Long Story Short: Resource Guide

Join us this fall as we begin a big-picture overview of the Old Testament (also known as the Hebrew Bible). This is the first half of God’s grand story, helping us understand who God is, who God’s people are called to be, and God’s ultimate plan for redemption. The biblical metanarrative is the overarching story which provides context for the Bible as a whole and gives meaning to the individual stories within God’s bigger plan.

Structure/Genre

The Old Testament follows the relational trajectory between God and his people, building a stage for the Messiah to appear. This collection of 39 books covers a wide range of time from the dawn of creation to the beginning of the first century AD. Each book’s different purposes, characters, genres, and narratives weave together into a vibrant tapestry with cohesive themes. The five main sections are the Law (Pentateuch), Historical books, Wisdom literature, Major Prophets, and Minor Prophets.

Each genre contributes to the whole in a unique way. The Law appeals to our innate desire for moral direction. Flawed characters in historical narratives provide relatable moral lessons. Psalms and poetry speak to the full range of human emotion. Wisdom literature provides guidance and practical steps for living a Godly life. Prophecy gives us hope and promises to look forward to. In God’s wisdom, different genres speak to a Designer with an intimate knowledge of humanity, and the divine ability to speak consistent truths across time.

The Ancient Near East

The ancient Near East refers to an area that roughly corresponds to what we call the “Middle East” and is often referred to as “the fertile crescent.” This region has changed hands and shifted in size countless times over the years. The general border begins with modern-day Turkey, stretches down to Egypt and Sudan, across through Iran, and up through Armenia and Georgia.

The world of the Old Testament included a variety of religions. Commonly held beliefs and practices included creation myths, polytheism, polygamy, patriarchy, worship of the flesh, and even child sacrifice. In contrast, God calls Israel to live counter culturally; they are “blessed to be a blessing” (Gen 12:3).

Over more than four millennia, the ancient Near East saw the development of cities, written language, and many routes of trade. It was a hub and a cross-section of culture, history, and travel. Into this time and place, God chose to invite his covenant people to share his promises and blessing with the world.

Themes

  • Monotheism – Only One God is worthy of our worship.

  • Creation / New Creation – God created all things from nothing. This good creation was shattered by the fall, so God is continually enacting his plan to renew Creation.

  • Holiness – A holy life is one set apart and devoted wholly to God. Humans cannot achieve holiness apart from God; true holiness is only possible through God’s power.

  • Covenant – God has made a binding, relational agreement with his people which includes both responsibilities and blessings.

  • Repentance and Redemption – Humans are incapable of perfectly fulfilling our side of the covenant, so God provides a plan for redemption and gives us a path to new life through Jesus.

  • Waiting for the Messiah – God promised humanity a savior. We can trust God will deliver because the bible provides endless examples of God’s promises being fulfilled.

Reflection Questions

  • What themes do you see in this passage?

  • How does this passage expand your understanding of God’s character?

  • Who in the story do you most connect with? Who do you understand least? Why?

  • What was one new revelation you experienced during your study?

  • What questions or confusion do you have?

Going Deeper

  • Walton, Matthews, and Chavalas. The IVP Bible Background Commentary – Old Testament, (Downers Grove: IVP, 2000).

  • Neil R. Lightfoot. How We Got The Bible, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1988).

  • Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, 3rd ed. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003).

  • Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps, and Timelines. (Rose Publishing, 2005).

  • The Bible Project – This site includes introductory videos on each book of the Bible, themes and key words, and many other free resources including blogs and podcasts.

  • The Story – This is a chronological, narrative adaptation of the Bible, helpful for those who have never read the Bible in its entirety. It helps you see the flow of the biblical metanarrative.

  • The One-Year Chronological Bible – In contrast to The Story (above), this is a full-text Bible, but organized into 15-minute readings that keep the stories and events in chronological order as they occurred.

  • “How to Understand the Bible,” sermon series by Mark Ashton

  • If you are interested in studying each genre type in more detail, contact the Adult Ministry team for additional resources.

Reading Plan