What Is the Old Testament and Why Does It Matter?
The Old Testament is the first and primary division of the Christian Bible, consisting of thirty-nine books written in Hebrew and Aramaic that document the covenant between God and the nation of Israel. These texts provide the essential historical and theological framework upon which the New Testament is built, detailing creation, the fall, and the unfolding promise of redemption.
- The Old Testament comprises 39 distinct books covering over 2,000 years of history.
- These texts contain over 300 specific prophecies regarding the coming of the Messiah.
- Scholars generally divide the collection into 4 primary genres for study.
- The Old Testament is the core source for understanding 100% of New Testament typology.
- Our recommendation: Start with Genesis for history or Psalms for personal prayer.
What Are the Major Divisions of the Old Testament?
The Old Testament consists of 39 books categorized into four main sections: Law, History, Poetry/Wisdom, and Major/Minor Prophets.
How Is the Torah or Law Structured?
The Torah includes the first five books of the Bible, which outline creation, the exodus, and the foundational covenant laws.
In 15 years of teaching, I have found that most students bypass the Law, viewing it as a dry list of ancient rules. However, these books—Genesis through Deuteronomy—are foundational for understanding the books of the Bible. They establish the identity of God and his expectations for his people.
- Genesis: The origin of creation and the patriarchs
- Exodus: Deliverance from Egypt and the Law
- Leviticus: Instructions for holiness and worship
- Numbers: The wilderness journey of Israel
- Deuteronomy: Moses’ final addresses to the nation
What Characterizes the Historical and Poetic Books?
Historical books detail Israel’s rise and fall, while poetic books reflect the deep emotional and spiritual life of the people.
The historical books (Joshua through Esther) narrate the conquest, the monarchy, and the exile. The wisdom literature, such as Psalms and Proverbs, provides the prayer and faith expressions of a people living under the covenant.
| Section | Key Examples | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| History | Joshua, 1-2 Samuel | National identity |
| Poetry | Psalms, Job | Human experience |
| Wisdom | Proverbs, Ecclesiastes | Practical living |
Why Is the Old Testament Essential for Christians?
The Old Testament reveals the character of God and contains the prophecies that provide the context for the life of Jesus Christ.
How Does the Old Testament Point to Jesus?
The Old Testament uses types, shadows, and direct prophecies to anticipate the sacrificial work of the coming Messiah, Jesus.
Many people find it difficult to connect the Old Testament to the gospel message. Yet, the New Testament writers frequently cite the Old Testament to explain the mission of Christ. For those struggling to see the connection, it helps to read the what does the Bible say series on typology.
- Prophecies of his birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)
- The suffering servant imagery in Isaiah 53
- Passover imagery as a shadow of the cross
- The high priestly role fulfilled by Jesus
Is the Old Testament God Different From the New?
The biblical God remains consistent, showing both justice and mercy throughout the entire narrative of Scripture.
Some readers perceive a contrast between a “wrathful” Old Testament God and a “loving” New Testament God. This is a misunderstanding. The Old Testament is filled with expressions of divine compassion, while the New Testament is clear about God’s justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How many books are in the Old Testament?
The Protestant Old Testament contains 39 books, while other traditions include additional texts known as the Apocrypha or Deuterocanon.
-
Who wrote the Old Testament books?
Prophets, kings, and priests wrote the books under divine inspiration, spanning a period of approximately 1,500 years of history.
-
Are Old Testament laws binding today?
Christians generally see the moral law as reflecting God’s character, while civil and ceremonial laws are fulfilled in Christ.
-
What language was it written in?
The vast majority of the Old Testament was written in ancient Hebrew, with small portions composed in Aramaic.
-
How do I start reading the Old Testament?
Begin with Genesis for the foundational narrative or the book of Psalms to engage with the emotional and devotional aspect.
-
Is the Old Testament historically accurate?
Archaeology and historical manuscripts continue to provide significant evidence supporting the biblical accounts and cultural settings.
-
What is the Septuagint?
The Septuagint is the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, widely used by early Christians and New Testament writers.
-
What are the Minor Prophets?
They are called minor not due to importance, but because of the shorter length of their books compared to the Major Prophets.
-
Why does the order of books vary?
Different religious traditions arrange the books based on either thematic content or liturgical usage in their worship services.
-
Is it necessary to read the Old Testament?
The Old Testament is vital for understanding the full story of God’s redemptive plan and the cultural context of the New Testament.
The Old Testament is not merely a prelude to the gospel; it is the stage upon which the entire drama of redemption unfolds. Understanding these texts transforms how we read the message of the New Testament. — Pastor Thomas Whitfield, M.Div.
