SESSION 2

Why Read the Old Testament?

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Understanding the Old Testament is essential for grasping who God is and what He is like. It was the Bible Jesus read, taught, and used to reveal God to others. Without it, our knowledge of God is incomplete. As Alec Motyer says, “The Old Testament reveals God in ways that the New Testament simply assumes and builds on.”

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While the New Testament showcases God’s mercy, the Old Testament provides the foundational understanding of His holiness, judgment, and hatred of sin. Together, they reveal the whole counsel of God.

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The Story of the Old Testament

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The Old Testament presents the story of God’s covenant with His people, which included promises of faithfulness and obedience. Despite God’s grace and presence, humanity repeatedly failed to uphold their part of the covenant, revealing a deeper issue: the problem of the human heart.

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Overview: Genesis to Nehemiah

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1. Patriarchs (Genesis)

• Creation: Adam & Eve, the beginning of humanity.

• Abraham: Chosen to bless all nations; his descendants include Isaac, Jacob, and the 12 tribes of Israel.
   

2. Exodus

• Enslavement in Egypt: Israelites multiply and are enslaved.

• Moses: Called by God to deliver His people. The Exodus and crossing of the Red Sea become defining events.
   

3. Conquest & Settlement

• Wandering & Conquest: After 40 years, Joshua leads Israel to conquer the Promised Land.

• Judges: A period marked by cyclical sin and deliverance, summarized in Judges 21:25: “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.”
   

4. United Kingdom

• David: Establishes Jerusalem as the capital and brings the Ark there. God promises a king from his line forever.

• Solomon: Builds the Temple but the kingdom later divides due to his son’s folly.
   

5. Two Kingdoms

• Division: The northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah) separate. Israel is conquered by Assyria (c. 721 BC).
   

6. Judah Alone

• Prophets & Kings: Figures like Hezekiah and Josiah attempt reforms, but many kings lead the people into sin.
   

7. Babylonian Exile

• Judgment: Babylon conquers Judah, destroys Jerusalem, and the people are exiled. Prophets like Daniel and stories like Esther arise during this period.
   

8. Return & Restoration

• Return: Under Persian king Cyrus, the exiles return to rebuild the Temple and Jerusalem. Yet, God's Spirit does not return to the Temple, and Israel is left waiting.
   

Group Questions

 

1. Why is it important to read the Old Testament? How does it help us understand who God is and what He is like? Have you ever found it challenging to reconcile the God of the Old Testament with the New Testament?

2. What has been your experience with reading the Old Testament? Have you found it difficult, inspiring, or confusing? What are some parts or stories that have impacted you the most?

3. Why do we need both the Old and New Testaments to fully understand God’s story? How does the Old Testament help us appreciate the mercy and grace shown in the New Testament?