Lesson 5

According to the New Testament, the Old Testament and its laws were designed to teach man about sin and direct them to Christ. Every detail was carefully crafted to this end. Every building project and ceremony that God assigned Israel was to be followed exactly, because the lessons were in the details (Hebrews 8:5). Israel did not see all of the lessons in the symbols, but one day Christ would come and explain to them all of the mysteries taught by the Old Testament.

This lesson looks at some of those details, showing how they fit into the “big picture”—God’s plan of salvation which began with Israel and culminated in Christ.

Read Hebrews 9:1–10. Why was Jewish worship so meticulous and ceremonial? Read Hebrews 8:4–5. Why did Israel need to be so careful to follow the pattern?

Exodus

Exodus means “going out.” It is the story of Israel leaving Egypt. God sent Israel to Egypt to be rescued from famine, but they ended up enslaved. That played well into God’s plan. While in Egypt, Israel grew from seventy people to over a million people. They were now a “nation,” as God intended. God delivered them from slavery through mighty works—the ten plagues and the crossing of the Red Sea on dry land. That got the attention of the rest of the world (Joshua 2:9–11). God did not want to save Israel alone. He wanted the whole world to know about Him and be taught about salvation and holiness.

The Ten Commandments are delivered in Exodus 20, followed by many other rules. Read Exodus 19:1–10—what did God want to turn Israel into? Read Matthew 22:34–40—what did God teach mankind through these laws?

Types and shadows are things in the Old Testament that are symbolic of spiritual truths revealed in the New Testament (Hebrews 8:5). Consider: the tabernacle (Hebrews 9:11), the high priest (Hebrews 9:11), unleavened bread for Passover (1 Corinthians 5:6–8), incense offerings (Revelation 8:3), and the veil in the temple (Hebrews 10:19–20).

Leviticus through Esther

Leviticus refers to the Levites, the priests and temple workers. Through Leviticus God taught many lessons about seeking forgiveness and cleansing. Hebrews 9:22—without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Leviticus 10:1–3 teaches about approaching God carefully.

Numbers numbers the nation and tells of Israel losing faith when spies reported powerful people in Canaan. God punished them with forty years in the wilderness. God’s people must trust Him!

Deuteronomy means “second law.” Moses teaches the Law again before Israel enters Canaan—God’s people must obey the covenant!

Joshua is the story of settling in Canaan. God’s nation now has a home. Judges shows that sin was punished and repentance was met with compassion. Judges were men and women raised up by God to fight for and lead Israel.

Ruth introduces us to the family of Jesus—Ruth is the great-grandmother of King David, ancestor of Jesus. Samuel and Chronicles show Israel becoming a monarchy—Saul failed; God raised up David, a king after His own heart. Kings and Chronicles report decline, division, and exile to Assyria and Babylon—yet God is not done with Israel. Ezra and Nehemiah tell of return, rebuilding the temple and walls, and spiritual renewal. Esther shows God preserving His people in captivity.

Poetry and Prophets

Second Peter 1:3 tells us God has given us all things we need for life and godliness. Job teaches how the godly handle suffering. Psalms teaches how the godly express themselves to God in every circumstance. Proverbs teaches practical wisdom. Ecclesiastes teaches perspective on life’s seemingly hopeless aspects. Song of Solomon paints a picture of true love between a man and woman.

The prophets (Isaiah through Malachi) had two purposes: (1) warn Israel of the consequences of sin if they did not repent, and (2) foretell and prepare us for the culmination of God’s great plan—the coming of Jesus. When He comes, the Old Testament will be completed and obsolete, and He will lead people back to God, forgiven and holy.