Survey of the Old Testament of the Bible

Genesis

The book of Genesis is primarily narrative scripture. Since Genesis is the first book of the entire bible, the focus is on GOD's Creation and how through the lives of Noah, Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph, he demonstrates his power over them in maintaining his creation. The events of the Fall of man and the Flood are paramount in this book. Genesis begins with GOD creating the world, and everything, and everyone (Adam and Eve) in it. The Fall began when Adam and Eve disobeyed GOD, introducing sin into this world. As mankind multiplied, so did sin. GOD confirmed his power over all things in flooding the earth to rid it of sin, choosing only to keep Noah and his family. Abraham, descendent of Noah, and his lineage was then chosen by GOD in a covenant to be His new nation called Israel. Abraham's son, Isaac, and Isaac's son, Jacob continued to be chosen people, kept by GOD throughout trials and tribulations. Jacob's son, Joseph who was sold into slavery by his brothers only to rule over them and the rest of his family in Egypt during a great famine of that time, closes out the book of Genesis.

Exodus

The book of Exodus is primarily narrative scripture. This book focuses on the oppression of GOD's chosen people in Egypt, their departure and journey out of Egypt to the Promised Land led by Moses, and GOD's covenant with them. Exodus begins where the book of Genesis ends with the 12 tribes of Israel now in Egypt given that Joseph, one of the 12, was there in a position of authority. The original 12 have all passed and their lineage suffered oppression under new Egyptian leaders, Pharaohs. GOD called upon Moses, born in the family line of one of the 12 tribes, Levi, to lead his people out of bondage. Through Moses, GOD demonstrated his power over all things by inflicting Egypt with plagues when Pharaoh refused to let Israel go. The result of the plagues was the first Passover, foreshadowing GOD's greatest gift, thus Pharaoh let Israel go. Through the miracle of Moses parting the Red Sea, GOD delivered His people out of Egypt. Israel wandered the wilderness and GOD continued to keep them through more miracles. It was at Sinai that through Moses again, GOD gave Israel His Law, the Ten Commandments and other various laws. The book of Exodus ends with concentrated descriptions of the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle.

Leviticus

The book of Leviticus is primarily law but it also has some historical narrative scripture. This book focuses on GOD's holiness and the command for holiness in His people. Key people in this book are Levites, Moses, Aaron and his sons, Nadab and Abihu. Leviticus begins with Moses outlining a sacrificial system which consists of various types of offerings to GOD. Through these offerings people maintain their relationship with GOD. GOD chose the tribe of Levi to be a representative of Him on earth, and to represent the people to Him; this was called priesthood. Leviticus recounts the consecration of Aaron and his sons, Nadab and Adihu to the priesthood, describing the guidelines for how a priest should be. This would include instruction about various celebrations such as the Day of Atonement, the Sabbath, and the year of Jubilee. This book ends with Moses describing laws concerning the importance of being clean and laws pertaining to living a holy life.

Numbers

The book of Numbers is primarily narrative scripture, but contains some law. This book focuses on GOD sustaining Israel as they wandered in the wilderness, and upon arriving at the Promised Land. Key people in this book are Moses, Aaron, and Joshua. Numbers got its name from how the book begins with GOD instructing Moses to count the people and how it ends with Moses recounting the people. In the middle of the censuses, the people follow the pattern of disobedience and rebellion toward GOD, resulting in punishment and repentance. Several occasions arose in which the people questioned GOD either by questioning Moses and Aaron's authority, or by dissatisfaction with how GOD kept them fed. GOD punished the people by extending their wandering and causing suffering to them through their health and by death. Even Moses disobeyed GOD by not speaking to the rock and GOD punished him by not allowing him to enter the Promised Land. The people grumbled more and GOD punished them by attacks from other nations. Joshua led these battles in victory. GOD chose Joshua to succeed Moses. Numbers ends with Moses preparing the people to enter the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy

The book of Deuteronomy is primarily law. This book focuses on addressing the new generation concerning the Law and covenant with GOD as they are about to enter the Promised Land. Key people in this book are Moses and Joshua. Deuteronomy reiterates everything addressed to the previous generation at Mount Sinai. Moses stressed the adherence to the Law by not only those standing before him, but also those descendents who are yet to come. He specifically ordered the people to renew their covenant with GOD in a ceremony on Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim involving the writing of the Law on stones. Because GOD did not allow Moses to enter unto the Promised Land, the leadership role was passed down to Joshua in the presence of the people. Deuteronomy ends with a song and blessing from Moses to the people before he goes on top of Mount Nebo to die.

Joshua

The book of Joshua is primarily narrative scripture. This book focuses on how Israel, guided by GOD, conquered the land that He promised to them, how they were to divide the Promised Land among the tribes, and Joshua's encouragement to the people. The key person in this book is Joshua. The book begins with GOD encouraging Joshua, in his new role as leader of Israel, to be 'strong and courageous,' as he leads the people across the Jordan River into the Promised Land. This crossing of the Jordan River united the people because it modeled the crossing of the Red Sea. Joshua led Israel to victory in the battle of Jericho by faith in GOD's instruction to march around the city walls causing them to crumble. The victory at Ai came at second attempt due to disobedience causing the loss in the first attempt. GOD continued to guide Joshua and his troops in successful battles in the north and south of the Promised Land until Israel had complete control. GOD then directed the division of the land amongst