How to Read the Old Testament

Have you ever struggled to read through the Old Testament? Do you wonder how relevant it can be for today? What is at the heart of all that is recorded there?

Tanner Mardis

There is a strong perspective from which to read this portion of the Bible. One key to understanding it is found in Genesis 49:10:

The scepter shall not depart from Judah,
nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,
until tribute comes to him;
and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.

This is a blessing for Judah from his father, Jacob. It is also a prophecy that has found partial fulfillment. The ultimate fulfillment and universal acknowledgement is still to come.

The leader that would come from Judah was first David. We see the onset of the complete fulfillment and tribute and obedience rendered to David during his reign as king. God confirmed this prophecy in his promise to David that he would have offspring on the throne forever (2 Samuel 7:16).

However, the complete fulfillment of the prophecy is found in Jesus. He was in the line of David. After a long period without a Davidic king, Jesus came along! He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.

With partial fulfillment during David’s reign we are witnesses to growing fulfillment today as Jesus reigns.

Back to the Old Testament

As you read the Old Testament, you can see that it looks forward to Jesus. Here are a few highlights:

The Exodus from Egypt was a mighty work of God to free Jesus’ forefathers from bondage and slavery. It was a demonstration of the power of God over the idols of Egypt and began to help the people of Israel understand who God really was. It was also in keeping with God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The conquering of the promised land – an event which we have trouble understanding in our time – served several purposes:

1. It was in keeping with God’s promise made hundreds of years before to Abraham.
2. It was according to the purpose of God to purify a people to call his own. It was important that the temptation to serve other gods was removed from the people of Israel.
3. It was to protect the people from destruction from their enemies. Had the people not conquered and destroyed the nations God commanded them to, they would likely have been destroyed through violence or assimilation.

For these reasons and, ultimately, to protect the line of the Messiah the land had to be conquered and occupied solely by the children of Israel.

The prophets play an important role in the Old Testament. Their work was to keep the people on the right path. Their bold declarations to live righteous lives in obedience to God were made to protect the line of David from defilement.

Even after their massive failure to obey, God redeemed his people once again from captivity and led them back to the promised land. There are many prophecies recorded during the time of the fall, the captivity and the return (Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi). We have a pretty good historical record of events during this time as well (Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther).

Matt Botsford

Transition

The Old Testament sets the stage for the Messiah’s entrance onto the stage of history.

Now, we are setting the stage for the Messiah’s return.

We must learn the lessons of the Old Testament to ensure we are ready for the second coming of Christ. The failures of God’s chosen people must not happen again. We can be encouraged, instructed and warned as we read the Old Testament.

What must we do now?

1. Follow faithfully. Continue to follow Jesus no matter where he leads us.
2. Spread the gospel. Jesus is the very good news everyone needs to hear. We must live it and speak it.
3. Bring in the harvest. There are tens of thousands who are ready to believe and follow. You know at least one of them! It is time to bring them to Jesus.
4. Make disciples. This was one of Jesus’ last commands to his disciples. It is still relevant today. Help someone follow Jesus. You can do that in many ways – one of which is to share this post with someone you know.

Your turn

The list above is for you today. Will you do it? You can share your comments on this page or join our group (Jim the follower) on Facebook.