BIBLE : ITS CONTENT AND MESSAGE I : OLD TESTAMENT

- What is Old Testament

Þ 1st section of the bible
Þ 39 books
Þ Written in Hebrew and some in Aramaic
Þ Written between 1200 B.C. – 100 B.C.
Þ In Jewish tradition it is divided into 3 parts
§ TANAK – Torah – Law
§ NEBIIM – Prophet
§ KETUBIM – Writings

- Difference between OT and NT

Old Testament New Testament

Size First 2/3 of the Bible Last 1/3 of the bible
No. of Books 39 27
Time Frame Creation – 400B.C. 1st Century (0 – 100 A.D.)
Written by Moses, Prophets & others Jewish and Non-Jewish writers
Languages Hebrew & Aramaic Greek
Main people Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Noah, David, etc… Jesus, Disciples, Paul, etc…
Main theme Promises of Messiah Jesus’ birth, ministry, death & resurrection

- Why should we read OT

- Who is a prophet
- What is a prophesy
- What is an apocalyptic book
- Major divisions
Þ Hebrew
§ TANAK – Torah : Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers & Deuteronomy
§ NEBIIM
Former Prophets Latter Prophets
Judges Major Prophets Minor Prophets
Joshua Isaiah 12 prophets
Samuel Jeremiah (Hosea – Malachi)
Kings Ezekiel

§ KETUBIM – Writings
Writings Five Rolls Historical Books
Psalms Song of Songs Daniel
Proverbs Ruth Ezra – Nehemiah
Job Lamentations Chronicles
Ecclesiastes
Esther
Þ Protestant Bible
PENTATEUCH HISTORICAL BOOKS POETRY PROPHETS
Genesis Joshua Job MAJOR MINOR
Exodus Judges Psalms Isaiah Hosea
Leviticus Ruth Proverbs Jeremiah Joel
Numbers 1 & 2 Samuel Ecclesiastes Lamentations Amos
Deuteronomy 1 & 2 Kings Songs of Solomon Ezekiel Obadiah
1 & 2 Chronicles Daniel Jonah
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 Ezra Micah
Nehemiah Nahum
Esther Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
- Different types of literature

1. PENTATEUCH
Þ Derived from Greek word ‘Pentatikos’ – means 5 volumes
Þ Jews call it Torah means Law, commandments, statutes, principles & instructions
Þ originally written in Hebrew
Þ first word of each book is the title

GENESIS
• means ‘origin’ – suggests it’s the origin of world, humans, sin, promise, etc …
• Hebrew name – ‘BERESHITH’ – In the beginning – first words of the book
Outline
1. God dealings with humans in general (1 – 11)
a. Creation (1 – 2) – P & J accounts
b. Fall of man (3 – 5)
c. Floods (6 – 9)
d. Nations (10 – 11)
2. God’s dealings with the nation of Israel (12 – 50)
a. Abraham (12 – 23)
b. Isaac (24 – 26)
c. Jacob (27 – 36)
d. Joseph (37 – 50)
Message & Theme
• Tell clearly that powerful, all-knowing, creator God created all things
• How Israel was God’s chosen nation through Abraham
• God commissions human as representatives on earth. To take care - earth & govern the other
creatures
• Listen to serpent instead of God. Their disobedience has devastating results for all mankind & entire
created world.
• God graciously announces that Eve’s offspring will free humanity from the serpent’s control. traces
the history of one family - people of Israel. This family has a special relationship with God and will
become a source of blessing to fallen humanity.
• result of Adam’s disobedience, his relationship with the ground degenerates – in hard work and
later in flood and famine. special family descending from Adam also brings relief from the
difficulties.
• Eve’s punishment - pain in bearing children, women play an essential role in continuing the unique
family line. With God’s help, even barrenness is overcome.
• corruption of human nature causes families to be torn apart. shows the reality of family conflicts,
individual members of the chosen family can also help resolve those conflicts.
• wicked exiled from Eden & scattered but God is kind to his chosen people and promises them a
land of their own.
• God is prepared to destroy entire human race because of its corruption, but he still wants his world
to be populated by righteous people.
Theology
• Creation comes from free & sovereign command of God.
• Entrance of sin into the created order radically alters the original creation.
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 • Judgement of God meets human sin at each point
• God sustains creation and humans by His preserving Grace
Major Events & Stories
§ Creation — 1
§ The Fall (Adam and Eve) — 3
§ Noah and the Flood — 6
§ The Tower of Babel — 11
§ The Call of Abram — 12
§ God makes promises to Abraham — 15
§ The Birth of Isaac — 21
§ Abraham tested — 22
§ Isaac and Rebekah — 24
§ Jacob and Esau — 25
§ Jacob’s children — 29
§ Joseph sold by his brothers — 37
§ Joseph in Egypt — 39

EXODUS
• Derived from ‘exodos’ – departure / going out
• Hebrew name – ‘WELLEH SHEMOTH’ – these are the names
Outline
1. The Journey from Egypt to Mt. Sinai (1 – 18)
a. Events leading up to the exodus from Egypt (1 – 14)
b. Journey to Mt. Sinai (15 – 18)
2. The giving of the law at Mt. Sinai (19 – 40)
a. Preparation for giving law (19)
b. 10 commandments given (20)
c. Civil law given (21 – 24)
d. Tabernacle & its services (25 – 40)
Message & Theme
• Describe the way – Israelite slaves were set free
• Given a new awareness of the saving presence of God
• Drawn into a new covenant relationship with God
• Covenant promises - Lord remembering his covenant promises to Abraham. The promises extend
to both Abraham’s descendants & all the nations of the world.
• Covenant mediator. Moses mediates between the Lord and his people. Through Moses the Lord
reveals his purposes to Israel & sustains the covenant relationship.
Theology
• God’s Power – to bring Israelites out from Pharoah
• God’s Holiness
Major Events & Stories
§ Israel in slavery in Egypt — 1
§ The birth of Moses — 2
§ Moses and the Burning Bush — 3
§ The Ten Plagues — 7
- Nile River to Blood (7:14-25)
- Frogs (8:1-15)
- Swams of lice (8:16-19)
- Flies (8:20-32)
- Diseases on the cattle (9:1-7)
- Boils on Man and animals (9:8-11)
- Destruction of crops by hail (9:12-35)
- Destruction of crops by locusts (10:1-20)

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 - Darkness (10:21-29)
- Death of firstborn (11:1-10)
§ God rescues Israel from Egypt — 12
§ God gives the Ten Commandments — 20

LEVITICUS
• English name – adjective for ‘the Levitical book’ / ‘the book pertaining to the Levites’
• Hebrew name – ‘WAYIQRA’ – and the lord called
Outline
1. Way to God is thru sacrifice (1 – 10)
a. Offerings & their regulations (1 – 7)
b. Consecrations and duties of the priest (8 – 10)
2. Israel’s walk with God in fellowship (11 – 27)
a. Daily lives of God’s people (11 – 22)
b. Festivals of God’s people (23 – 25)
c. Promises and warnings to God’s people (26 – 27)
Message & Theme
• Israelites are capable of breaking God’s law & disobeying his will.
• God provided a way to return to Him in fresh commitment to His service
• Lord is present among his people - must admit their sin & impurity & strive for personal holiness.
• In order to approach God, worshipers must be wholehearted in their devotion.
• Heavier responsibilities on spiritual leaders – must maintain inward holiness.
• Day of Atonement ritual - total cleansing of sins & uncleanness happens only when innermost
part of tabernacle is purified - Humans, themselves, can never achieve complete purification from
sin.
• Atonement is a gracious act of the Lord.
Theology
• God expresses His Holiness in loving His people & calling them to love Him
• Purpose of sacrifices – access to God
• Atonement thru presentation of sacrifices
Major Events & Stories
• Holy Times • Five Offerings Sons of Jacob Tribes of Israel
Þ Sabbath Þ Burnt Reuben Reuben
Þ Passover Þ Meal Simeon Simeon
Þ Unleavened Bread Þ Peace Levi Judah
Þ First fruits Þ Sin Judah Zebulun
Þ Pentecost Þ trespass Zebulun Issachar
Þ Trumpets Issachar Dan
Þ Day of Atonement Dan Gad
Þ Tabernacles Gad Asher
Þ Sabbatical year Asher Naphtali
Þ Jubilee Naphtali Benjamin
Joseph Manasseh
Benjamin Ephraim
NUMBERS
• Story of God leading Israel thru the wilderness to Canaan – promised land
• From Mt. Sinai to plains of Moab
• Book closes with crossing over river Jordan
• Hebrew name – ‘BEMIDBER’ – In the wilderness
• Had various titles : Book of journeying & book of murmurings
Outline
1. Journey from Sinai to Kadesh

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 a. Preparation for the journey
b. Journey to Kadesh
2. Israel in the wilderness
a. The crisis of unbelief at Kadesh
b. Laws after the crisis
c. The great rebellion at Korah
d. The aftermath of the rebellion
3. Journey from Kadesh Moab
a. Incidents on the way to Moab
b. Incident with prophet Balaam
c. New numbering of people of Israel
d. New instructing of Israel
Message & Theme
• God’s faithfulness in making Abraham a great nation
• Despite the unbelief & unfaithfulness of Israel, Canaan will be theirs
Theology
• Reveals God’s Character : unchanging Faithfulness, Omnipotence, Holiness, Justice, Mercy &
Sovereignty.
• Prominent sin is murmuring against God & unfaithfulness of Israel.
Major Events & Stories

DEUTERONOMY
• Derived from Greek word ‘Deutero’ – second & ‘nomos’ – law
• It means ‘the second law’
• Hebrew name ‘DEVARIM’ – words
Outline
1. Moses revives Israel’s journey from Sinai to the plains of Moab (1 – 4)
2. Moses revives and expands the law for the new generation (4 – 26)
3. Moses revives covenant relationship with God (27 – 30)
4. The final ministry of Moses (31 – 34)
Message & Theme
• Covenant – appears 7 times in Ch29
• Reaffirmation of the covenant relationship with God and his people
• God’s uniqueness.
• Israel’s election
• The land’s goodness
• God’s faithful promise-keeping
• God’s power to defeat the enemies in the land
• Exhortations to Israel to love, serve, fear, and obey God
• Warnings against idolatry and instruction for proper worship of God
• The impact of God’s laws
• Moses’ imminent death.
Theology
• God’s goodness to them in the past
• God’s goodness to them in the recent wilderness experience
• Israel’s responsibility to be a good testimony to the nations of this earth
• God’s love had been poured out on them
• God’s warning of certain Judgement for disobedience
• God’s blessings for obedience
Major Events & Stories

JOSHUA
• Book abt people & land – inheritance promised by God
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 • People are elect nation of God – facing problem in the way of taking the land
• Record the conquest of the land
Outline
1. Possessing the Land
a. Entrance into Canaan
b. Conquering of Canaan
2. Dividing the land
a. Inheritance of the tribes
b. Last message of Joshua
Message & Theme
• 4 experiences of Israel / major tasks
- Occupying the promised land
- Conquest
- Allocating
- Consecration
• Lord’s presence - key to strength & courage
• importance of Lord’s instructions for succeeding mission & acting with wisdom
• ability of Lord to save the “outsider”
• Lord as divine Warrior and the reality of judgment
• The danger of failing to ask the Lord
• The Lord as Protector of the covenant
• The unity of the people of God
• The sovereignty of God in giving his people a place and rest
• The faithfulness of God in fulfilling all his good promises
• The necessity of removing false gods and worshiping God alone
Theology
• Reveals person & work of God
• Lord was actively involved in battles & lives of the people & leaders
• 3 attributes of God : Holiness, Faithfulness & Saving Grace
Major Events & Stories
§ Israel enters the Promised Land (Joshua) — 1
§ Battle of Jericho – 6

JUDGES
• Named after judges (Shophetim) – leading characters of the Bible
Outline
1. Record of incomplete obedience (1 – 3)
2. Judges of Israel (3 – 16) ]
3. Illustration from the era of the judges (17 – 21)
Message & Theme
• There remained a lot of heathen nation enemies in Israel
• It was a test to obey God’s command & subdue it.
• because of Israel’s unfaithfulness - the day would come when the nation would be taken captive,
away from the land
• oppressions, chaos, & generally negative picture in the book are due to Israel’s repeated sin. Time
and again the Israelites broke the covenant, turning to the Canaanite gods & “doing evil” & they
repeatedly suffered the consequences.
• Despite Israel’s repeated falling away, God in his faithfulness continually delivered them not due
to Israel’s merits or its repentance. Instead it was because of God’s compassion & pity & his
faithfulness to his promises to Abraham
• The judges were not able to stop the peoples’ unfaithfulness, they made it worse. Major judges
such as Gideon, Jephthah & Samson were guilty of significant sin exception was Deborah
Theology
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 • Israel doing opposite of what God asked
• God appointing judges to conquer
Major Events & Stories
§ Israel ruled by judges (Gideon, Deborah, Samson, etc.) — 1
§ Samson the Judge (13–16)

Name Tribe Identification Enemy oppression Yrs of Peace Reference

Othniel Judah Nephew of Caleb Mesopotamians 8 40 3:9-11
Ehud Benjamin Left -handed Moabites 18 80 3:12-30
Shamgar Naphtali Used ox goad Philistines 7 7 3:31
Deborah Ephraim Only women judge Canaanites 20 40 4:4-5:31
Gideon Manasseh Sought a sign Midianites 7 40 6:11-8:35
Tola Issachar - - - 23 10:1-2
Jair Gilead 30sons, 30cities - - 22 10:3-5
Jephthah Gilead Made rash row Ammonites 18 6 11:1-12:7
Ibzan - 30sons, 3daughters - - 7 12:8-10
Elon Zebulun - - - 10 12:11-12
Abdoh Ephraim - - - 8 12:13-15
Samson Dan Strongest man Philistines 40 20 12:2-16:31

RUTH
• Named after its heroine – Moabite modification of Hebrew meaning ‘friendship’
• A beautiful love story during the time of the judges
• It shows that there were Godly people who loved & obeyed the Lord in Israel during Theocracy
Outline
1. Ruth’s decision to follow Naomi (1)
2. Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi (2)
3. Ruth’s claim upon Boaz (3)
4. Ruth’s redemption by Boaz (4)
Message & Theme
• Introduces a few ancestors of David who were non-Israelites
• Ruth shows kindness toNaomi, by leaving her homeland to care for her.
• Boaz shows kindness to Ruth as he welcomes her to Israel, acts as her kinsman-redeemer &
marries her.
• Property redemption by a relative assured that land would not remain outside the family. Levirate
marriage involved a childless widow marrying her husband’s brother to provide an heir for the
deceased husband. Boaz, a close relative of Ruth, redeemed the family property for her, married
her, and fathered Obed, who became heir to the property of Ruth’s deceased first husband.
Theology
• The kinsman – redeemer Boaz : messianic type
• Ruth – church, bride of Christ
• God’s providence, grace, holiness & invitation of salvation to all people
Major Events & Stories

I SAMUEL
• Samuel – Hebrew word – ‘the name of God’, ‘his name is God’, ‘his name is mighty’, ‘heard of God’
• I&II were originally one book but were divided in 3rd Century B.C.
• Show great transition in national life ( theocracy - - - monarchy)
Outline
1. Samuel : Judge and Prophet in Israel (1 – 7)
2. Saul : the first King of Israel (8 – 12)
3. The decline of Saul & the rise of David (13 – 31)
Message & Theme
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 • Samuel’s influence as prophet & judge in Israel & leaders like Saul & David
• God’s kingship. God is King of the universe and always has been. No human king can assume
kingship except as a deputy of the divine King.
• God’s providential guidance. God providentially & individually guided the lives of chosen people
such as Hannah, Samuel, and David. Even the life of Saul was in God’s providential care.
• God’s timing is always perfect, for he is the Lord of history.
• God’s sovereign will and power. God chooses or rejects people according to his absolute
sovereign will & purpose. He may change his way of dealing with individuals according to his
plan and purpose, but his decision is always just and right. At the same time, he is merciful and
gracious.
Theology
• Typical symbolic truth – Christ like prophet, priest & king
Major Events & Stories
§ Israel gets its first king (Saul) — 9
§ David is anointed king — 16
§ David and Goliath — 17

II SAMUEL
Outline
1. David’s rule over Judah (1 – 4)
2. David’s rule over Israel (5 – 24)
Message & Theme
• Davidic covenant
• Messianic promise - is a turning point in the history of salvation. God chose David to be the
beginning of an enduring dynasty, from which the ultimate Ruler, Jesus, would come. God used
David to fulfil his eternal plan of salvation, not because he was perfect from a human viewpoint,
but because the Lord was “with him” and showed grace to him.
Theology
• Typical symbolic truth – Christ like prophet, priest & king
Major Events & Stories
§ David becomes king — 5

I KINGS
• Record events in the careers of Kings of Judah
• Solomon to Zedekiah
• The story of united monarchy under Solomon
• Records division of north & south
Outline
1. The reign of Solomon over Israel (1 – 11)
2. The early days of the divided kingdom (12 – 22)
Message & Theme
• Yahweh is the only true God, & he controls nature. There is only one living God, and he is the
Lord. He alone controls the natural order.
• Yahweh controls history. The Lord rules over the past, present, and future. He alone controls the
historical process
• Yahweh demands exclusive worship. As the only God, the Lord demands exclusive worship. He
alone will be worshiped.
• The content and place of true worship - exposes false religion. It speaks out against the content of
false worship It also exposes the wrongful place of such false worship.
• The consequences of false worship. True worship of God includes obedience to the law of God.
The worship of something other than God always leads to mistreating other people.
• Yahweh is the just and gracious Lawgiver. The Lord gave the law, which defines true worship,
right thinking, and correct behaviour. The Lord is also the one who punishes wrongdoers.
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 • Yahweh is the promise-giver. Israel’s God is a promise-giver. The divine promises given to the
patriarchs and to David are important
Theology
• Explains spiritual lessons like prayer, warning, exhortations, Lord’s justice & righteousness, his
judgements, lord’s mercy & voice of God.
Major Events & Stories
§ Solomon becomes king — 1
§ Israel is divided: Israel and Judah — 12
§ Kings rule (mostly bad) for 345 years — 13 and following
§ Elijah on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18)
§ Prophets warn Israel of God’s coming punishment on the nation (while also promising a
glorious future beyond judgment)

II KINGS
Outline
1. History of Israel : Northern Kingdoms (1 – 10)
2. History of Israel & Judah : divided Kingdoms (11 – 17)
3. History of Judah : single Kingdom (18 – 25)
Message & Theme – same as I Kings
Theology – Same as I Kings
Major Events & Stories
§ Exile, part one: Israel (the northern half), conquered by Assyria — 17
§ Exile, part two: Judah (the southern half), conquered by Babylon — 25

United Kingdom Divided Kingdom - S Divided Kingdom - N Single Kingdom

Saul (32) ^ Rehoboam (17) ^ Jeroboam I (22) ^ Hezekiah (29)
David (40) *^ Abijam (3) Nadab (2) Manasseh (55) ^
Solomon (40) *^ Asa (41) * Baasha (24) Amon (2)
Jehoshaphat (25) * Elah (2) Josiah (31) *
Jehoram (8) Zimri (7 days) Jehoahaz (3 mon)
Ahaziah (1) Omri (11) ^ Jehoiakim (11)
Athaliah (7) ^ Tibni (3) Jehoiachin (3 mon)
Joash (40) * Ahab (22) ^ Zedekiah (11) ^
Amaziah (29) Ahaziah (2)
Uzziah (52) * Jehoram (12)
Jotham (16) * Jehu (28) ^
Ahaz (16) Jehoahaz (17)
Hezekiah (29) * Jehoash (16)
Jeroboam II (41)
Zechariah (6 mon)
Shallum (I mon)
Key : Menahem (10)
^ Big king Pekahiah (2)
*good king Pekah (20)
Hoshea (10)

I CHRONICLES
• Title : ‘Dibere Hayyamin’ – the words of the days / the events of the times
Outline
1. The genealogies (1 – 9)
2. Reign of King Saul (10)
3. Regin of King David (11 – 29)
Message & Theme

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 • History of Judah from Adam to Babylonian captivity – thru this nation Lord came
• He chose this people; he has purposes that need to be fulfilled
• The Davidic covenant. God’s covenant with David preserved the nation and enabled Solomon to
build the temple. God is committed to preserving the line of David’s descendants even through
spiritual unfaithfulness and exile.
• The temple. David provided for the construction of the temple and organized its personnel. His
faithful successors should ensure that the worship is maintained, and that the building is kept in
repair and is purified after defilement. The temple personnel should come to the aid of the
Davidic dynasty in times of crisis. The Levites played an essential role in maintaining the whole
system of worship, and in many ways they are the forerunners of the Christian ministry.
Theology
• God is active in history – esp Israel
• Faithfulness / sins of Kings immediately rewarded / punished by God
Major Events & Stories

II CHRONICLES
Outline
1. United Kingdom under King Solomon (1 – 9)
2. Southern Kingdom under Judean Kings (10 – 36)
Message & Theme
• David’s deep desire to build the temple
• Sad departure of people from temple & its worship
Theology
• Yahweh their God was near to them
Major Events & Stories
EZRA
• Named after principal character
Outline
1. Return under Zerubbabel (1 – 6)
2. Return under Ezra (7 – 10)
Message & Theme
• Faithfulness to lord in keeping mosaic law & worship
• Lord’s mercy greater than anger
• Heart of worship is joy
• Everything that happens results from God’s sovereign control
• Following’s God’s word is primary importance
• Intercessory prayer invites God’s compassion and power
Theology
• God restores them – provides opportunity to atone for sins via rebuilding the temple
• Emphasizes on covenant relationship & a way to live according to the law
• God shows love by fulfilling promises & providing good leaders
Major Events & Stories
§ Many Israelites return to Israel to rebuild the demolished land and temple — 1
§ The completion of the new temple — 6

NEHEMIAH
Outline
1. Rebuilding of the walls (1 – 7)
2. Revival & reform (8 – 13)
Message & Theme
• Rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem
• Restoration of civil authority & revival of Jews
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 • The Lord hears prayer
• The Lord works providentially, especially through powerful rulers, to bring about his greater
purposes
• The Lord protects his people - they need not be afraid
• The Lord is merciful and faithful to his promises despite his people’s ongoing sin
• Worship is at the center of the life of God’s people. It includes the willing, joyful giving of
resources
• God’s people need to be on their guard against their own moral weakness .
Theology
• Shows how God favored his people
• Shows what God can do with the remnant of believers
Major Events & Stories

ESTHER
• A fascinating story of God’s providence in Persia
• Story reveals a women of very commendable character
Outline
1. Royal crisis for God’s people (1 – 5)
2. Divine protection God’s people (6 – 10)
Message & Theme
• How jews were saved from the hands of a gentile monarch
• Human responsibility. Esther & Mordecai show great initiative & courage. Their actions are
obviously significant - providence of God does not negate the responsibility of people to act with
courage & resolve when circumstances require it.
• The absurdity of wickedness. The proud people of this world are not nearly as powerful as they
think they are. When they oppose God’s people they bring about their own destruction.
Theology
• Divine providence – God preserves them
Major Events & Stories

JOB
• A book on the relationship of human suffering to divine justice – theodicy
Outline
1. Prologue
2. Human wisdom & suffering
3. Divine wisdom & suffering
4. Epilogue
Message & Theme
• A righteous person may suffer
• Dimensions of human suffering
• A righteous person’s struggle to overcome sufferings
• Justice of God in the light of human suffering
• Qualifications to the doctrine of double retribution
• Question of theodicy
• Encounter with God
• question of faith in a sovereign God. Can God be trusted? Is he good and just in his rule of the
world? The book shows that the reasons for human suffering often remain a secret to human
beings.
• God seems both too close and too far away. Though God is greatly concerned about humans, he
does not always answer their most agonizing questions.
• The book illustrates that one does not need to fully understand God’s will in order to be faithful
while suffering. Those who suffer need not be afraid to express to God their confusion and
questions.
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Theology
• Explains the ways of God to mankind
• Mysteries of God’s work in Human lives
Major Events & Stories

PSALMS
• Greek word ‘psamlos’ , Hebrew word ‘zmr’ – to pluck
Outline
1. Book I (1 – 41)
2. Book II (42 – 72)
3. Book III (73 – 89)
4. Book IV (90 – 106)
5. Book V (107 – 150 )
Message & Theme
• Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his
own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness,
and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
• Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are
beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
• Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them
by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to
bring light to the world.
• Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins,
the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each
member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his
commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing
him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one
shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but
should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
• Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of
people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his
ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of
bringing light to the Gentiles.
Theology
• God’s divine presence
• His answers to prayers & questions
Major Events & Stories
Types of psalms
Þ Psalm of Instruction : used for instruction or teaching
Þ Ethical Psalms : teaches morals
Þ Psalms of Praise & Adoration : God’s greatness, mercy, love & power
Þ Psalms of History : recall events
Þ Psalms of prayer & supplication : requests to God
Þ Psalms of Thanksgiving : gratitude
Þ Imprecatory psalms : cursing
Þ Confession psalms : honesty
Þ Suffering psalms : affliction
Þ Songs of Ascent : sung on pilgrims & feasts
Þ Alphabetic / Acrostic : each line starting with the same word
Þ Messianic psalms : prophecies abt Jesus
Þ Laments : asking for God’s help in troubled situations
Þ Wisdom psalms : reflect themes from wisdom books
Þ Songs of Confidence : deepen trust in difficult situations
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 Þ Royal psalms : present the Davidic monarchy
Þ Prophetic hymns : echo calling people to covenant faithfulness

PROVERBS
• 2nd of 3 wisdom literature books
• Instructions for living thru difficulties of life by short, pithy statements
Outline
1. Solomon’s proverbs
a. On Wisdom’s value
b. On righteous living
2. Agur’s Proverbs : On diverse subjects
3. Lemuel’s proverbs : On diverse subjects
Message & Theme
• All true wisdom is a gift of God – grounded on the fear of God
• Careful vigilance over heart – manifest only to God, His will & Word
• God’s will is intensely practical, applying to every aspect of life. A proper relation to God
involves trying hard to understand his truth, and then embracing and obeying that truth.
• A life lived by God’s will is a happy & useful life. One must seek it.
• wisdom on a wide array of topics from daily life: diligence and laziness; friendship; speech;
marriage; child rearing; domestic peace; work; getting along and good manners; eternity; and
much more. It shows that “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present
life and also for the life to come”.
Theology
• Fear of the lord is evidence of faith
• To find the fear is to find knowledge & revelation is needed
• Everything on earth serves the purposes of God & is potentially holy

ECCLESIASTES
• One of the most puzzling books of the bible
Outline
1. Prologue : Introductory thoughts on Human Futility
2. Some demonstrations on Human futility
3. Some developments on Human Futility
4. Epilogue : Concluding thoughts on Human Futility
Message & Theme
• The tragic reality of the fall. creation has been damaged by sin, eagerly awaits the resurrection
age.
• Sin and death. By sinning, human beings forfeited the righteousness they originally had before
God, and thus all people are sinners. Death was a result of the fall, dreadful reality that affects
everyone.
• The joy and the frustration of work. God gave Adam work to accomplish prior to the fall, but part
of the punishment of his sin was that his work would become difficult. Both realities are seen -
work to be both satisfying and aggravating.
• The grateful enjoyment of God’s good gifts. twisted realities of a fallen world, but this does not
blind the beauty of God’s world . Nor does it cause him to despise God’s good gifts of human
relationships, food, drink, and satisfying labor. These are to be received humbly and enjoyed fully
as blessings from God.
• The fear of God. The fact that “all is vanity” should drive people to take refuge in God, fearing
and revering him.
• Everything is meaningless
Theology
•
SONG OF SOLOMON
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 • Hebrew word ‘Sir Hassirim’ – canticles
• Its not a story, it’s a song
Outline
1. Courtship : preparation for Marriage
2. Consummation : Fulfillment within marriage
3. Commitment : Realities of marriage
Message & Theme
• Celebration of love between man & women similar to God’s love for his people
• God’s law commands sexual purity
• Marriage is a gift of God founded on loyalty & commitment – delight to flourish
• Love finds the words to express.
Theology
• Relationship with God – like marriage
• God’s love’ intensity, intimacy & exclusivity

ISAIAH
Outline
1. Prophesies of punishment (1 – 35)
2. Parenthesis for history (36 – 39)
3. Prophecies of Peace (40 – 66)
Message & Theme
• Offence of Man’s sin
• Warnings and pleas of God
• Hope of redemption assured to be a repentant remnant
• God is offended by religious practices that come from an empty heart or a careless life.
• God’s true people will someday become a multinational community of worship and peace that
will last forever. They will be the predominant culture of a new world.
• God opposes human pride
• The foolish idols that man creates are destined for destruction
• God’s judgment will reduce Israel to a remnant. From this remnant he will raise up a holy people
• God sometimes judges people by making them deaf and blind to his saving word
• The only hope of the world is in one man. He is the promised Davidic king, the servant of the
Lord, the anointed preacher of the gospel, & the victor over all evil.
• God uses everything, even human sin, for his own glory
• All people are called to repent of sin and trust in God alone
• Often, when God’s people feel abandoned, they foolishly trust in worldly powers
• God will vindicate his cause with a world-transforming display of his glory
• God is guiding all of human history .
• God’s faithfulness and the certainty of his final victory should motivate his people to pray and to
be obedient.
• the wrath of God is to be feared above all else.
Theology
• God is high & lifted up, Holy one & whole of earth is full of his glory
• God is not merely great & majestic – he is Holy
• God’s purpose was larger than short term victory / defeat
Major Events & Stories

JEREMIAH
• One of the most attractive books in OT & moat colorful character
Outline
1. Introduction (1)
2. Prophecies against Judah & Jerusalem (2 – 45)

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 3. Prophecies against various gentile nations (46 – 51)
4. Supplement (52)
Message & Theme
• God and humanity. God alone is a living God. God alone made the world.
• God is absolutely trustworthy and always keeps his promises, his grace triumphs over sin and
judgment when people repent and turn to him.
• The human heart is sick, and no one except God can cure it
• Since Israel and the nations have sinned against God, God the Creator is also the Judge of every
nation on the earth he created
• God would “make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah”. This
covenant would be different in one major way. The new covenant partners will not break the
covenant, as most of the old partners did even though God was completely faithful. Instead, the
new covenant partners will have the word of God so ingrained in their hearts through God’s
power that they will know and follow God all their lives.
Theology
• God has a history of saving
• God’s anger, judgement & promised salvation
• God will create new things on earth
Major Events & Stories

LAMENTATIONS
• Collection of 5 poems – used by Jews in worship on fasting days & mourning
Outline
1. First lamentation : Jerusalem’s grief (1)
2. Second lamentation : God’s wrath (2)
3. Third lamentation : Continuing Hope (3)
4. Fourth lamentation : Sin’s consequences (4)
5. Fifth lamentation : Prayerful confession (5)
Message & Theme
• It includes memorable prayers that confess sin, express renewed hope, and declare total
dependence on God’s grace.
• It provides great insight into the nature of pain, sin, and redemption.
• Jerusalem fell : because of the people’s sins; they rejected God’s word sent through the prophets;
their leaders led them astray.
• It affirms God’s never-ceasing mercy. God never gives up on his people, even when they sin
greatly.
• Prayer is the way to restore a broken relationship with God, emphasis on God’s sovereignty
• Warns of the “day of the Lord.” This is the day when God judges sin. That day has already
occurred in historical events like the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. It will occur again at
the end of time as the final “day of the Lord.” People need to take seriously the warnings about
such days of judgment.
Theology
• God’s judgement is not wrong
• People were puzzled by the harsh hand of God
Major Events & Stories

EZEKIEL
• Ezekiel was also taken captive
Outline
1. Introduction : Ezekiel’s commission (1 – 3)
2. Prophecies of judgement on Judah (4 – 24)
3. Prophecies of Judgement on Gentile (25 – 32)
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 4. Prophecies of restoration for Israel (33 – 39)
5. Prophecies of Reestablishment for Israel (40 – 48)
Message & Theme
• As a priest, Ezekiel was deeply concerned with restoring God’s people to holiness. His
understanding of the depth of Israel’s sin is clear. Even the oracles about a restored Israel include
a way to deal with the people’s sin so they can survive in the presence of a holy God. Ezekiel’s
concern with sin also accounts for the many places where the book echoes the laws given in the
Pentateuch, as well as the similarities between Ezekiel’s new temple and the Exodus tabernacle.
• Israel was subject to its national God. However, this God is no tribal deity. He is supreme over all
nations. Therefore Nebuchadnezzar, was simply a tool in God’s hand to accomplish God’s
purpose.
• Ezekiel declares judgment on those clinging to false hope, but offers true hope to those who
accept God’s judgment. He linked God’s judgment with the hope of a new heart and spirit.
• The condemnation of Israel’s “princes” finds its hopeful counterpart in the promise of a future
“prince” who would rule with justice and connect the people to God.
Theology
• God’s absolute supremacy is most clearly demonstrated in the battle against Gog, the final
enemy, where God alone crushes Gog’s vast hostile forces.
• The Holiness & Transcendence of God
• Grace & Mercy of God
• Sovereignty of God
Major Events & Stories

DANIEL
• Most thrilling book – most important prophetic literature
Outline
1. Personal history of the prophet
2. Prophetic history of the gentiles
3. Prophetic history of Israel
Message & Theme
• It is possible to live a faithful life while surrounded by pagan influences, if one serves the Lord
wholeheartedly.
• God can give his faithful servants abilities that cause even unbelievers to appreciate them.
• God humbles the proud and raises up the humble. Even the hearts of the greatest kings are under
his control.
• This world will be a place of persecution for God’s people,. The Lord will judge the kingdoms of
this world and bring them to an end, replacing them with his own kingdom that will never end.
This kingdom will be ruled by “one like a son of man” who comes “with the clouds,” a figure
who combines human and divine traits.
• God is sovereign over the course of history, even over those who rebel against him and seek to
destroy his people.
• These earthly events are reflections of a great conflict between angelic forces of good and evil.
Prayer is a significant weapon in that conflict.
• God rules over all of these conflicts and events, he limits the damage they do, and he has a
precise timetable for the end of his people’s persecutions. At that time he will finally intervene to
cleanse and deliver his people.
Theology
• Sovereignty of God
• Mighty power of prayer
• His marvelous plan of redemption
• Grace of God
Major Events & Stories
§ Daniel & the Lion’s Den (6)
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 HOSEA
Outline
1. Unfaithful wife (1 – 3)
2. Unfaithful people (4 – 14)
Message & Theme
• Hosea frequently refers to the Pentateuch, the foundation of Israel’s relationship to God
• Hosea stresses divine sovereignty. God speaks in the first person, “I,” almost a hundred times in
the book.
• Hosea’s personal life illustrates the Lord’s compassion.
• Isolation/exile, which is coming upon Israel, is a way to restoration
Theology
• God’s covenant with Israel is broken
• God’s love & patience with Israel in her sin
Major Events & Stories

JOEL
• Clear & strong presentation on the world history view
Outline
1. Historic Visitation (1)
2. Prophetic Revelation (2 – 3)
Message & Theme
• The day of the Lord – judgement : deliverance / blessings
• Repentance – whole community cry out to the lord. He may command his army
• Lord in their mindset – his promise should dwell in them
• Promise of the future outpouring of the spirit - ultimate way to be midst His people
Theology
• Compassionate nature of God
• God’s complete control of Nature – Lord is active in all
• God’s authority
• Lord remains as a refuge in the chaos of Judgement
Major Events & Stories

AMOS
• Main audience was Israel
Outline
1. Visitation of Judgement
2. Declaration of Changes
3. Warning of Judgement
4. Restoration of Israel
Message & Theme
• The Lord is the Creator of the universe. Therefore his ethical norms are universal, and all people
are subject to judgment in light of them.
• Justice and righteousness in the treatment of other people are the key evidences of a right
relationship to the Lord.
• Religious observances in the absence of social justice are disgusting to God.
• Israel’s covenant with the Lord did not guarantee special protection for them when they broke
that covenant. Rather, it meant that they would be held to a higher standard of obedience.
• Thus, the “day of the LORD” would not be a time of miraculous deliverance for unrepentant
Israel. Rather, it would be a time of terrible destruction.
• A faithful remnant of Israel would be preserved and would someday see glorious restoration and
blessing.
Theology
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 • Yahweh the supreme God
• Yahweh judges all nation – he is everywhere – rules heaven & earth
• God od moral perfection – requires moral behavior of all people
Major Events & Stories

OBADIAH
• Shortest book of OT – 21 verses – message to Edom
Outline
1. Overthrow of Edom
2. Offences of Edom
3. Outlook for Edom
Message & Theme
• Enemies will be put to shame because of their opposition to God’s people.
• Every proud human effort at security will ultimately fail before God’s coming judgment.
• God’s justice is strict and fair, with the punishment corresponding to the sins.
• Reunited Israel will experience God’s deliverance, possess the Promised Land, and defeat and
rule over Edom.
• In the future, Yahweh will definitively establish his eternal kingdom
Theology
• Yahweh is guiding the history of the nations
• The Kingdom of God
Major Events & Stories

JONAH
• Message to Nineveh
Outline
1. Request to Jonah
2. Reluctance of Jonah
3. Repentance of Jonah
4. Recommissioning of Jonah
5. Reception of Jonah
6. Reproof of Jonah
Message & Theme
• People need to repent from sin in general, and from self-centeredness and hypocrisy in particular.
• Sets forth the resurrection of Jesus Christ
• Salvation is not by work, by faith which leads to repentance
• God’s purpose of Grace cannot be frustrated
• God will not cast aside for faithlessness
Theology
• God is in sovereign control over all events on the earth.
• God is determined to get his message to the nations.
• God promises that he will forgive when people repent.
• God is good & gracious
• God is God of gentiles
Major Events & Stories
§ Jonah & the whale (1 – 2)

MICAH
• Micah is contemporary of Isaiah
Outline
1. Message of punishment
2. Message of promise
3. Message of pardon
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Message & Theme
• The Lord’s character and the people’s sins demand judgment. God’s “sentence” upon his people
comes in the form of an oppressor and by means of covenant curses caused by covenant
unfaithfulness.
• A Shepherd-King will gather and deliver a faithful remnant of people. This deliverer, functioning
as a new David, will come from the very region that was then under Assyrian control.
• Practicing justice and mercy shows covenant faithfulness.
• The Lord is the focus of worship. The nations will come to Zion to learn of the true Lord and to
live in peace.
• Grace flowing from the Lord’s steadfast love overcomes the penalty due to sin. Forgiveness is
possible because of God’s faithfulness to his promises.
• God’s saving acts in the past provide hope for his saving acts in the future.
Theology
• Immanence of God in history
• God & universality – Yahweh is no mere tribal God
Major Events & Stories

NAHUM
• Entirety of the book is characterized as a vision revealed by God
Outline
1. God of Judgement
2. Execution of Judgement
3. Vindication of Judgement
Message & Theme
• Vengeance by the mighty and jealous God against Nineveh
• God’s plan to preserve His people
• The Lord is slow to anger and long-suffering, jealous for his own honour and for his people, but
he is wrathful and avenging against his enemies. He controls nature, nations, and history. He is
just, righteous, good, merciful, gracious, loving, and faithful. He delivers and protects those who
trust in him.
• God had used Assyria to punish unfaithful Israel and Judah. He also brought well-deserved
judgment on Assyria, according to his timetable and method.
• Nineveh fell because it was a godless and idolatrous city, a city of violence, lust, and greed.
• The Lord of history is a “stronghold” for “those who take refuge in him”. He can handle all
problems in individual lives. He has defeated powers far greater than Assyria. He grants to his
own the ultimate defence and deliverance.
Theology
• Yahweh as Judge
Major Events & Stories

HABAKKUK
Outline
1. Habakkuk & God : First dialogue
2. Habakkuk & God : Second dialogue
3. Habakkuk & God : Praise & Prayer
Message & Theme
• Wickedness will eventually be punished, and the righteous will ultimately see God’s justice.
• The key phrase “the righteous shall live by his faith” summarizes God’s plan for his people.
Theology
• Struggles in relationship with God
• God is just and merciful, even though his people may not always understand his ways.
• God uses some wicked nations to punish other wicked nations, but ultimately God will judge all
nations.
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Major Events & Stories

ZEPHANIAH
• One of the last prophets of Judah
Outline
1. Coming judgement on national Judah
2. Coming judgement on surrounding nations
3. Coming judgement on national Judah
4. Coming blessings on all nations
Message & Theme
• God will judge the whole earth, including Judah and her pagan neighbours alike.
• God will bless his people when they return to their covenant relationship with him.
• God extends blessing and grace to all peoples and nations.
• Judgment and blessing occur both in the near future for the prophet and his audience and also in
the more distant future.
• There is no such thing as a second-generation child of God. Every generation must accept God’s
covenant, rather than relying on the faith of a previous generation.
Theology
• God is going to pour out His anger on the nations
• God is ready to dance for Zion
• God is not a partisan God
Major Events & Stories

HAGGAI
• One of the shortest books, its prominent necessity of putting first things first
Outline
1. Lord’s warning to His people
2. People’s reaction to God’s warning
3. Lord’s response to His People
Message & Theme
• The restoration of God’s house. A decaying temple signifies a decaying relationship with the
Lord. It brings weakness rather than holiness to the people.
• The prophetic word is the divine Word. The prophecy is delivered “by the hand of Haggai” but it
is God’s word.
• The Lord is sovereign. The phrase “LORD of hosts” occurs 14 times in the 38 verses of this short
book. The Lord gives the divine word, controls the fortunes of his people and nations, directs
nature, motivates his people to action, and establishes and removes kingdoms.
• The people must work. A restored house will bring pleasure and glory to the Lord and blessing to
the people, but there is work to be done. Physical labour is urged. But there is also “heart” work
to be done.
• The restoration of David’s house. Zerubbabel, the heir of David, is promised high status. The
Lord, who removed the “ring” of the Davidic house, now promises that he will restore David’s
house. The Messiah will come.
Theology
• God’s dwelling place on Earth
• Commercial view of God’s blessing
Major Events & Stories

ZECHARIAH
• Longest book of the minor prophets
Outline
1. Introduction
2. The night vision of Zechariah
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 3. Four messages of Zechariah
4. Two burdens of Zechariah
Message & Theme
• The need for turning to the Lord in repentance and serving him with sincerity.
• The Lord’s concern and care for his people’s difficulties.
• Jerusalem’s future expansion and blessing.
• The complete and permanent removal of the people’s sin, and the removal of false prophecy and
idolatry from the land.
• The importance of the temple as the source of God’s blessing.
• The Lord’s wrath at the nations that plundered Judah and Jerusalem.
• The Divine Warrior’s return to terrorize Israel’s foes, and the coming of the Branch, a Davidic
ruler who will save his people, cleanse their sins, and establish peace.
• The pouring out of God’s Spirit, resulting in repentance and the opening of a fountain for the
cleansing of sin.
• Judgment on the wicked shepherds of God’s people and their replacement by a good shepherd.
• The striking of the good shepherd and the scattering of the flock.
• The Lord’s final triumph over the nations.
Theology
• God promises deliverance
• Sovereignty of God in history, over men & nations, past, present & future.
Major Events & Stories

MALACHI
• After the temple was rebuilt
Outline
1. Declaration of God’s Love
2. Disapproval of unfaithful priests
3. Denunciation of backslidden people
4. Declaration of final warning
Message & Theme
• A burdensome message
• The day of the Lord
• Israel must remember the Law of Moses
• Israel must remember the promise of Elijah and the coming day of the Lord
Theology
• God’s love for Israel
• Character of God
Major Events & Stories

Obadiah, Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Isaiah & Micah : Prophecies during the divided kingdom
Nahum, Zephaniah, Jeremiah & Habakkuk : Prophecies during the single kingdom
Ezekiel & Daniel : Prophecies during Exile
Haggai, Zechariah & Malachi : Prophesies after exile

People :
Adam, Noah , Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph
Moses, Joshua
Gideon, Deborah , Samson, Jephthah
Ruth, Samuel, Saul, David, Solomon
Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job
Isaiah ,Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel
Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

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