The Bible (according to my studies of interpretation)

Lately, there have been a lot of people discussing the Old Testament and its relevance to the Christian church.  So, here is my breakdown of the O.T. to those who have not read it, or find it confusing to read through.  I welcome all, more knowledgeable that I, to correct any errors of interpretation as Iron sharpens Iron, and I eagerly wish to be further sharpened. 

The Bible according to my studies of interpretation:

Old Testament:

In the beginning God created (Gen 1-2), Adam and Eve sinned (Gen 3), God Cursed Man (Gen 3), first prophecy of Messiah (gen 3:14-15).  Man lives apart from God’s presence, Genesis 4-God blesses those who obey (Geneology) and curses those who disobey (Flood, Sodom/Gomorrah/Egyptian slavery) and Builds a Nation through Abraham.  God Outlines sins to his people (Exodus 20) God outlines worship apart from the Holy Spirit (Exodus 40), God outlines laws for the religious proving that it is impossible to live a life without sin (Leviticus), God’s people increase in number, God’s people need more land-previously foregone in Genesis due to famine (numbers), God continues to describe what a holy people look like: political nation (Deuteronomy). God’s people reclaim the promised land (Joshua), God’s people need a ruler (Judges) God’s people beg for a king-God warns them no, God gives into their requests.

The Nation of Israel’s Heirarchy (1&2 Kings, 1&2 Samuel) Chronicles of the kings, The king’s writings and wisdom recorded: Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Songs of Solomon.

God’s Kings and Nation are disobedient and they fall into their sin, thus God gives them over to their enemies.  Israel is lost, Judah is Lost, His people are carried off to: Babylon, Persia, Some people stand out in their obedience despite the harshness of the world (Nehemiah-Built the wall, Esther became Queen and saved the Jews from Haman, Daniel became a prophet but first endured a great testing of faith that eventually lead the king of Babylon to God,)

Hosea’s family life is falling apart, and God uses it as an illustration of Isreal’s unfaithfulness, as unfaithful as a cheating wife, and yet, as Hosea forgive’s his wife numerous times for her adultery, so does God forgive his people.

Some prophets predict and record the return of Israel: Ezra.  These prophets are grouped as major prophets and minor prophets but are not to be read in chronological order.  Their stories are often intertwined with previously read Kings, and characters. 

Other prophets predicting the sins of God’s people and their eventual consequences: Jeremiah: “The weeping Prophet” cried for his people but was not heard and may have further “Lamented” in the book of Lamentations, Isaiah: recorded many detailed prophecies of the coming messiah, Ezekial prophesies of the end of times for Israel and the world in the day of the Lord, SO does Zephaniah. Hosea brings the people their charge from the Lord, Joel pleads with God’s people to “WAKE UP!”, Amos: Predicts an Earthquake 2 years before it occurs and prophecies the Judgments not just for Isreal, but for Israel’s neighbor’s sins as well.  Obediah speaks to Edom and the decendents of Esau for their sins (Gen. 27) lesson: God’s Judgement comes in his day and his time, but it comes nonetheless. 

Jonah: A prophet who runs from the Lord, is miraculously swallowed by a whale in full prophecy of the Death and Resurrection of the messiah and eventually leads wicked Ninevah to their redemption. Naham: also prophecy’s against the sins and for Ninevah’s judgment.  Micah: Describes the folly in man’s plans as opposed to that of Gods, as well as warns against false prophets and speaks to the deliverance of God’s people.  Habakuk records his conversation with God.  Zephaniah writes a call to the people to “RETURN TO THE LORD.”  Malachi reminds us that no matter what happens, we should never doubt God’s love for his people, he warns against the breaking of our Covenant with God and thus judgment will come to the unfaithful but to the faithful remnant who remain in his word and are steadfast in his commands, he will reward.