synopsis of the old testament
If you're a Christian, chances are you've read parts of the Old Testament—but like many, you may find it hard to follow. The stories seem distant, the laws confusing, and the timeline overwhelming not to mention all the names, places, and other information.
In her helpful resource, Epic of Eden, Dr. Sandra Richter calls this "the dysfunctional closet syndrome."
Many Christians wrestle with this journey and struggle to find the Old Testament's rich meaning and relevance. And so, with 39 books and centuries of history, which Dr. Richter also refers to as "the great barrier," it’s easy to wonder: How does this even apply to my life today? Why is the Old Testament important?
This page won’t answer every question about the Old Testament, but it will give you a solid starting point on your journey of understanding it. From here, you’ll later (once it's created) be invited to take part in a simplified yet deeper course that explores the overview and big picture of this often overwhelming portion of Scripture.
The following is a clear, simplified synopsis of the Old Testament to help you see the bigger picture and appreciate why the Old Testament still matters.
basic synopsis of the old testament story
The Old Testament lays the foundation of God’s redemptive plan. It begins with Creation, where God creates humanity in His image, followed by the fall into disobedience/sin that shatters His perfect design. From there, God reveals His faithfulness through covenants—calling His people into relationship with Him and pointing toward ultimate redemption.
Much of the Old Testament records Israel’s up-and-down relationship with God, marked by both failure and hope. These narratives are an example for us.
From Adam to Abraham, Moses to David, the prophets to the exile, the story highlights God’s holiness, justice, and steadfast love. Through law, history, poetry, and prophecy, the Old Testament prepares the way for Jesus Christ and the fulfillment of God’s promises in the New Testament.
Why the Old Testament Still Matters
The Old Testament reveals God’s unchanging character, shows the roots of the Gospel, and provides wisdom for life today. Far from being outdated, its pages help us understand who God is and how He works in our world.
Common Questions People Ask
Many readers wrestle with questions such as:
- How do I apply the Old Testament to my life today
- Is the Old Testament still relevant?
- Why are there so many laws?
- Why did God command violence?
- Is the God of the Old Testament the same as the God of the New?
- Why do large portions feel difficult to understand or relate to?
These are just a few of the big questions we’ll begin unpacking together in my upcoming guided course.
What’s Ahead
If the synopsis of the Old Testament has you wanting to dig deeper without feeling overwhelmed, coming soon is my 7-lesson course that will walk you through the Old Testament in a simple, faith-building way—with guidance and encouragement along the way.
What You’ll Gain from This Course:
- Clarity & Structure – The big picture of the Old Testament will be organized in an easy-to-follow way so you no longer feel overwhelmed by the narrative.
- Visual Learning Tools – You’ll receive clear, understandable, memorable charts for each section of the Old Testament, plus one overall chart that ties everything together.
- Interactive Community – Unlike the many free courses online, you’ll be able to engage with other students and ask questions in a continual, active forum.
- Application Statements: Clear, concise practical takeaways with explanations on how the Old Testament applies to today. You'll come away with numerous applications to your daily Christian journey.
- Review Sheets – review and retain key concepts from each section of the Old Testament.
Also, you'll find...
- Suggested resources for continued study
- A special article explaining questions surrounding all the violence in the Old Testament
- Two free e-books on the topic of prayer (in one you'll find prayers in the tone of Old Testament characters like Nehemiah).
- A list with simple explanations and examples of each of the literary genres in the Old Testament
- A prayer guide based on the prayers recorded in the Old Testament.
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at: joecopywriter2020@gmail.com.