Old Testament: Covenant, Law and Prophecy
The Old Testament comprises the 39 books from Genesis to Malachi, written mostly in Hebrew by 32 authors over approximately 1,000 years (c. 1500–500 BC). Its central focus is the covenant between God and the Israelites, establishing the framework of law, sacrifice, and prophecy that points forward to the coming Messiah.
The Covenant and the sacrificial system
Under the Old Covenant, God was approached through a priest with sacrifices, introducing the principle that a life — animal or bird — had to be forfeited for sin (Lev 1–7). This sacrificial system established the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. The Old Testament pointed forward to the Messiah (anointed one) who would bring deliverance, and was superseded by the New Covenant, which focuses on the death of Christ for all humanity (Jer 31:31–34).
God speaks to us through the Old Testament too
By reading and understanding the Old Testament, we gain a clearer insight into the New Testament, which contains many Old Testament prophecies and passages. The Old Testament teachings and revelations related to the Israelites' worship of God and everyday life; however, it also contained prophecies and promises for the future that they could not comprehend.
The law and its relevance today
Old Testament regulations fall into three categories. The moral laws (e.g. the 10 Commandments) still apply today in the context that by observing them we are loving God and our neighbour as ourselves — the two commands Jesus gave New Testament believers (Mt 22:37–40). The principles behind the civil laws remain valid guides, although there are limitations in today's context. The ceremonial laws pertained to Israel's elaborate system of sacrifices and worship, and as such do not relate directly to us, yet the principles of worshipping and loving God still apply.
Moral, civil and ceremonial laws distinguished
The Old Testament was given to the nation of Israel and is not binding on Christians, for Jesus put an end to the Old Testament law (Jer 31:31–34; Rom 7:1–7, 10:4; Gal 3:23–25; Eph 2:15; Col 2:14; Heb 10:9-10). However, as Christians, we are under the law of Christ (Gal 6:2). Jesus clarified what God requires: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbour as yourself" (Mk 12:30-31). By obeying these two commands, we fulfil all that Christ requires, for "to love God is to obey His commands" (1 Jn 5:3). Jesus came to fulfil the law (Mt 5:17–19); thus, the Old Testament is not irrelevant — its commands take on a new significance or spiritual application.
The structure and books of the Old Testament
The Old Testament books are grouped by subject similarity, not the time order in which they were written. The historical books (Genesis to Esther) show how God is involved in human history — including how God created the world (as revealed to Moses), chose the nation of Israel to carry out His plan to save all humanity, and gave laws or guidelines for correct living. The poetry and wisdom books (Job to Song of Solomon) reveal the human response to God and life. The prophetic books (Isaiah to Malachi, grouped as either major or minor prophets depending on their length) often speak of God's judgment on His people because of their sin, but also predict the coming of the Messiah (Christ).
The Old Testament can be read in 59 hours.
Reflection and Application:
- How does understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system deepen your appreciation of Christ's sacrifice?
- Which of the three categories of Old Testament law — moral, civil, or ceremonial — most shapes your daily walk with God?
- Read an Old Testament prophetic passage and consider how it points forward to Jesus.
- Reflect on how loving God and loving your neighbour fulfills the heart of the law (Mk 12:30–31).