Essentials of the Old Testament
About This Class
While the Old Testament is a very large and diverse collection of writings, Dr. Stewart will give you a clear and helpful overview of the books from Genesis to Malachi, from creation to the fourth century BC
About the Professor
Douglas Stuart
Professor Stuart is an expert in Old Testament studies, ancient languages, and biblical interpretation. A Gordon-Conwell professor since 1971, he's an author, pastor, and sought-after speaker, fluent in 14 languages with global ministry experience.
Lessons
Welcome to a fast-paced, five-part journey through the Old Testament! In just a few hours, we’ll explore its grand narrative—beginning with creation and covenant in Genesis and Exodus, then moving through law, history, prophecy, and poetry. Along the way, you’ll discover how the Old Testament lays the foundation for understanding Jesus and the New Testament. It’s not just background—it’s essential! From God’s creation and humanity’s fall to His plan for redemption and ultimate restoration, these ancient books offer timeless truths and profound hope. Join us as we uncover the rich, unfolding story of God’s love and purpose for His people.
0% CompleteIn this second part of our Old Testament overview, we explore Israel’s law and covenant, beginning with the Ten Commandments and continuing through Deuteronomy. Rather than a list of rigid rules, these laws reflect a covenant—an ancient, relational contract—between God and His people. We’ll look at how this structure shaped Israel’s identity, unpack its hierarchy (including the two greatest commandments), and explain why Old Testament law is meant to be paradigmatic—guiding us through examples, not exhaustive detail. Come discover how these ancient laws still speak meaningfully today about love, justice, and faithful living in relationship with God.
0% CompleteStep into the sweeping story of God’s faithfulness in the historical books of the Old Testament—from Joshua to Esther. These books capture Israel’s journey: their triumphs, failures, leadership, wars, exile, and restoration. You’ll meet bold figures like Joshua, Deborah, David, and Nehemiah, and see how God remains steadfast—even when His people aren’t. Through cycles of disobedience and renewal, God patiently works out His redemptive plan. These aren’t just ancient stories—they’re vivid reminders of God’s justice, mercy, and love across generations. Whether faithful or flawed, each life shows how God invites His people into covenant relationship, again and again.
0% CompleteThe prophetical books of the Old Testament—from Isaiah to Malachi—offer a powerful portrait of God’s justice, mercy, and longing for relationship with His people. These 16 prophets spoke boldly across centuries, calling Israel to return to covenant faithfulness. From Isaiah’s vision of the Suffering Servant to Daniel’s apocalyptic hope, and from Amos’s cry for justice to Hosea’s portrait of divine love, each voice reveals God’s heart. Even in the face of exile, idolatry, or national failure, the prophets pointed to restoration, purity, and a coming Messiah. Their timeless messages still echo today, inviting us to live by faith and follow God wholeheartedly.
0% CompleteThe Poetical Books—Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs—offer deep, lyrical insight into life’s big questions. Rooted in Hebrew wisdom (chokmah), they explore how to make godly choices, endure suffering, praise with honesty, live with purpose, and love with depth. Job wrestles with undeserved pain, Psalms teach us to pray and praise, Proverbs offers everyday guidance, Ecclesiastes confronts life’s meaning, and Song of Songs celebrates romantic love in God’s design. These books speak to the heart as much as the mind, inviting us to trust, rejoice, and reflect deeply as we walk with God through all of life.
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Class Resources
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Essentials of the Old Testament - Student Guide
This guide is intended to be used with the BiblicalTraining.org class, Essentials of the Old Testament , by Dr. Douglas Stuart. It begins with an introduction to the content...
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