Old Testament - An Intro

I have to be honest, when I finished the New Testament last week, I felt accomplished and excited to move on to the Old Testament, and I still am excited, but I am SO intimidated. I think one of the reasons for that is because, looking back there is so much that I missed doing study of the other scriptures that I regret, and I’m afraid that I’m going to do that again here. And there is just so much material, I want to do a super deep dive into it, I want to know everything, but I know that I’m going to miss something and I’m just not looking forward to that part. That is probably quite a bit of “cart before the horse,” and I accept that there’s going to be stuff I miss, so I guess I’ll just have to have faith that the Lord will teach me what I need to know, when I need to know it. Another decision I’ve made about the study of this scripture is that I’m going to try to go chronologically, like I did in the first four books of the New Testament. I found a list that includes not only the Old Testament but the Pearl of Great Price as well, so I’m going to use that and I’ll post it here to follow along. One of the things I’m excited about with the Old Testament is learning the ways in which God has dealt with people. I want to see how he tried to give the people the gospel and what happened to those who believed and those who did not. I want to see the consistencies and differences in the way that the gospel was practiced before Christ compared to afterward. I’m excited to learn battle strategy, how people tried to be righteous in their own times compared to ours, and the different perspectives and trials of different peoples in different times. One amazing thing that I’m excited about is the abundance of study material. When studying the Book of Mormon and Doctrine & Covenants, I was mostly limited to analysis from LDS scholars. When I started the New Testament, the whole of Christian scholarship was suddenly available to me for help in studying, and I loved it, it was so eye opening. Now with the Old Testament, I not only have LDS and Christian scholars, but now also Jewish and Muslim scholars and their insight as well. I’m very excited about that. The IM points out that the Old Testament (OT from now on) is the most largely ignored scripture by the LDS population but describes some of the benefits of studying it, and I’ve picked out my favorites here: 1. The importance of establishing a covenant relationship with God. 2. The knowledge that God intervenes directly in the lives of men and nations and that through Him many are divinely led, directed, and protected. 3. The need to endure, even through suffering and pain. 4. The testimony that the God of the Old Testament is Jesus Christ and that He came to earth to free men from death and make it possible for men to be freed from sin and thus return to the presence of God the Father. The content of the OT is several thousands of years removed from us here, so it’s going to be important to get cultural and historical context for everything as we go along. About 12 years ago I bought a New International Version of the Bible translation because it was all just so abstract and I was astonished at what I could understand when provided with the correct context. I’m excited to go deeper into that context and learn more. Finally, here’s a long quote by Mark E. Petersen which sums up my feelings quite nicely. The says, “It is faith-promoting indeed to note how consistent the various books of scripture are, one with another; how the revelations in the various ages all harmonize; and how the words of the prophets, no matter when or where they lived, testify of our Savior, Jesus Christ. When critics attacked him, the Lord responded by saying to them: ‘Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.’ I feel like I’m going to see the whole plan here, like I know not the pre-mortal life or the next life, but this one. This existence, this second act of the play, and maybe I think that seeing this part laid out in a linear fashion that points directly to the Savior will help me understand how the other two parts fit in as well. Happy Hunting! Here's the time line we will be following: • Before Time, John 1: 1-5: In the Beginning was the Word • Before Time, Abraham 4: In the Beginning was the Word • Before 4000 BC, Genesis 1: The Creation • Before 4000 BC, Moses 2: The Creation • Before 4000 BC, Abraham 4: The Creation • Before 4000 BC, Genesis 2: The Garden of Eden • Before 4000 BC, Moses 3: The Garden of Eden • Before 4000 BC, Genesis 3: The Fall of Man • Before 4000 BC, Moses 4: The Fall of Man • Before 3000 BC, Genesis 4: Cain kills Abel • Before 3000 BC, Moses 5: Cain kills Abel • Before 3000 BC, Moses 6 – 7: Enoch • Before 3000 BC, Genesis 5: From Adam to Noah • Before 3000 BC, Moses 8: From Adam to Noah • Before 2500 BC, Genesis 6 – 10: The Great Flood • Before 2100 BC, Job 1 – 42: Job’s Suffering and Faith • Before 2100 BC, Genesis 11: The Tower of Babel • Before 2100 BC, Ether 1-3: Brother of Jared • Before 2100 BC, Ether 6-7: Jaredites • 2091 BC, Abraham 1: Abraham Prelude • 2091 BC, Genesis 12: God Sends Abram to Egypt • 2091 BC, Abraham 2: God Sends Abram to Egypt • 2085 BC, Genesis 13: Abram and Lot Part Ways • 2085 BC, Abraham 3: Abram Promised Many Descendants • 2084 – 1806 BC, Genesis 14 – 50: The Decendants of Abraham. • 1800 – 1446 BC, Exodus 1 – 3: Israel in Egypt • 1446 BC, Moses 1: Moses’ Vision • 1446 – 1445 BC, Exodus 4 – 40: The Ten Plagues on Egypt • 1445 BC, Leviticus 1 – 23: Laws for Sacrifices and Offerings • 1445 – 1407 BC, Numbers 1 – 36: Census, Tribes, Duties • 1407 BC, Psalm 90: Psalm of Moses • 1406 BC, Deuteronomy 1 – 34: Moses’ Summary of Israel’s History • 1406 – 1375 BC, Joshua 1 – 24: Joshua Leads Israel Into Canaan. • 1375 – 1140 BC, Judges 1 – 21: Israel’s relationship with the Gentiles in Canaan. • 1140 BC, Ruth 1 – 4: Naomi, Ruth and Boaz • 1100 – 1013 BC, 1 Samuel 1 – 20: Samuel, Saul, and David • 1013 BC, Psalm 59: David’s Psalm of Deliverance • 1012 BC, 1 Samuel 21: David at Nob and Gath • 1012 BC, Psalm 52: David’s Psalm Fleeing Saul • 1012 BC, Psalm 34: David’s Psalm Before Ahimelech • 1011 BC, Psalm 56: David’s Psalm at Gath • 1011 BC, 1 Samuel 22: Saul Slays the Priests of Nob • 1011 BC, Psalms 57: David’s Psalms in the Cave • 1011 BC, Psalms 142: David’s Psalms in the Cave • 1011 BC, 1 Samuel 23: David Flees Saul • 1011 BC, Psalm 54: David’s Psalm at Keilah • 1011 BC, 1 Samuel 24 – 31: David vs. Saul • 1010 – 1004 BC, 2 Samuel 1 – 4: David’s Children • 1003 BC, 1 Chronicles 1 – 10: Genealogies of the Israelites • 1003 BC, 2 Samuel 5: David Reigns over All Israel • 1003 – 1000 BC, 1 Chronicles 11 – 15: David Reigns over All Israel • 1000 BC, 2 Samuel 6 – 8: The Ark is Brought to Jerusalem • 998 BC, Psalm 60: David’s Psalm of Victory • 998 BC, Psalm 15: David’s Psalm of Zion • 998 BC, Psalm 24: David’s Psalm of Glory to God • 998 BC, 1 Chronicles 16: David’s festival sacrifice • 998 BC, Psalms 96, 105, 106: Psalms of Praise • 997 BC, 1 Chronicles 17 – 18: David Purposes to build a Temple • 995 BC, 2 Samuel 9 – 10: David and Mephibosheth • 995 BC, 1 Chronicles 19 – 20: David Defeats Ammon and Aram • 993 BC, 2 Samuel 11 – 12: David and Bathsheba • 991 BC, Psalm 51: David’s Psalm of Repentance • 990 BC, 2 Samuel 13 – 14: Amnon and Tamar • 979 BC, 1 Chronicles 21 – 27: David Forces a Census, prepares government • 976 BC, 2 Samuel 15 – 16: Absalom’s Conspiracy • 972 BC, Psalm 63: David’s Psalm of Thirst for God • 972 BC, 2 Samuel 17: Hushai’s Warning Saves David • 972 BC, Psalms 41, 55: David Psalms of Deliverance • 972 BC, 2 Samuel 18 – 23: Absalom Slain by Joab • 970 BC, Psalm 108: David’s Psalm of Steadfastness • 970 BC, 2 Samuel 24: David Counts the Fighting Men • 970 BC, 1 Chronicles 28 – 29: David’s last days • 970 BC, 1 Kings 1 – 2: David’s last days • 970 BC, Psalm 37: David’s Psalm of Salvation • 967 BC, Psalm 72: Psalm for Solomon • 967 BC, 2 Chronicles 1: Solomon Asks for Wisdom • 967 BC, 1 Kings 3: Solomon Asks for Wisdom • 967 BC, Psalm 45: Psalm of Korah • 967 BC, 1 Kings 4 – 9: Solomon’s Wisdom • 966 BC, 2 Chronicles 2 – 7: Solomon Prepares for a Temple and Palace • 959 BC, Psalms 135 – 136: Psalms of Solomon • 959 BC, 2 Chronicles 8: Solomon’s buildings • 950 BC, Psalm 127: Solomon Psalm of Blessing • 950 BC, Proverbs 1 – 31: The Proverbs of Solomon • 950 BC, Songs 1 – 8: Solomon’s Song of Songs • 979 BC, Psalms 1 – 150 (Assorted): Psalms of Unknown Authors • 946 BC, 1 Kings 10: The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon • 946 BC, 2 Chronicles 9: The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon • 939 BC, 1 Kings 11: Solomon’s Wives and Idolatry • 937 BC, Ecclesiastes 1 – 12: Ecclesiastes Words of the Preacher • 931 BC, 1 Kings 12 – 13: The Kingdom is Divided • 930 BC, 2 Chronicles 10 – 12: Israelites Rebel against Rehoboam • 925 BC, 1 Kings 14 – 15: Ahijah’s Prophecies against Jeroboam • 913 BC, 2 Chronicles 13 – 14: Civil War against Jeroboam • 909 BC, 1 Kings 16: Jehu’s prophecy against Baasha • 895 BC, 2 Chronicles 15 – 17: Asa’s Reforms • 863 BC, 1 Kings 17 – 22: Elijah Prays for Drought • 853 BC, Obadiah 1: The Vision of Obadiah • 853 BC, 2 Chronicles 18 – 21: Jehoshaphat Allies with Ahab • 852 BC, 2 Kings 1 – 11: Elisha • 841 BC, 2 Chronicles 22 – 24: Ahaziah Succeeds Jehoram in Judah • 841 BC, 2 Chronicles 23: Jehoiada Makes Joash King • 835 BC, 2 Kings 12: Joash Reigns Well • 835 BC, Joel 1 – 3: The Word of the LORD to Joel • 812 BC, 2 Kings 13 – 14: Jehoahaz’s wicked reign • 796 BC, 2 Chronicles 25: Amaziah’s good reign • 790 BC, 2 Kings 15: Azariah’s good reign • 790 BC, 2 Chronicles 26: Uzziah Reigns in Judah • 766 BC, Amos 1 – 9: The Words of Amos • 760 BC, Jonah 1 – 4: Jonah Sent to Nineveh • 753 BC, Hosea 1 – 14: Hosea’s Prophecies • 750 BC, 2 Chronicles 27 – 28: Jotham Succeeds Uzziah • 742 BC, 2 Kings 16: Wicked Reign of Ahaz • 739 BC, Isaiah 1 – 7: Isaiah Complains of Zion’s Corruption • 735 BC, Micah 1 – 7: The Word of the LORD to Micah • 734 BC, Isaiah 8 – 25: Uriah and Zechariah • 725 BC, 2 Kings 17: Hoshea the Last King of Israel • 716 BC, 2 Chronicles 29 – 31: Hezekiah’s Good Reign • 712 BC, 2 Kings 20: Hezekiah’s Illness and Healing • 711 BC, Isaiah 38 – 66: Hezekiah Shows Treasures • 701 BC, 2 Kings 18: Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem • 701 BC, Isaiah 36: Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem • 701 BC, 2 Chronicles 32: Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem • 701 BC, Psalms 46 – 48: Korah’s Psalms of Refuge (2Ch 32) • 701 BC, 2 Kings 19: Hezekiah’s Prayer • 701 BC, Isaiah 37: Hezekiah’s Prayer • 697 BC, Nahum 1 – 3: The Vision of Nahum • 687 BC, 2 Kings 21: Manasseh’s Wicked Reign • 687 BC, 2 Chronicles 33: Manasseh’s Wicked Reign • 640 BC, 2 Kings 22: Josiah’s good reign • 640 BC, 2 Chronicles 34: Josiah’s good reign • 638 BC, Zephaniah 1 – 3: The Word of the LORD to Zephaniah • 627 BC, Jeremiah 1 – 10: The Call of Jeremiah • 625 BC, Habakkuk 1 – 3: The Oracle to Habakkuk • 622 BC, Jeremiah 11 – 12: Jeremiah Proclaims God’s Covenant • 621 BC, 2 Kings 22 – 23: Josiah Prepares for Temple Repair • 621 BC, 2 Chronicles 35 – 36: Josiah Celebrates the Passover • 609 BC, Jeremiah 13 – 47: Jeremiah Proclaims Covenant Is Broken • 605 BC, Daniel 1 – 2: Daniel Refuses the King’s Portion • 601 BC, 2 Kings 24: Rebellion of Jehoiakim • 593 BC, Ezekiel 1 – 19: Ezekiel’s Prophecy at Chebar • 591 BC, Ezekiel 20 – 23: Ezekiel Sees God Refuse the Elders • 588 BC, 2 Kings 25: Siege of Jerusalem Begins • 588 BC, Jeremiah 48 – 49: Jeremiah Prophesies against Moab • 588 BC, Ezekiel 24 – 25: Siege of Jerusalem Begins • 586 BC, 2 Kings 25: The Fall of Jerusalem • 586 BC, Psalms 74, 79, Jer. 52: Psalms of Desolation (Jer. 52) • 586 BC, Jeremiah 50, 51: Jeremiah Prophesies against Babylon • 586 BC, Lamentations 1 – 5: Jeremiah’s Lamentations • 586 BC, Ezekiel 26 – 39: Ezekiel Pronounces Judgment on Tyre • 585 BC, Daniel 3 – 4: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego • 573 BC, Ezekiel 40 – 48: Ezekiel’s Second Temple Vision • 539 BC, Daniel 5 – 12: Daniel Interprets Handwriting on the Wall • 537 BC, Ezra 1 – 5: The Proclamation of Cyrus • 520 BC, Haggai 1 – 2: The Word of the LORD by Haggai • 520 BC, Zechariah 1 – 14: The Word of the LORD to Zechariah • 520 BC, Ezra 6: Temple Work Resumed by Darius’ Decree • 483 BC, Esther 1 – 10: Queen Vashti Deposed • 458 BC, Ezra 7 – 10: Ezra Journeys to Jerusalem • 445 BC, Nehemiah 1 – 13: Nehemiah’s Prayer for the Exiles • 430 BC, Malachi 1 – 4: The Word of the LORD by Malachi