the Name 2.Chapter –Number –After title of book –Separated by a dash (-) 3.Verse –Number –After a colon (:) –Separated by a dash (-) Examples –Gn 5 –Ex –Ex 12: 14 –Mt 5: 1-12 –Acts 1: 8 – 2: 42 –2 Cor 3-5 –2 Cor 3: 5 –Jn 3: 14 –1 Jn 3: 14

Introduction to the Old Testament The Bible should be considered a Truth- filled, Mythical Text –The authors were not interested in historical or scientific facts –They were interested in communicating the deeper meaning and the eternal or universal truths about the world and human nature –They help us to understand Who we are as humans How we relate to nature How we relate to the divine (GOD!!!)

Introduction to the Old Testament The Biblical authors told Mythical Stories in order to "re-member" the past “Re-membering” – to make present again –It is not simply a memory exercise Reuniting mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually with people and events of the past To make the past “real” again in the present world –A process of becoming a member of the community in which these Biblical events happened

Introduction to the Old Testament Consider how Storytelling (The Prophet Elijah and the Prophets of Baal) and the Symbols & Rituals (praying the Shema, worship at the Temple) of the Cycle of Meaning enabled the Jewish people to become a “member” of the Chosen People of Israel and “re-member” that Yahweh is the one true God

Introduction to the Old Testament