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Summary of Old Testament

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Summary of the Old Testament

Starting with the book of Genesis uses narrative form to tell us God created the universe. God then created man. He created man from his own image. There was Adam and Eve. They were supposed to populate the land and they both disobeyed God words by not listening.
Exodus only the first part of the book is a narrative. The genre changes the law in verse 20. The narration picks up 400 years later after Jacob moved to Egypt. God used a burning bush to speak to Moses and inform him that he is the one to deliver the Israelites out of bondage. Moses did not think he could convince the Israelites and Pharaoh that this was God’s command. Moses confronted Pharaoh with ten plagues. The 10th plague began the Passover ritual. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and to Mt Sinai. When they reached Mt. Sinai, God gave the people his commandments or laws. The law taught the Israelites how to have a relationship with God and each other.
Leviticus
Leviticus uses the genre of law. Israelites are told how and why to have sacrificial offerings. These offerings are broken into three categories. Consecratory offerings were used to dedicate a person or thing to God. Expiatory offering were acknowledge sin. Communal offering were a way for communities to celebrate their thankfulness to God.
Numbers
Numbers is both the book of narrative and law. Per God’s instructions, Moses took a census of all the Israelites. This help organized them by their 12 tribes. Levites were not included in the count as there were to serve as priests. The Israelites left Sinai to go to the Promise Land. Along the way there were complaints and hardships. The Israelites rebelled against Moses and God. God condemned them. God showed no mercy.
Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy is the book of law genre. Moses retells of what God has done for the Israelites. Moses starts by giving the historical account of the appointment of Moses as a leader. Moses recounts the rebellion and distrust on their journey to the Promised Land. Moses reiterates the wanderings of the dessert and how the Israelites defeated several cities and states. Moses restates the dividing of the land. He (Moses) retells the Ten Commandments. Moses tell the Israelites how to love God as their God, and not to worship other Gods. Moses is basically telling the Israelites how to have a relationship with one another and with God.
Joshua
This book is a narrative about how Joshua conquering the Promised Land through God’s commands. Jericho was the first conquest after crossing the Jordan River. Rahab, Canaanite, helped two Israelites spies escape. Her loyalty saved her and her family. Ai was next, even though the first battle was lost. Ai’s first battle was lost due to Achan’s sin. After Ai was destroyed, Joshua renewed the Covenant of Moses. Joshua went on to defeat the different kings in the land. Joshua gathered the leaders and reminded them to follow the Book of the Law of Moses.
Judges
Judges is a historical narrative of Israel’s cycle of committing evil in the eyes of God. God chose leaders, or judges, to help fight off oppression and restore peace to the land. There were many judges, but only three major ones. Deborah, God used to fight and win a battle with the Canaanites. Gideon, help when Israel was oppressed by the Midianites. Gideon was a coward, but he had great faith in God. Samson was the third major judge. Samson was to deliver the Israelites from the Philistines through his strength. Samson broke his vows to God, and God left him.
Ruth
Ruth is the book of narrative genre. Naomi and he husband moved to Moab from Israel in the search of a better life because of the famine. Their sons married Moabite women, one named Ruth. After Naomi husband died, her two sons shortly followed afterward. Naomi stated that she was going back to her homeland and Ruth insisted on going with her because she love Naomi and she loved God.
1 Samuel
1 Samuel is a historical narrative of Samuel, Saul, and David. The book starts with a description of the birth of Samuel to Elhanan, a priest, and his wife, Hannah. Samuel decided to serves God as a judge. The Philistines won a battle and captured the Ark of God. Through God’s invention, the Ark was returned to Israel. Because Israel asked for a king Samuel anoints Saul, God’s choice.
2 Samuel
2 Samuel is the historical narrative of David ruling over Israel. David laments over Saul and Jonathan’s death. David is anointed king of Judah, and then Israel. David conquers Jerusalem and brings the Ark there. God set out for David. David prays and defeats the Philistines and the Ammonites.

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