The Old Testament is the first major division of the Bible, consisting of 39 books that span from creation to just before the coming of Christ. It includes the Law, historical narratives, wisdom literature, and the writings of the prophets. The OT is also known as the Hebrew Bible and forms the sacred scripture of Judaism, which Jesus studied religiously during His time on earth.
More than a collection of ancient texts, the Old Testament reveals the character of God, the depth of human sin, and the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan through covenants, promises, and types that all point forward to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
The Old Testament is essential because it lays the foundation for understanding the whole counsel of God. Reformed theology emphasizes the unity of Scripture and the continuity of God’s covenant of grace. The Old Testament shows us God’s holiness, justice, faithfulness, and mercy—and it demonstrates that salvation has always been by grace through faith. Studying it deepens our understanding of the gospel, enriches our worship, and strengthens our trust in God’s sovereign purposes.
In short, the Old Testament is not merely background—it is essential to rightly knowing God, His promises, and the fulfillment of those promises in Christ.
Key Themes in the Old Testament
- Creation and Covenant: The Old Testament begins with the story of creation, where God creates the heavens and the earth and everything in them. Central to the narrative is the idea of God establishing covenants with key individuals such as Noah, Abraham, and Moses. These covenants are agreements that outline God’s promises and the responsibilities of His people. The covenant with Abraham promises that his descendants will become a great nation, while the covenant with Moses gives the Israelites the Law.
- Sin and Redemption: The Old Testament often highlights the cycle of sin and redemption. From Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden to the Israelites’ constant struggle with idolatry, the human tendency to fall short of God’s expectations is a recurring theme. However, it also points to God’s mercy and His willingness to restore those who repent and return to Him.
- God’s Justice and Mercy: The Old Testament presents a picture of God as both just and merciful. His justice demands punishment for wrongdoing, yet His mercy offers forgiveness and restoration. The story of the Israelites’ exile and return from Babylon is a prime example of God’s justice in punishing the nation’s disobedience and His mercy in restoring them to their land.
- Hope for a Messiah: One of the most significant themes in the prophetic books is the promise of a coming Messiah — a savior who will restore Israel, establish peace, and bring justice to the world. These prophecies, particularly in books like Isaiah, point to the future arrival of a divine figure who will fulfill God’s redemptive plan.
“I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts… and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
Jeremiah 31:33
Structure and Composition
The Old Testament is made up of 39 books, and its content spans from the creation of the world to the history of the Jewish people, their struggles, triumphs, prophecies, and laws. The texts are traditionally divided into four main sections:
THE LAW (Torah or Pentateuch)
1. Genesis – The book of beginnings: creation, sin, judgment, and God’s covenant with Abraham. It traces God’s plan through the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
2. Exodus – God delivers Israel from slavery in Egypt, establishes them as His people, and gives them the Law, including the Ten Commandments, at Mount Sinai.
3. Leviticus – A manual for worship and holy living. It details laws for sacrifices, priesthood, cleanliness, and atonement to set Israel apart as God’s holy people.
4. Numbers – Chronicles Israel’s 40-year wilderness journey, marked by rebellion and God’s faithfulness, as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
5. Deuteronomy – Moses’ final speeches to Israel before his death. He reviews the Law and calls the people to covenant faithfulness and love for God.
HISTORICAL BOOKS
6. Joshua – Israel enters and conquers the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership. God’s faithfulness and the importance of obedience are central themes.
7. Judges – A cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Israel repeatedly turns from God, and He raises up judges to rescue them.
8. Ruth – A story of loyalty and redemption. Ruth, a Moabite, becomes part of God’s plan, eventually becoming an ancestor of King David and Jesus.
9. 1 Samuel – Israel transitions from judges to monarchy. Samuel leads as prophet, Saul becomes the first king, and David rises to prominence.
10. 2 Samuel – David’s reign as king, marked by victories, personal failures, and God’s covenant promising an eternal kingdom through his line.
11. 1 Kings – Solomon’s reign (including the building of the Temple), followed by the kingdom’s division into Israel (north) and Judah (south).
12. 2 Kings – Continues the history of both kingdoms, highlighting their decline due to idolatry and culminating in exile (Israel to Assyria, Judah to Babylon).
13. 1 Chronicles – Focuses on David’s reign, the temple preparations, and priestly matters, emphasizing God’s covenant and the line of Judah.
14. 2 Chronicles – Covers Solomon’s reign and the kings of Judah, stressing temple worship and God’s faithfulness despite Judah’s decline.
15. Ezra – After exile, the Jews return to Jerusalem. Ezra leads spiritual reform and emphasizes obedience to God’s Law.
16. Nehemiah – Nehemiah rebuilds Jerusalem’s walls and helps restore the people’s faith and identity with Ezra.
17. Esther – A story of providence and courage, showing how God used Queen Esther to save the Jewish people from destruction.
WISDOM & POETRY BOOKS
18. Job – Explores suffering and God’s sovereignty. Job, a righteous man, suffers greatly but ultimately learns to trust in God’s wisdom.
19. Psalms – A collection of songs and prayers expressing worship, lament, thanksgiving, and trust in God.
20. Proverbs – Wisdom for godly living. Offers practical guidance for daily life grounded in the fear of the Lord.
21. Ecclesiastes – Reflects on the meaning of life. The writer concludes that life is meaningless without reverence for God.
22. Song of Solomon – A poetic celebration of love and marriage, often seen as an allegory of God’s love for His people.
MAJOR PROPHETS
23. Isaiah – Proclaims judgment and hope. Foretells the coming of the Messiah and God’s plan of salvation for all nations.
24. Jeremiah – A prophet during Judah’s last days, warning of impending exile while offering hope of a new covenant.
25. Lamentations – Poetic laments over Jerusalem’s destruction, expressing sorrow, repentance, and hope in God’s mercy.
26. Ezekiel – Visions and messages of judgment and restoration during exile. Promises spiritual renewal and a future temple.
27. Daniel – Stories of faithfulness in exile (like the lion’s den) and apocalyptic visions of God’s ultimate victory.
MINOR PROPHETS (The Twelve)
28. Hosea – Hosea’s marriage mirrors God’s love for unfaithful Israel. A call to repentance and covenant loyalty.
29. Joel – A locust plague becomes a symbol of judgment. Calls for repentance and prophesies the outpouring of God’s Spirit.
30. Amos – A shepherd-prophet denounces Israel’s injustice and religious hypocrisy, warning of coming judgment.
31. Obadiah – A short prophecy against Edom for its pride and cruelty toward Judah.
32. Jonah – A reluctant prophet learns about God’s mercy when he’s sent to preach repentance to Nineveh.
33. Micah – Condemns injustice but offers hope through the promise of a coming ruler from Bethlehem.
34. Nahum – Prophesies Nineveh’s fall, showing God’s justice and power.
35. Habakkuk – A dialogue between the prophet and God about injustice. God promises justice in His timing and calls for faith.
36. Zephaniah – Warns of the Day of the Lord but also promises salvation for a humble, faithful remnant.
37. Haggai – Urges the returned exiles to rebuild the temple and prioritize God’s work.
38. Zechariah – Visions and prophecies encouraging temple rebuilding and foretelling the coming Messiah.
39. Malachi – Confronts spiritual apathy and corrupt worship, and ends with a promise of the coming “messenger” (John the Baptist).
The Old Testament’s Relevance Today
The Old Testament is not merely ancient history or religious literature—it is the inspired, authoritative Word of God. The Old Testament is essential for understanding the fullness of God’s redemptive plan. It reveals His holiness, justice, and covenantal faithfulness, laying the groundwork for the gospel that unfolds in the New Testament. Far from being outdated, it points us to Christ through prophecies and promises, showing that salvation has always been by grace through faith.
The Old Testament is not a separate story but part of one unified, unfolding covenant of grace. It teaches us about the sovereignty of God over all of history, the depravity of man, and the necessity of a Mediator—truths foundational to Reformed doctrine. Its laws, narratives, wisdom, and prophecies are not abstract ideals, but living truths that shape our worship, ethics, and understanding of God’s unchanging character.
Conclusion
The Old Testament is indispensable for a robust and faithful understanding of Scripture. It is not just the backdrop to the New Testament but the very stage on which God begins His gracious revelation of redemption in Christ. From creation to covenant, from law to prophecy, it declares the glory of God and prepares the hearts of His people for the coming of the Messiah. The Old Testament canon is not only relevant—but vital—for knowing God rightly and living faithfully before Him.
Dawn Zauner 