Old Testament Overview

Genesis

• First book of the Old Testament
• Covers creation, Adam and Eve, Noah's Ark, and early patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob)
• "Genesis" means "origin" or "beginning"

Exodus

• Second book of the Old Testament
• Details the Israelites' escape from Egypt under Moses
• Includes the Ten Commandments and God's covenant with the Israelites

Monotheism

• Belief in one God
• Judaism is an example, based on Old Testament teachings

Polytheism

• Belief in multiple gods
• Neighbors (Canaanites) worshipped gods like Baal and Asherah

Divine Revelation

• God communicating His will and purpose to humans
• Example: God's revelation to Moses through the burning bush

Sacred Scripture

• Holy writings of a religion
• Old Testament (Judaism & Christianity)
• Includes: Torah, Historical Books, Wisdom Literature, Prophetic Books

Salvation History

• God's actions throughout history to redeem humanity
• Example: God's covenant with Abraham, promising descendants

Canon

• Official list of sacred books
• Old Testament has different lists (Protestant vs. Catholic)

Pentateuch

• First five books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy)
• Also known as the Torah

Torah

• Core of Jewish tradition
• First five books of the Old Testament
• Means "The Law"

"The Law"

• God's commandments and instructions to the Israelites
• Primarily found in the Torah
• Key example: Ten Commandments

Chosen People

• Israelites chosen by God as His special people
• God's covenant with Abraham began this concept

Holy Land

• Ancient Palestine (modern-day Israel)
• Important religious area
• Examples: Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron

Jewish Patriarchs

• Abraham, Isaac, Jacob
• Founding fathers of the Israelite nation

Judge

• Military leader and arbiter of disputes in ancient Israel (before kings)
• Examples: Deborah, Gideon, Samson

Apostasy

• Abandonment or rejection of religious beliefs (Israelites)
• Common during the time of the Judges

Cycle of Sin (Judges)

• Sin → servitude → supplication → salvation → silence/peace (cycle repeats)

Prophet

• Messenger from God to Israelites
• Examples: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel

The Big 5 (Major Prophets)

• Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Moses (note: Moses is not one of the 'major prophets' in usual definitions)

Covenant

• Solemn agreement between God and His people
• Establishes a relationship with commitments
• Examples: Noah's covenant (no more floods)

Exile

• Time when Israelites were forced out of their homeland
• Often due to foreign conquest
• Led to cultural and religious challenges in foreign lands