Chapter 2 The Old Testament
Overview Old Testament to Christianity Major Sections Book of Laws Historical Books Wisdom Literature Prophetic Books Broad Overview of OT History Typology
Key Ideas – Chapter 2 The Old Testament The Law of the Old Testament (pp. 24-27) The History, Wisdom and Prophecy of the Old Testament (pp. 28-33) Old Testament History and Typology (pp. 34-38)
OT to Christianity: Law and the Prophets perfected Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy Matthew 5:17-48 Group 1: Matthew 5:17-20 Group 2: Matthew 5:21-26 Group 3: Matthew 5:27-30 Group 4: Matthew 5:31-32 Group 5: Matthew 5:33-38 Group 6: Matthew 5:38-42 Group 7: Matthew 5:43-48
The Law Also known as the Torah or the Pentateuch, sometimes the Books of Moses. Most important of Hebrew Scriptures Genesis – Greek for “Beginning” Exodus – Greek for “going out” Leviticus – Levitical Priests Numbers – Census of Tribes Deuteronomy – Greek for Second Law
Sources of the Pentateuch Jehovist or Yahwist Elohist Deuteronomistic Priestly
Sources of the Pentateuch Full Name Approximate Date Basis of Theory J Jehovist or Yahwist 10th or 9th Century BC Use of “Yahweh: reflects the perspective of the Jews in Judah E Elohist 9th or 8th Century BC The use of “Elohim” reflects the perspective of Jews in the Northern Kingdom of Israel D Deuteronomistic 7th Century BC Written at the time of King Josiah’s reforms P Priestly 6th Century BC (during Babylonian Exile) An editor may have revised the five books to reflect the concerns of the priesthood in Jeruselam at the time of the return from the Exile
The Historical Books 14 Books tell the story of Israel – Conquest, Kingdom, Exile and Restoration (Maccabees to Roman Empire) Joshua – successor of Moses Judges – Israelites led by “Judge” Ruth – Conversion story, great-grandmother of David 1 & 2 Samuel – 1st King of Israel: Saul & successor David 1 & 2 Kings – King Solomon (Temple), Split of Israel/Judah 1 & 2 Chronicles – retells Samuel/Kings from different point of view Ezra, Nehemiah, Tobit, Judith, Esther – exile stories 1 & 2 Maccabees – family revolt against the Greeks
Wisdom Literature Seven books written in poetry or prose offer life advice Job – why do bad things happen to good people? Psalms – 150 religious poems or songs (Responsorial) Proverbs – Wise sayings Ecclesiastes – Vanity, worldly things worthless Song of Solomon (Songs) – Love poem Wisdom of Solomon – poem of wisdom Sirach – Living a good life
The Prophetic Books 18 Prophets warned of Israel’s infidelity, consoled her sufferings, and foretold a Messiah Prophet – to speak for another Major Profits Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Baruch, Ezekiel, Daniel Minor Profits Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah Post-Exilic Profits Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi
Old Testament History Outline Pre-History (Genesis 1-11) and Early History ( - 1635 BC) The Exodus & Journey to Promised Land (1571-1406 BC) Conquest of Canaan (1406-1120 BC) The United Kingdom (1050-930 BC) The Divided Kingdom (930-586 BC) Babylonian Captivity (586-536 BC) Return from Exile (537-442 BC) Revolt of the Maccabees (336-133 BC)
Typology “The New Testament is hidden in the Old and the Old is made manifest in the New.” – St. Augustine Type – an event or person in Scripture that points forward to a later event or person. Has similar virtues or other qualities as its fulfillment Typology – the study of types in Scripture E.G. Abraham’s Sacrifice God Sacrificing his own Son Does not reject the story by itself, but enhances its meaning.
Review New Testament fulfills the Old Testament Old Testament consists of 46 Books divided by genre Pentateuch – most important, Laws, written by four sources Historical Books – tell the history of the Jewish People Wisdom Literature – songs, poems and prose about life Prophetic Books – People sent by God to challenge Israelites to live a faithful life. Typology – points to New Testament