1.

OLD TESTAMENT OVERVIEW

A. Objectives: After engaging in each topic, you should have

1. known basic information about the Bible,

2. listed the Old Testament division of the Protestant Bible,
3. recognized the major Old Testament period, and
4. explained Biblical inspiration.

B. Key Concepts
1. Basic Introduction to the Bible
The Bible is actually a library (collection) of books, 66 in number. Its name, taken from the Greek ―ta
biblia, originally meant―the books. When the term passed into Latin of the Middle Ages, it became singular in
form, ―biblia, or ―the Book. Other names used in referring to the Bible are:
1. The Holy Bible 5. The Scriptures
2. The Holy Book 6. The Holy Scriptures
3. The Old and New Testaments 7. The Word of God
4. The Scripture 8. The Written Word of God

The whole Bible was written in the long past by approximately 40 writers in a period of 15 centuries
(1500 years). The last written book in the Bible was in around AD 95 (book of Revelation).

The Grand Theme of the Bible: ―The story of redemption conceived in the mind of God, accomplished
in Christ, and conveyed by the work and will of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible is different from other books because the Bible is inspired by God: thus, it is not just an
invention of human beings (see 2 Timothy 3: 16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

Biblical Inspiration – ―the operation of the Holy Spirit upon the writers of the books of the Bible in
such a manner that their productions are expressions of God’s will.

The divine inspiration on the Bible makes it the ―written Word of God. ‖ It is through the Bible that God
communicates to human beings His will. Hence, the Bible is the basic textbook of Christians for their beliefs
and practices (actions). It is through the Bible that Christians will know what God wants them to believe and do.

II. The Old Testament: What is it all about?

It is the part of the Bible extending from Genesis to Malachi (39 books), and it is the first major section of
the Bible.
It is a record of the origin of everything, the formation of the nation of Israel by God and how God dealt
with them, and the prophecies and promises of the coming of Messiah/Christ.
The OT books were written in a period of around 1,000 years, but the events mentioned in the OT were
indefinite long periods of time (from the beginning to c. 430 BC).

III. Why study the Old Testament?

1. It is the Word of God. God’s will is also revealed in the OT, and we can know it if we read/study the OT.
2. The Old Testament is the foundation of the New Testament. The OT is necessary for understanding the NT.
3. It is what Jesus and the Apostles used. If Jesus gave importance to the OT, then Christians should also give
value to it.
IV. Division of the Old Testament Books (Protestant Canon)
I. The Pentateuch
1. Genesis 3. Leviticus 5. Deuteronomy
2. Exodus 4. Numbers

II. Historical Books

6. Joshua 10. 2 Samuel 14. 2 Chronicles
7. Judges 11. 1 Kings 15. Ezra
8. Ruth 12. 2 Kings 16. Nehemiah
9. 1 Samuel 13. 1 Chronicle 17. Esther

III. Poetry and Wisdom

18. Job 20. Proverbs 22. Song of Songs
19. Psalms 21. Ecclesiastes

IV. Prophets
23. Isaiah 29. Joel 35. Habakkuk
24. Jeremiah 30. Amos 36. Zephaniah
25. Lamentation 31. Obadiah 37. Haggai
26. Ezekiel 32. Jonah 38. Zechariah
27. Daniel 33. Micah 39. Malachi
28. Hosea 34. Nahum

V. Major Biblical Periods

Primeval History: Belonging to the first or earliest age (s). Includes the accounts of creation, the flood, and the
tower of Babel

Patriarchal Period: 1900 – 1800 B.C. Period of the Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

Exodus: 280 B.C. The traditional figure is attached to the period of the Exodus from Egypt.

Conquest: 1250 – 1200 B.C. Period of the conquest of Canaan.

Judges: 1200 – 1020 B.C. Period of the Judges who governed over the various tribes of the Hebrew people.

United Monarchy: 1020 – 922 B.C. Reign of Saul, David, and Solomon.

Divided Monarchy: 922 – 722/721 B.C. The split between North (Israel) and South (Judah).

Fall of Israel (Samaria): 722/721 B.C.

Fall of Judah (Jerusalem): 587 B.C.

Exilic Period: 587 – 538 B.C.

Post-exilic Period: 538 B.C.

VI. Some principles in studying the Bible

1. The Bible is the only inspired self-revelation of the one true God. Therefore, it must be interpreted in light of
the intent of the original divine author through a human writer in a specific historical setting.
2. The Bible was written for the common man—for all men! God accommodated Himself to speak to us clearly
within a historical and cultural context. God does not hide the truth—He wants us to understand! Therefore, it
must be interpreted in light of its day, not ours. The Bible cannot mean to us what it never meant to those who
first read or heard it. It is understandable by the average human mind and uses normal human communication
forms and techniques.
3. The Bible has a unified message and purpose. It does not contradict itself, though it does contain difficult
and paradoxical passages. Thus, the best interpreter of the Bible is the Bible itself.
4. Every passage (excluding prophesies) has one and only one meaning based on the intent of the original,
inspired author. Although we can never be absolutely certain we know the original author's intent, many
indicators point in its direction:
(a) the genre (literary type) chosen to express the message
(b) the historical setting and/or specific occasion that elicited the writing
(c) the literary context of the entire book as well as each literary unit
(d) the textual design (outline) of the literary units as they relate to the whole message
(e) the specific grammatical features employed to communicate the message
(f) the words chosen to present the message

1. LESSON 2: GENESIS
A. Objectives: After engaging in each topic, you should have
1. Listed the segment stories of Genesis
2. Known the chronological order of Creation towards civilization and nation
3. Read the book of Genesis from chapter to chapter and compare some passages to the New
Testament books
4. Appreciated the message of Genesis

B. Key Concepts:
I. Background
Genesis is a book of beginnings or origins.
1. Author: Moses (wrote the entire Pentateuch).
2. Date: Probably written around 1400 B.C. assuming ―early chronology ‖.
3. Place: Written while Israel was still in the wilderness as Moses was leading a nation (ethnically mixed
according to Exodus 12) in its early stages of infancy.
4. Theme: Israel’s origin and early years
5. Geography: The three key journeys: (1) from Ur to Canaan; (2) from Canaan to Egypt; (3) from Egypt
Canaan. This is the geography involved in most of the Pentateuch, namely, from Genesis 11:28 to the end
of Deuteronomy. The location of the Garden of Eden (Gen 2:8), which was the first dwelling place of man, is
unknown. Some think it was north of Babel, where the Euphrates and Tigris rivers are closest to each other. The
location of the city of Babel is where the descendants of Noah were built ―a tower whose top will reach into
heaven‖ (Gen 11:4). It is in this eleventh chapter that the story of Abraham begins, at the city of Ur.

6. Literary Genre: History, Narrative prose

II. Prominent Subjects

The purpose of these studies is to focus on each of the prominent subjects of Genesis, without making any
detailed analysis. Our interest is mainly in the highlights of the passages involved. The order of subjects to be
studied in the order in which they appear in the Bible text.
1. Creation of the Heavens and the Earth (1:1-23)
God created everything, this is a creation ex nihilo, and i.e. He created something out of nothing. See this
pattern of the six-day creation:


o (1) Light (4) light bearers
o (2) Firmament, divisions of waters (5) birds, fishes
o (3) Dryland, vegetation (6) animals, man


 (7) day of rest

2. Generations of the Heavens and the Earth (2:4-15)

The statement of 2:4 introduces the account, not of the creation of the heavens and the earth, but, rather,
of man for whom they had been created as the stage (Young, 1949:54). God especially created man; God
molded from the dust the appearance of a man then into his nostril God breathed the breath of life. The man
became a living soul.
The Bible text does not date the creation of man. It has been correctly observed that the unity of the
human race is of far greater theological import than its antiquity.

(The word “generations” in this phrase signifies “that which is begotten.”)

3. The Fall of Man (3:1-4:26)

First, read the passage. Without telling where the serpent originated, the opening verse of chapter 4
narrates his spiritual attack upon Eve. Read 2 Corinthians 11:3, which confirms that this story is a historical fact.
Also read Revelation 12:9 and 20:2, where the serpent is identified as Satan.

4. The Flood (6:1-9:29)

The people of God were in apostasy when the judgment of flood befell them. Noah was spared because he
―found favor in the eyes of the LORD (6:8).

5. The Birth of Nations (10:1-11:32)

These two chapters form a link between Noah and Abraham through the line of Shem. Shem was the
second son of Noah, and the progenitor of the Semitic race.4 First read 10:1, followed by 11:10-27. The
chronological order of events was: (1) Flood, (2) new start of the human race in the family of Noah, (3)
migration to Shinar and the building project (city and tower) at Babel, (4) confusion of languages and
geographical scattering. Now read 10:2-32. (Note the opening phrases of verses 2, 6, 22). The earth’s division
cited in 10-25 may be a reference to the Babel tower scattering (11:3-9). In what general direction were the
sons of Japheth scattered, the sons of Ham, and the sons of Shem?

6. Abraham, Father of Israel (12:1-25:18)

The name ―Abram (Abraham) appears first in the Bible at 11:26. Abraham was the father of the nation of
Israel. Up to this point, the narrative of Genesis is about the human race as a whole. Beginning at chapter 12,
and continuing to the end of the Old Testament, the story focuses on the family of Abraham, that is, the nation
of Israel. This supports the conclusion that the Bible is not so much the history of man as it is the history of the
redemption of man.
We should observe here that the world of Genesis 11 was in spiritual darkness, without hope. God’s call to
Abraham thus began a new chapter in world history.
One thing which is prominent in this story of Abraham is the many times God tested his character. These
were purifying and strengthening experiences, designed by God to build solid foundations for the family of
Israel. (e.g. test of obedience, 12:1; test of values, 13:5-18).

7. Isaac, Child of Promise (25:19-26:35)

Genesis 21:2-3 and 35:29, records Isaac’s birth and death. The span of Isaac’s life thus covers fifteen
chapters of Genesis. But he is the main character only in the short section (Gen 25:19-26:35).
Isaac was a strong spiritual link in the chain of the earliest patriarchs. When Abraham died, God’s blessing
of Israel continued through Isaac.

8. Jacob, the Transformed Brother (27:1-37:2a)

The story of Jacob shows how God can lay hold of a selfish, willful, deceitful man striving by his own efforts
to gain material blessing, and so transform his life that in the end, his character is noble and beautiful, with a
new outlook on what is a true blessing.
Jacob is said to have had twelve sons by four women, his wives, Leah and Rachel, and his concubines,
Bilhah and Zilpah, who were, in order of their birth, Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher,
Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin, all of whom became the heads of their own family groups, later
known as the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

9. Joseph, Beloved Son of Jacob (37:2b-50:26)

Even though Joseph was not of the Messianic line of the twelve sons of Jacob, God sovereignly chose him
to be the benefactor of Israel during the next crucial years of dwelling in Egypt. While in Egypt, the
descendants of Joseph and his brothers are multiplied rapidly, and soon became a large nation.

1. LESSON 3 – EXODUS
A. Objectives: After engaging in each topic, you should have

 1. known the relationship of Moses to the Israelites

 2. Identified the three parts of the Tabernacle
 3. recognized the four major cycle life of the Israelite observe in the book of Exodus
 4. pictured chronologically the major circumstances of Israelites prior to their exit of Egypt
 5. appreciated the message of deliverance of Israelites form Egypt to Sinai as the typology of
redemption in Christ.

B. Key Concept
The book of Exodus reports the first act of God’s deliverances of Israel, as He had promised Abraham. This
deliverance from bondage was a crucial event in the experience of the Israelites. The deliverance is a beautiful
type of the sinner’s redemption from bondage of sin. Thus Exodus is rightly called the ―Book of Redemption.
The English title Exodus originated with the Greek Septuagint’s Exodus (―departure, or ―exit). It was Moses
probably who wrote this book soon after the completion of the tabernacle, described in Exodus 35-40.
The overarching theme of Exodus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to the patriarchs that he would make
their descendants a great nation. This is carried out despite the opposition of the greatest superpower in the
ancient world of the time, Egypt, and despite the unbelief and disobedience of the people themselves. The
book shows that the success of the exodus must be ascribed first to the power and character of God, who
remembers his promises, punishes sin, and forgives the penitent. Second, it highlights both the faithfulness of
Moses, who follows divine instruction exactly, and his prayerfulness. It is his prayer, e.g., that leads to victory
over Amalek (17:8-16) and his intercession that persuades God to pardon the people after they had begun
worshipping the golden calf. (Chapters 32-34).

The Outline of the book of Exodus

 A. Exodus 1 – Israel is being persecuted by an Egyptian pharaoh, probably Thutmose 1.

 B. Exodus 2: 1-15 – Moses’s early years and his role as the prince of Egypt.
 C. Exodus 2:16-4:31 – Moses’ years as the shepherd of Midian.
 D. Exodus 5-17 – Moses’ role and experience as the lawgiver of Israel.

Geographically, Exodus is of three parts:

 A. Israel in Egypt C. Israel at Sinai

 B. Israel to Sinai

Prominent Subjects
Eight words represent the multicolored narrative of Exodus: bondage, Moses, plagues, Passover, exodus,
commandments, idolatry, and tabernacle.
1. Bondage (Exodus 1:8-22)
The Egyptians oppresses the Israelites. Two reasons were obvious: a) their growth was a treat to the
Egyptians who feared they might be overthrown, and b) the Egyptians benefited much from their labor.

2. Moses
Moses has been called ―one of the most colossal and majestic characters in the history of the world. ‖ He
was born of an Israelites mother but was raised by the princess of Egypt. His compassion to Israelite caused
him to flee the palace to the wilderness of Median. In Median, God continue to hone him and brought him
back to Egypt to demonstrate the power of God for the exodus (exit) of Israelites.

3. Plagues
It demonstrated the power of God (7:14-11:10; 12:29-36). The passages describing the ten judgments are
listed below:

 a. blood (7:14-25)
 b. frogs (8:1-15)
 c. lice (8:16-19)
 d. flies (8:20-32)
 e. livestock pestilence (9:1-7)
 f. boils (9:8-12)
 g. hail (9:13-25)
 h. locusts (10:1-20)
 i. darkness (10:21-29)
 j. death of firstborn (11:1-10; 12:29-36)

4. Passover (12:1-28)
The night of the Passover sacrifice was a turning point in the history of Israel. It was the beginning of a new
era for the people of God, who had multiplied in number and now were about to be redeemed from
the clutches of their oppressor. The event here was that ―the angel of death ‖ passed over the house of the
Israelites. This saved them from the anguish brought by the death of every household firstborn the Egyptians
had suffered.
5. Exodus: Red Sea deliverance and wilderness journey (12:37-18:27)
The first eighteen chapters of Exodus relate Israel’s deliverance, while the remaining chapters concern their
worship. The deliverance was not in one isolated event. It involved God’s preservation through bondage;
provision of a leader; promotion of a spirit of hope of deliverance through promises; protection in the midst of
severe plagues; power over the obstacle of the Red Sea; and provision in a strange and hostile wilderness. Such
were the varied experiences of Israel over those many years.

6. Commandments: the law given at Sinai

This is the section of Exodus which contains the familiar Ten Commandments. After God delivered his
people from bondage, He began to spell out in detail how they should worship Him publicly, privately, and
even in everyday living. These instructions were His laws. The importance of the Ten Commandments to the
world is demonstrated by the fact that the legal codes of every civilized nation are based upon them.

7. Idolatry at Sinai (32:1-34:35)

Four words summarize the narrative chapters 32-34: sin, judgment, intercession and renewal. The people’s
sin was of the worst kind: spiritual idolatry and corruption (32:1-6). God’s judgment was consuming, declared
by a jealous Lord (32:7-10). Moses’ intercession was desperate, appealing to God’s mercy (32:11-33:23). And
the consequent renewal of fellowship between Israel and God was conditional upon the people’s repentance
for sin and determination to obey the words of the covenant (34:1-35).

8. Tabernacle (25:1-31:18; 35:1-40:38)

Exodus 25:8 ESV tells, ―And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. The primary
purpose of the Tabernacle for the Israelite is the presence of God.
In the guidance of God through the leadership of Moses the design and meanings of every part of the
Tabernacle were perfectly planned and laid. Reading Exodus 25:2 gives us the glimpse of one of many other
factors on how the Tabernacle was built; the people were called to contribute not as a compulsory but from
what they willingly can as long as one of the specified materials.

The picture of the tabernacle division

(It has three division – outward courtyard, Holy Place and Holy of Holies)

The completion of the Tabernacle and the glory of God’s presence was seen in the latter part of the book
of Exodus. Young shows how the tabernacle pointed forward to Christ,

The completion of the Tabernacle is an external pledge of the permanence of the Covenant of Grace. The God of
deliverance (the Lord) has taken up His abode in the midst of His people. Yet, they are excluded from immediate
access into His presence by the veil which shut off the Holy place to all but the high priest and to him also, save
on the Day of Atonement. Through endeavor t obey the Sinaitic legislation the people would be taught their need
of a Mediator, a Mediator who would combine the prophetic office of Moses and the priestly office of Aaron. This,
the arrangements of the Tabernacle were typical, preparatory for the one Sacrifice that has taken away the sins of
the world.

1. Lesson 4 – Leviticus
A. Objectives: after engaging in each topic, you should have

 1. analyzed one of the five key themes of Leviticus,

 2. understood that despite the disparity of God and man, fellowship is still possible
 3. recognized the sequence of the Ten Commandments,
 4. known the five major offerings of the Israelites,
 5. appreciated the message of holiness.

B. Key Concepts
The book of Leviticus is God’s manual for His people on how to approach Him and live pleasing in His
sight. In the experience of the Israelites, encamped on Mount Sinai, the laws of Leviticus were the guideposts
which they needed for life on the wilderness journey ahead, and for settling in Canaan. The key command, ―Ye
shall be holy, pervades the book, revealing something of the awesome message which God always wants all His
people to hear and obey.
The book of Leviticus is a further and deeper unfolding of the divine-human relationship codified on
Mount Sinai. On the one hand, it assumes that Israel is sinful and impure. On the other hand, it describes how
to deal with sin and impurity so that the holy Lord can dwell in the people’s midst.

Key Themes:
1. The holy Lord is present in the midst of his people (Ex. 40:34; Lev. 1:1). The people of Israel must therefore
properly address their sin and impurity and must strive for personal holiness.

2. In order to approach God, worshippers must be wholehearted in their devotion (1:1-6:7;22:17-30).

3. Those who are called to be spiritual leaders, such as priests, bear a heavier responsibility that do the lay
people (chapters 4;21). In addition to the outward holiness that the priests are granted when ordained, they are
constantly commanded to maintain inner holiness (chs. 8;9;10;21).

4. As seen in the Day of Atonement ritual (ch. 16), the total cleansing of sins and uncleanness is done when the
innermost part of the tent of meeting is purified. Ultimate purification of uncleanness is impossible from the
human side.

5. Atonement is a gracious act of the Lord by which sins and impurities can be dealt with (17:11).

Prominent Subjects
1. God’s holiness and man’s sinfulness
The inescapable fact of a dichotomy (contrast) of God’s holiness and man’s sinfulness is the universal basic
problem confronting all people. The entire message of Leviticus is directed to it. The book’s good news is that
there are atonement (reparation) and cleansing for man’s sin to redeem him to God, and daily fellowship with
God is possible for those who obey His directions.
2. Laws
The many laws in Leviticus are of different kind: general or specific; ceremonial, social, or moral; temporal
or timeless: punitive or reparative. God’s Law shows man his corruption, and is intended to bring conviction of
sin. J. Gresham Machen comments, ―A low view of law leads to legalism in religion; a high view of law makes a
man a seeker after grace.

The Moral Code: The Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:1-17; 31:18)

1. Do not worship any other gods besides me (Ex. 20:3).

2. Do not make idols of many kind (Ex. 20:4).
3. Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God (Ex. 20:7).
4. Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy (Ex. 20:8).
5. Honor your father and mother (Ex. 20:12).
6. Do not murder (Ex. 20:13).
7. Do not commit adultery (Ex. 20:14).
8. Do not steal (Ex. 20:15).
9. Do not testify falsely (Ex. 20:16).
10. Do not covet (Ex. 20:17).

3. The five offerings (1:7 – 7:38)

These are the major offerings of the Israelites’ worship services.

 a. Burnt Offering: Voluntarily devoting all their very being and possessions to God, through purifying
fire
 b. Meal Offering: Thanking God and offering their lives for His service
 c. Peace Offering: Participating in the blessings of fellowship with God
 d. Sin Offering: Being forgiven because they were sinners
 e. Trespass Offering: Being forgiven for the sins they committed

4. The Priesthood (chapters 8-10; 21-22)

The inauguration of the Old Testament priestly ministry began a new era in Israel’s career, when God,
through clear and unmistakable signs, symbols, and events, daily showed forth His righteousness, grace, and
glory. Priests served especially as mediator, to help maintain fellowship between the holy God and the sinful
people.
The Messianic typology of the Old Testament priesthood is rich. (see the work of Jesus Christ in the table
above, He does the work or a priest).

5. Day of Atonement (Lev. 16)

The Day of Atonement was the most important day of Israel’s calendar, for it was then that the idea of
atonement for sin reached its highest expression. Sin and burnt offerings were part of the day’s ritual. Only on
this day could the high priest enter into the most holy place of the tabernacle. This was the only day of the year
for which fasting was required, in bold contrast to the atmosphere of rejoicing that attended the annual feats.
On no other day were the Israelites more strongly impressed with the grace of God in forgiving all their sins.
The gospel of this day was a bright prophetic sign of the coming Gospel of the event of Calvary, when Jesus
would sacrifice Himself for the sins of man, once for all.

6. Holy Times
God instituted holy times in the calendar of the Israelites so that His people would set aside many days of
the year to meditate on who He was and what He had done for them, to emphasize that believers were to be
separated unto the Lord, as well as separated from evil. And what the Israelites learned and experienced at
these holy seasons, they were to practice daily, step by step, throughout their life.

 The book of Leviticus is concerned with what it means to be the holy people of a holy God: it
provides instruction for conduct, both in private and as members of the body of God’s people, and it
details the ways in which the sacrifices and priesthood are to be administered as God’s gracious
provision for his people’s failures. Without doubt, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the
culmination of salvation history, according to which he fulfilled the goals of the various offerings, the
holy objects, the role of the chief priest, and the holy feasts. He also, by his resurrection, entered into his
Davidic kingship and has initiated the era in which the people of God include the Gentiles and are no
longer defined as a nation-state. Because of this, Christ’s atoning work made obsolete the literal
observance of not only the animal sacrifices and offerings but also the temple worship as a whole.

1. Lesson 5 – Numbers: Journey to God’s Rest Land

A. Learning Outcomes: After engaging in each topic, you should have

1. recognized the cause and effect of the Israelites unbelief in entering the Promised Land,
2. summarized the flow of events of the book of Numbers, and
3. expressed practical applications Christian should do to manifest real belief upon God’s promise.

B. Key Concepts
Numbers tells of Israel’s journey from Mount Sinai to the borders of the Promised Land, summarizing some 40
years of the nation’s history. With Israel having been freed from slavery in Egypt and then receiving the law
(Exodus and Leviticus), the book of Numbers begins with the people’s final preparations to leave Sinai. It then
records their triumphal setting out, before a series of events in which the people grumbled about the difficulty
of the journey and the impossibility of conquering Canaan. This response leads God to delay their entry to
Canaan by 40 years. The closing chapters of the book tell how the people at last set out again and reach the
banks of the Jordan, ready to cross into the land promised to their forefathers.

Numbers is to be classed as a historical work, not only because various details in it are corroborated by
archaeological discoveries but also because it deliberately sets out to record what happened on the journey
from Mount Sinai to the Jordan River. It does this to instruct future generations of readers with the lessons to
be learned from the wilderness experience. It is saying in effect to the reader, ―Your forefathers made many
mistakes in their journey to Canaan; make sure you do not repeat them.

Prominent Subjects
1. The censuses (Num. 6 and 26)
Both censuses of this book were counts of the fighting forces of Israel, not of the total population. On
the basis of those censuses, the total population has been estimated to be around two million. The people
occupied a very large area as they traveled, and were miraculously fed and sustained along the way.

2. Final instruction Before the Journey (Num. 5:1-10:10)

The first four chapters of Numbers record the directions which Jehovah gave Moses regarding
preparations for the journey as related especially to the community of the camp as a whole. In chapter 1 the
instruction was, ―Count the warriors of the camp ‖; in chapter 2, ―arrange the tribes in the camp ‖; and in
chapters 3 and 4, ―Take care of the tabernacle of the camp. ‖ Beginning at chapter 5, the directions are aimed
at individuals within the camp. (see as example 5:1-4 – put out the unclean or 5:5-31 – Judge the guilty).

3. The Spies Reports and the people’s unbelief (12:16-13:33)

As the Israelites approached the land of Canaan, Moses sent spies to see the land. The spies came back
with bad and good report; the land is rich yet the land of strong tribes. Caleb, one of the spies was optimistic to
go and dwell in the Promise Land. Others were resisting because the inhabitants of the land were mighty men.
In unbelief to the promised of God, all the people went along with the pessimistic report and rebelled against
the Lord and His promises of deliverance. This unbelief causes the people not to enter the Promised Land and
wandered for 40 years in the wilderness.

4. Desert Wanderings (15:1-19:22)

The next thirty-seven years or more were transitional years in the history of the nation of Israel. (When
the commencement and closing days of the wilderness experiences are included, the total time period was
forty years.) Read 15:1-19:22.
Geographically. The people neither advanced nor retreated geographically; rather, they wandered
aimlessly about the wilderness and desert areas, between Kadesh and the Red Sea (14:25), consuming the years
of God’s calendar or judgment. Some of the names of the camping places are listed in 33:19-36. When the
judgment years came to a close, the nation returned to Kadesh (20:1), ready to advance toward Canaan.
Population. The thirty-seven years produced the major population change. The 600,000 warriors met
their appointed death over the space of the years, some by violent causes (16:49), and were buried in the
wilderness-daily reminders of God’s great judgment. Children and youth under twenty years of age grew up,
were married, and reared children; and by the end of the wandering years, a new generation of the seen of
Abraham had appeared.
Spiritually. In a spiritual sense, new seeds of hope were sown, the original covenant and promise
reaffirmed, and preparation for entering God’s land renewed. For this spiritual ministry among the people, God
still had His servants, Moses, Aaron, Aaron’s sons, the Levites, Joshua, and Caleb.

5. At the Gate to the Land (22:2-36:13)

The Israelites had now arrived at the gate to the Promised Land. Geographically, that gate is located in
22:1 as by ―the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan opposite Jericho. ‖ At this time, Moses following the word of
God instructed and commission Joshua as his successor to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land

1. Lesson 6: Deuteronomy
A. Learning Outcomes: After engaging in each topic, you should have

1. understood that obedience to God brings blessing and disobedience punishment

2. recognized that Deuteronomy contains the addresses of Moses to the Israelite drawn from his
remembrance of God’s acts.
3. appreciated the message of Deuteronomy.

B. Key Concept
This last book of the Pentateuch records Moses’ addresses to the nation of Israel as they prepared to
enter the promised land of Canaan. ―These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel across the Jordan in
the wilderness‖ (Deut. 1:1). The closing words of the book are in epitaph memorializing the great patriarch’s
ministry:
 Since then (the time of Joshua) no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to
face, for all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him to perform in the land of Egypt against Pharaoh, all
his servants, and all his land, and for all the mighty power and for all the great terror which Moses performed in
the sight of all Israel (34:10-12).
The circumstances under which Deuteronomy was written are clear. Israel had reached the border of Canaan.
Forty years earlier the nation had been on the border of the land, but because of unbelief and disobedience,
the people were not allowed to enter. This time they had to tarry on the banks of the Jordan until they learned
this one lesson: They must obey their God. God was willing and ready to lead them on to victory and to give
them the delights of the land, on the condition that they would bend their stubborn wills and surrender entirely
to Him. Moses, the lawgiver, was about to leave them; so he gathered his beloved people around him for the
last time and delivered his farewell address – Deuteronomy.

Prominent subject

1. Remembrance of the past (1:1-4:43)

It was natural for Moses to refer to history first and let experiences be a teacher. Not every event in
Israel’s journey from Egypt was reviewed, but only those from which Moses would draw his arguments. In
substance, what he said was:―You see how it has been in the past forty years. Whenever this nation obeyed
God, it has been blessed; and whenever it has disobeyed Him, it has been punished. Therefore, in the future
obey.

2. Commandment for the present (4:44-26:19)

Most of Deuteronomy records the laws of God for Israel. God gave these as guides for leading His
people into a faith relationship with Him, and to instruct them how to live their daily life acceptable to Him.
Lest the people think lightly of that Law, Moses had reminded them of the great event at Sinai when the Maker
of heaven and earth talked to them from the fiery, smoking, quaking mountain. And to guard against any idea
that this Law had been given only to their fathers, and was, therefore, out-of-date and not binding upon this
new generation, Moses reminded the people: ―The Lord did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with
us, with all those of us alive here today.

3. Options affecting the future (27:1-30:20)

One of the first things Israel was to do on establishing themselves in the land of Canaan was to march to
Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, two mountains in the center of the country, and there set up great plastered
stones on which the Law of God was to be written. Six tribes were to stand upon Mount Gerizim, to declare
blessings upon the people for obedience to this Law, and the other six tribes were to stand upon Mount Ebal,
to declare curses upon the people for disobedience.
The consequences of obeying this Law as well as the consequences of disobeying it are set forth in chapter
28. The first fourteen verses give a bright picture of the nation’s future if they will take the path to obedience.
From these verses, we learn how blessed, rich, and powerful Israel could have been if they had been true to
God. The tone changes in verse 15, and from there onward we have a picture of the black future awaiting the
nation if they should take the path of disobedience.

4. Parting Words of Moses (31:1-34:12)

The people who have been camping on the east side of the Jordan, waiting to cross over, are given (1)
their final charges, (2) an interpretation of the philosophy of God’s judgments in history, and (3) a reminder of
the blessings awaiting the people in the land. The parting words of Moses are not bitter ones, but bright and
warm and hopeful. This patriarch remained as spiritual giant to his dying day.
References:

1. ESV Study Bible. (2011). Crossway

2. Jensen, Irving L. (1978). Jensen’s Survey of the Old Testament. Chicago: Moody Press.
3. Stuart, Douglas. Old Testament Survey Lecture Notes, https://ot500.biblicaltraining.org/OT_Survey-
Lecture_Notes.pdf
4. Student Guide for Old Testament History and Literature. (2001). Resource Institute for International
Education Church of the Nazarene.
5. Young, Edward J. (1949). An Introduction to the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.