Category Old Testament Studies

Saul began as a humble, impressive young man chosen to be Israel's first king, but impatience, disobedience and jealousy led to his downfall. Here is his story and the lessons it holds.

Samuel was dedicated to God as a child, heard God's voice in the night, and became Israel's last judge and the prophet who anointed its first kings. Here is his life story and what it teaches about listening to God.

Ruth is a short, beautiful story of loyalty, kindness and redemption set in the time of the judges. Learn the story of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz, the meaning of the 'kinsman-redeemer', and how Ruth leads to King David and Jesus.

Judges describes a repeated pattern of sin, oppression, crying out and rescue in Israel's early years in Canaan. Here is the cycle explained, the main judges, and what the book teaches about faithfulness and leadership.

The book of Joshua tells how Israel crossed the Jordan, took Jericho and settled in Canaan under Moses' successor. Here is an overview of its story, its hard questions, and its lessons about courage and faithfulness.

Deuteronomy records Moses' final speeches to Israel before they entered the promised land. Learn its structure, the Shema, the call to love God wholeheartedly, and why Jesus quoted it so often.

Numbers tells of Israel's forty years in the wilderness — a story of complaint, unbelief, judgement and God's faithful care. Here is an overview of the book and the lessons it teaches.

Once a year Israel's high priest entered the most holy place to make atonement for the whole nation. Here is what happened on the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16, including the scapegoat, and how Hebrews sees it fulfilled in Jesus.

Leviticus describes five main offerings: burnt, grain, peace, sin and guilt offerings. Here is what each meant, why God gave a system of sacrifice, and how the New Testament sees them fulfilled in Jesus.

The tabernacle was the tent where God's presence lived among Israel. Here is a simple guide to its courtyard, holy place and most holy place, its furniture, and how it points to Jesus.