InstaStudy

Old Testament Survey

A 16-week Old Testament Survey for college students.

1. The Pentateuch: Beginnings

1.1 The Creation and the Fall

Verses: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 3:6
  • God's initial creation was perfect and without sin.
  • God walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden.

1.2 Consequences of Disobedience

Verses: Genesis 3:16-19; Romans 5:12
  • Sin entered the world through disobedience.
  • The consequences of sin included separation from God and physical death.

2. The Pentateuch: Covenant and Law

2.1 Abraham: The Father of Faith

Verses: Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 22:1-14
  • God called Abraham to leave his home and promised to make him a great nation.
  • God tested Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice Isaac.

2.2 Moses and the Exodus

Verses: Exodus 3:7-10; Exodus 20:1-17
  • God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through Moses.
  • God gave the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai.

2.3 The Purpose of the Law

Verses: Galatians 3:24; Romans 3:20
  • The Law revealed God's standard of righteousness.
  • The Law also pointed to the need for a Savior.

3. Historical Books: Conquest and Judges

3.1 Conquest and Division of Canaan

Verses: Joshua 1:1-9; Joshua 14-21
  • Israel conquered the land of Canaan under Joshua's leadership.
  • The land was divided among the twelve tribes.

3.2 The Period of the Judges

Verses: Judges 2:11-19; Judges 6:11-16
  • During the period of the Judges, Israel experienced cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.
  • God raised up judges to deliver Israel from their enemies.

4. Historical Books: Kings and Prophets

4.1 The Establishment of the Monarchy

Verses: 1 Samuel 8:4-9; 1 Samuel 10:1
  • Israel demanded a king to be like the other nations.
  • Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel.

4.2 David: A King After God's Own Heart

Verses: 1 Samuel 16:7; 2 Samuel 7:12-16
  • David, a man after God's own heart, became king after Saul.
  • God made a covenant with David, promising that his throne would endure forever.

4.3 Solomon: Wisdom and Apostasy

Verses: 1 Kings 3:5-14; 1 Kings 11:1-8
  • Solomon, David's son, built the temple in Jerusalem.
  • Solomon's wisdom and wealth were renowned, but he also fell into idolatry.

5. The Prophets: Messengers of God

5.1 The Role of the Prophets

Verses: Isaiah 6:8-10; Jeremiah 1:4-10
  • The prophets spoke God's word to the people, calling them to repentance.
  • The prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah.

5.2 Major and Minor Prophets

Verses: Isaiah 53:5-6; Micah 5:2
  • The major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel) delivered messages of judgment and hope.
  • The minor prophets addressed specific issues within Israel and Judah.