Episode 27: Bible Study – Old Testament Overview
Episode Overview
How do the 39 books of the Old Testament fit together, and what do they have to do with Jesus? Episode 27 provides a bird’s-eye view of the Old Testament and its place within God’s unfolding plan of redemption. This episode explores the Law, Historical Books, Wisdom and Poetry, and the Prophets while showing how God’s holiness, humanity’s need for redemption, His covenant promises, and the expectation of a coming Messiah prepare the way for Jesus Christ.
Listen above, share this episode with someone who may need to hear its message, and follow the Steadfast Fortitude Podcast on your favorite podcast platform so you don’t miss future episodes.
Episode Context
With 39 books covering thousands of years of history, the Old Testament can initially feel overwhelming. It contains creation, laws, genealogies, sacrifices, wars, kings, poetry, wisdom, prophecy, judgment, and promises. Yet when we step back and see the larger picture, an important truth emerges:
The Old Testament is one unfolding story that prepares the way for Jesus Christ.
After His resurrection, Luke 24:27 tells us that Jesus began with Moses and the Prophets and explained what the Scriptures said concerning Himself. The Old Testament therefore provides the essential foundation for understanding the gospel and God’s redemptive plan.
The story begins with the five books of the Law, or Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Genesis introduces creation, humanity’s fall into sin, and God’s covenant promises. Exodus reveals God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt, while Leviticus emphasizes sacrifice and holiness. Numbers records Israel’s wilderness journey, and Deuteronomy prepares a new generation to enter the Promised Land.
Together, these books reveal God’s holiness, humanity’s sinfulness, and our need for redemption.
The Historical Books continue the story as Israel enters the Promised Land, experiences the period of the judges, establishes a monarchy, divides into kingdoms, falls into rebellion, experiences exile, and eventually begins returning to the land. Through people such as Joshua, Ruth, Samuel, David, Solomon, Esther, Ezra, and Nehemiah, we repeatedly see both human failure and God’s faithfulness.
The Wisdom and Poetry Books—Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs—address the realities of everyday life. They wrestle with suffering, worship, wisdom, purpose, relationships, grief, joy, and the meaning of life while continually directing us toward God.
Then come the Prophets. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and the other prophetic books confronted sin, called God’s people to repentance, warned of judgment, and proclaimed future hope. Again and again, they pointed toward a coming Messiah and the restoration God would ultimately provide.
Across every section, one theme remains constant: God is faithful even when people are not.
Humanity repeatedly fails. Israel rebels. Leaders sin. Kings fall short. Yet none of these failures prevent God from continuing His plan of redemption.
This is why understanding the Old Testament makes the New Testament richer. Jesus said in Matthew 5:17 that He came not to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill them. The sacrifices anticipate the ultimate sacrifice. The priesthood helps us understand Christ as our perfect High Priest. Israel’s kings prepare us to recognize the eternal King. The prophets create an expectation for the promised Messiah.
The New Testament doesn’t disconnect us from the Old Testament—it reveals the fulfillment toward which the Old Testament was pointing.
When we recognize these connections, the Bible begins to look less like 66 separate books and more like the unified story of God’s work to redeem His people through Jesus Christ.
As you read the Old Testament, consider asking three questions:
What does this reveal about God? What does it teach me about humanity? How does it fit within God’s plan of redemption and point toward Jesus?
Stay rooted in God’s Word. Stand firm in your faith. Live with steadfast fortitude.
