Old Testament Survey

An Old Testament survey is an overview or summary of the Old Testament, aimed at providing a broad understanding of its content, structure, themes, and historical context. Such a survey typically covers the various books of the Old Testament, their authors, key events, and the theological messages conveyed within. Here’s a concise guide through the Old Testament, highlighting its major components:

Pentateuch or Torah (The Law)

• Books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
• Content: These books cover the creation of the world, the early history of humanity, the patriarchs of Israel (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph), the Exodus from Egypt, the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, and the wanderings of the Israelites in the desert.
• Themes: Covenant, law, sin, redemption, and the relationship between God and His chosen people, Israel.

Historical Books

• Books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther
• Content: This collection narrates the history of Israel from the conquest of Canaan, through the era of the judges, the establishment of the monarchy, the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah, the exile of both kingdoms, and the return from exile.
• Themes: Faithfulness, kingship, prophecy, exile, and restoration.

Wisdom Literature and Poetry

• Books: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon
• Content: These books include reflections on the complexities of life, the nature of wisdom and folly, expressions of worship and lament, and the exploration of love.
• Themes: Wisdom, suffering, sovereignty of God, human behavior, and the pursuit of meaning in life.

The Prophets

• Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel
• Minor Prophets: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
• Content: The prophetic books contain the messages of prophets sent by God to call the people of Israel and Judah back to faithfulness, warn of divine judgment against sin, and foretell the restoration of God’s people and the coming of the Messiah.
• Themes: Justice, repentance, divine judgment, hope, messianic prophecy, and the faithfulness of God.

Key Historical and Theological Insights

• Covenant: A key concept in the Old Testament is the covenant relationship between God and His people, Israel, including the promises made to Abraham, Moses, and David.
• The Law: The Law (Torah) given to Moses at Sinai is central to Israel’s identity, prescribing the moral, ceremonial, and civil life of the nation.
• The Land: The promise of the land to Abraham and his descendants is a recurring theme, symbolizing God’s provision and faithfulness.
• Prophecy and Messianic Expectation: The prophets played a crucial role in calling the people to faithfulness and pointing forward to the coming of a Messiah, a theme that Christians believe is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Significance for Today

Studying the Old Testament provides insights into the nature and character of God, His dealings with humanity, and the foundations of the Christian faith. It offers timeless lessons on faith, obedience, worship, and justice, while also pointing forward to the New Testament’s fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and promises. An Old Testament survey equips readers to understand the complex narrative of the Bible as a unified story of redemption and God’s covenant relationship with His people.