THE STORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

This overview of the entire story of Scripture establishes a foundation for a biblical worldview before high school. The course materials work together to present the Bible as the true story of what God is doing to glorify Himself by redeeming His fallen creation. The modern rel- evance of the individual narratives becomes clear when they fit into the one unfolding story of Scripture.

Essential items includes the following: Teacher’s Edition, Student Text, Student Activities, Student Activities Answer Key, Tests, and Tests Answer Key.

The Story of the Old Testament will be the first essential piece in the new secondary Bible program. This course shapes future secondary Bible courses as follows.

GOD’S BIG PICTURE »» This course presents the Creation, Fall, Redemption GOD’S BIG PICTURE

God created the world God’s world fell into sin when God promised to redeem BB-U1-01b-A-fruit framework for viewing the big story of Scripture as a single and humansBB-U1-01a-A-garden to rule it. the first man disobeyed. His fallen creation. God redeemed Abraham’s seed from Egypt. God made a covenant with the Israelites and gave them His law.

1.3 THE STORY OF SCRIPTURE: Read See Exercise 1.3. John 5:39 CREATION, FALL, REDEMPTION Memorize story. Future courses will expand on this and other ingredients 3.1 MOSES AND THE NAME OF The Bible tells one story. ture—Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, Paul—fit GOD Read Exodus 1–2 Just one. into the one big story. At least four centuries have passed since the Memorize Exodus 3:13–14 It’s a long story. And it took a lot of little Let’s look at the three elements of our sum­ events at the end of Genesis (Exod. 12:40–4 stories to make up the big story. But it’s just one mary of Scripture. The first two point toward Gen. 15:13; Gal. 3:17), and things have 1; cf. Abraham’s Seed in Slavery story. the last one, and they make a little acronym (like for God’s chosen people, the seed o changed It’s impossible to know if any Israelites And it’s not just any story. It is a true story. ASAP is for the phrase “as soon as possible”) Joseph is long dead. The Egyptiansf Abraham.who exalted knew anything about the conflict Go of a biblical worldview. It involves real people, who had real feelings and that you can easily remember—CFR. Joseph to a high position and welcomed his d promised between the seed of the serpent and the seed of emotions, and who really did the things that whole family have now turned against them and the woman. All they knew was that they were were written about them. enslaved them. Why has this happened? being crushed under a great weight of Egyptia And the Bible is not just any true story. It For one very simple reason: God’s promises slavery and that maybe their God could h n is the true story of what God is doing to glo­ are working. God had told Ada The Bible Tells One Story m and Eve to “be elp. rify Himself by redeeming His fallen creation. fruitful and multiply,” and He Sometimes an author will be so popular The story has three major parts, all serving one that a number of his works will be col- had promised Abraham that purpose. lected into one volume. C. S. Lewis’s books his seed would do just that. Quite a lot of important things are left out The Problem of Pain, Mere Christianity, They would grow. But the of this lesson’s little summary of the Bible’s one and The Great Divorce are all put together Israelites’ rapid growth scared story. However, every story points to Jesus Christ under the title C. S. Lewis Signature Classics. Pharaoh because they grew so because He stands at the center of God’s plan to Authors of children’s books, too, might put much that they filled the land redeem the world. It’s important to add, too, that many unrelated stories under one cover. of Egypt and became exceed- But the Old Testament is not like that. It’s everything God does for His own glory is also ingly strong (Exod. 1:7). It’s that they misapplied that good teaching ‘deserved’ does not render the suffer- not just a random set of stories put in no to Job’s situation. ing itself unjust, nor does it imply that done for the good of His people. particular order. The books of the Bible God had also promised In general, God promises that the upright will reasoning. Evildoers aren’t the only ones in God’s Elihu was the youngest of the four men, but who claimed that Job must have God is unjust for permitting it. These A summary has to be short if it is to be can’t be separated; they go together. The Adam and Eve that He would world who suffer. he was a good listener. Not only did he hear what sinned since he is suffering. were the errors of Eliphaz, Bildad, be rewarded and that the wicked will be pun- That’s a relief, right? “Phew . . . it’s nice to the others had said, but he also gave them his memorable. Every summary will leave some­ Old Testament is more like another of C. S. put “enmity”—hostility, hatred, The God of Job Zophar, and Job. Elihu is the first one ished. There’s a lot of truth to that. Sin often know God isn’t getting me back. That’s not why attention and thought through what they were thing out because it can’t be as long as the Bible! Lewis’s series, The Chronicles of Narnia. The contention—between the seed brings consequences because sin twists things I have this cancer. I don’t have to feel guilty in saying. Elihu actually quotes Job’s words back to The God of the book of Job to put his finger on this miscompre- addition to feeling physical pain.” him and corrects him. is a God who rules this world so hension, redirecting their attention to But a summary is important because with such a books come in a certain order, and they all of the woman and the seed away from God’s design for the world. If you Or is it a relief? You might start to think, Job says, “I don’t deserve this” (33:8). completely that even Satan can’t who claimed that Job must have tell one long, glorious story! try to live outside God’s design, then things “Well, if I didn’t deserve this cancer, why in Elihu responds, “God is greater than anybody. do anything without His permis­ the immediate problem of Job—not long book, we need something that will help us of the serpent. They would the world would God put me through so much He alone is sovereign” (33:12–13). sion. God could have stopped his supposedsinned precalamity since he sins is but suffering. his don’t tend to work well. You’ll tend to suffer pain?” A lot of people in our world refuse to Job says, “God is unjust in how He is treating Job’s suffering at any point; He understand how all the smaller stories in Scrip­ have conflict. And the conflict consequences. But sometimes the conse- believe that God could have any good reason for me” (34:5–9). did so at the end of the book, in postcalamity words. [Talbert, 170] handing out pain and death like cancer. They Elihu responds, “God is always just” (34:10–12). fact, and He restored all of Job’s The God of Job between Pharaoh and the Isra- quences don’t come until the end. Sometimes want to say that God simply must not be power­ Job says, “I know that I am righteous” (35:2–3). fortunes. Elihu Answers Job Point by Point Ž the rewards of righteousness don’t come until ful enough to stop suffering. Elihu responds, “God is the one who is righ­ But before that, He had a few elites is just one example in the teous” (35:4–16; 36:2–3; 37:23). things to ask Job: See the chart onThe page 28God of theof TE.the book of Job the end—either in this world or in eternity. Elihu—a Voice of Reason Job says, “God treats me like an enemy and is Where were you when I made long history of that enmity. Not all of Job’s friends were so rash in their cruel to me” (33:10–11). this world? Have you ever walked is a God who rules this world so Proverbial sayings tend to summarize truths thinking. Elihu, Job’s fourth friend, had a passion Elihu responds, “God is good” (36:22–23). on the bottom of the ocean? Can God Responds (Job 38–41)  in short statements. The statements are true, for God. Elihu’s arguments may have weaknesses, Each time Elihu responds, he defends God you feed all the animals? Did you completely that even Satan can’t God’s response to Job confirms Elihu’s state- Creation & Fall 9 but they don’t detail all the situations and but, overall, he seeks to defend God’s reputation. and shows that Job has spoken foolishly. Elihu design birds to be able to fly? Can In fact, he burned with anger at Job because Job also argues that suffering is not always the you make it rain? ments. Notedo the anything parallels. Seewithout the two His charts permis ­ exceptions (e.g., Prov. 10:27; 11:31; 12:21). “justified himself rather than God” (32:2). This result of sin. It could be for other reasons. In his For four chapters God keeps on page 29sion. of the God TE. could have stopped Job’s friends were quoting good proverbs, was Job’s real problem. defense of God, he is unlike the three friends throwing challenging questions at Job. Job answers them all correctly—by shutting Job Alludes to Jesus Job’s suffering at any point; He 70 Unit 3 but applying them to the wrong situation. his mouth. God allowed Job to ask questions. Halfway through the book of Job, Job is The Great King of the Universe didn’t blame Job increasingly frustrated with his “friends.” No one Elihu did so at theGod end of the book, in Elihu Responds (Job 32–37) Ž for crying out to Him in anguish or for asking seems to listen to him. He wishes that before he Him hard questions about why evil things hap­ dies his words were written in a book, or better fact, and He restored all of Job’s Job had a fourth friend, Elihu, who pened to him. But in the end, Job still had to sit yet, that they were written in stone for everyone Why dost thou strive* Shall he that have to come with her to Bethlehem. Naomi says it and it’s all you think about. That’s called cov­ sat silently listening to the debate. [For a de- silently and humbly before the only one with the to read forever (19:23–24). He realizes that he against him?fortunes. (33:13) contendeth with the answers. needs someone to act on his behalf. So he says Almighty instruct him? tailed analysis of this character, see Talbert, Was God being cruel to Job in his misery? something remarkable—something that points But before that, He had a few Beyond Suffering, 163–194.] God’s biggest answer for suffering people seems forward to Jesus. (40:2) that it would be better for Ruth to return to her eting. And Scripture tells us specifically that we to be, “Trust Me. I’m powerful, and I’m good—in things to ask Job: I know that my redeemer liveth, ways no human could ever be.” God had good And wilt thou condemn Wilt thou condemn and that he shall stand at the latter According to the narrator of the book of purposes behind Job’s suffering. One of them was Where were you when I made day upon the earth: him that is most just? me . . . ? (40:8) Job, for what two reasons is Elihu’s wrath to help people who are suffering today. And though after my skin worms (34:17) this world? Have you ever walked own mother’s house rather than go to a foreign must not covet anything that our neighbor (our Many people do look at the suffering of kindled? (Job 32:1–3) destroy this body, innocents in the world and refuse to believe yet in my flesh shall I see God: that God is good. But if God is big enough to Job hathon spoken the bottomWho of isthe this ocean?that Can because Job justified himself rather than God; Whom I shall see for myself, be blamed for our suffering, He has to be big because Job’s friends condemned him even and mine eyes shall behold, and not withoutyou knowledge feed all, thedarkeneth animals? counsel Did you country. Ruth tells Naomi that she will go with friend) has (Exod. 20:17). enough to have reasons for that suffering that we another; by can’t know. The King of all the universe doesn’t and his words were words without though they couldn’t answer him when he re- Though my reins be consumed within design birds to be able to fly? Can allow us into His courtroom to check up on His without wisdom. (34:35) knowledge? (38:2) futed their diagnosis that sin caused me. (Job 19:25–27) decision­making. God isn’t required to tell you Thereforeyou doth make Job it rain?Who is he that hideth her, worship her God, live with her, and die with At other times it’s more difficult to find a his suffering why your family doesn’t have enough money to Notice his first words. He knew. Job was con­ open his mouth in vain; counsel without get the thing it seems you need the most. You fident that what he was saying was true. He had For four chapters God keeps Based on the narrator’s description of may never know until you get to heaven. We’ve struggled to believe that he was getting justice he multiplieth words knowledge? Therefore got to trust Him. on this earth. He knew that his friends weren’t throwing challenging questions at Elihu and the explanation of Elihu’s wrath, without knowledge. have I uttered that I her. Ruth does more than just talk. When they passage that deals with your situation. Having how is Elihu different from the other three (35:16)Job. Job answersunderstood them not all . . . correctly—by(42:3) shutting friends? (Job 32:1–4; cf. 32:6–7, 11–12) Thinkesthis thou mouth. this to be God Wilt allowed thou condemn Job me to ask questions. Job Alludes to Jesus Creation & Fall 27 28 Unit 1 settle in Bethlehem, she goes out and works to the latest iPhone or gaming system brings its He waited to speak because he was humble right, thatThe thou Greatsaidst, Kingthat thouof the mayest Universe be didn’t b Halfway through the book of Job, Job is and respected his elders. He had a different My righteousness is righteous? (40:8) lame Job more forthan cryingGod’s? (35:2) out to Him in anguish or increasingly frustrated with his “friends.” No opinion for the explanation of Job’s suffering for asking one bring home food for the two of them. Both her own set of temptations. The problem is that the than the first three friends. He disagreed with Him hard questions about why evil things hap­ seems to listen to him. He wishes that bef their diagnosis that Job’s suffering was due to Whether or not sin is the cause of Job’s that his suffering is contrary to God’s *Bold indicates identical Hebrew terms. dies his words were written in a book, or beore he Thematic Emphasis Elihu God pened to him. But in the end, Job still had to »» This course effectively teaches the Creation, his sin. suffering, Elihu reasons, it [sin] is cer- justice because he has not sinned. [Talbert, 192] sit tter speech and her actions imply that Ruth is a kind Bible says nothing about the internet or video tainly a result of Job’s suffering. This Elihu offers a revolutionary third silently and humbly before the only one wi yet, that they were written in stone for eve Emphasizes Job’s postsuffering 32:12–14; 33:8–13; 34:5–9, 31–37; 38:2–5, 18; 40:2, 7–8 th the ryone Is wrath always wrong? (Job 32:2, 3, 5; emphasis is evident in several passages perspective: suffering is not necessarily answers.Job Responds to God to read forever (19:23–24). He realizes that he 42:7; cf. Ps. 139:21–22) words (response to suffering), 35:1–4, 13–16 of Elihu’s speech (33:8–13; 34:5–6; linked to God’s justice at all….(34:12)… not Job’s presuffering actions Was(Job God 42:1–6) being  cruel to Job in his misery? needs someone to act on his behalf. So he says individual. This is confirmed when Boaz explicitly games. But it does have a lot to say about the No, it is possible for believers to mirror God’s 35:2–3, 14–16; 36:21) . . . . Job argues That suffering may not be explicitly (cause of suffering) Job wasGod’s never biggest told why answer he was suffering. for suffering He people seems something remarkable—something that points righteous anger toward sin. Elihu’s wrath is Rebukes Job’s defense of his own 33:8–13; 34:5–12, 17–19, 31–37; 40:2, 8 was told only that he was no match for God parallel to the Lord’s wrath—it is for the same to be, “Trust Me. I’m powerful, and I’m good—in forward to Jesus. compliments Ruth on her kindness to Naomi. temptations and problems often associated with Job’s Complaint Elihu’s Citation Elihu’s Answer righteousness at the expense of 35:2–7 and that he was wrong to question God’s reason. ways no human could ever be.” God had good God’s righteousness justice. I know that my redeemer liveth, 23:3–12; 30:25–26 33:8–11 33:12–13 purposes behind Job’s suffering. One of t If Elihu doesn’t think that Job’s suffering Stresses the glory and 36:22–37:24 38:4–38; 40:9–14 Fall, Redemption approach by correlating the Interpretation is also about understanding the internet and video games. For example, the I do not deserve this. God is the Sovereign. How does Job respond to God’s is due to his sin, then why is Elihu’s wrath hem was and that he shall stand at the latter incomprehensibility of God confrontation?to help people who are suffering toda kindled against Job? (Job 33:8–13; 34:5, 19:6–7; 27:2 34:5–9 34:10–12, 17–20; 35:14–16 y. day upon the earth: Questions Job’s knowledge of 37:14–18 38:4–39:30 Many people do look at the suffering of 9–10; 35:2–3; cf. 32:12) God is treating me unjustly. Impossible. God is always just. He bows in repentant submission. He shuts And though after my skin worms why God has revealed what He has in Scripture. Bible has a lot to say about what you look at and God’s ways his mouthinnocents from complaining in the world about and God’s refuse to believe He believes that Job’s response to his suffering is 27:3–6; 31:1–40 35:2–3 35:4–8, 13–16; 36:2–3; 37:23 Underscores God’s benevolent 33:17–18, 24–26, 29–30; 34:24–26, 38:25–27, 39–41; 39:1–4 sovereign choices for his life (Job 42:2). He destroy this body, wrong. He believes Job is sinning because of his I know that I am righteous. God is the righteous one. that God is good. But if God is big enough to awareness and condescending 28; 36:15, 28, 31; 37:12–13 admits that he is the one who spoke without For example, why did God tell the serpent that how you talk to and about people. It also says a suffering (not suffering because of his sin). He yet in my flesh shall I see God: 19:8ff.; 30:20–23 33:10–11 36:1–12, 22–23; 37:1–24 kindness toward His creation understandingbe blamed (Job for 42:2–3). our suffering, His first-hand He has to be big targets Job’s words after his suffering; he doesn’t Whom I shall see for myself, God has become inexplicably cruel to me. God is great and always good. experienceenough of theto Lordhave leads reasons him to for repent that suffering that we try to condemn Job’s life before his suffering. [Talbert, 174] of his rash words (Job 42:5–6). and mine eyes shall behold, and not the seed of the woman would crush his head? few things about managing your time well. Bible [Talbert, 171] can’t know. The King of all the universe doe Teacher’s Edition with the Student Text. allow us into His courtroom to check up onsn’t His another; Though my reins be consumed within decision­making. God isn’t required to tell you The reason is his role in the Fall. What is God’s principles apply to every situation in your life. 28 Unit 1 The Story of the Old Testament why your family doesn’tCreation have& Fall enough29 money me. (Job 19:25–27) get the thing it seems you need the most. Youto Notice his first words. He knew purpose for making the statement? To give hope All three Bible­study steps are necessary. If may never know until you get to heaven. W fident that what he was saying was .true. Job wasHe conhad ­ got to trust Him. e’ve struggled to believe that he was getting justice of a promised seed who will make all things right all you do is observe and collect facts, then you on this earth. He knew that his friends weren’t in God’s creation. would make a great contestant on Jeopardy!, but We can all agree that Samantha’s intentions text, you are looking for information that every­ Once you have interpreted the text, you that’s about all. If you stop with interpretation, 28 Unit 1 were good. She intended to go to Grenada. But one can agree is there. Every detail is important. understand what it means. But this second step then you’re just an educated Christian who her method of getting there led her to the wrong You must be aware, though, that observation destination—Granada. is difficult work. Sherlock Holmes says, “The in Bible study is not the last step. For your Bible knows a lot about the Bible. But if you observe, Three Steps for world is full of obvious things that nobody by study to be complete, you must apply what you interpret, and then apply God's Word to your any chance ever observes.” So what do you need have already observed and interpreted. life, you will be a changed Christian. More than Studying Your Bible in order to observe these “obvious things”? Your purpose in approaching Scripture is Bible scholar Robert Traina notes three that, you will have a close relationship with God. to know God. Your “destination” is to reflect things that are needed. First, you must be willing Apply But you cannot do all this work alone. You God. Bible study is the way to find out what God to observe. You must make a conscientious effort The third step is to apply. need help. And you need more help than your expects you to do, so that you can continue to to observe. Skimming the text doesn’t work. You Application is taking the biblical teacher or parents can provide. They can teach walk with Him and have a personal relationship will need to read the text with purpose, looking »» This course stresses an inductive approach to Bible study, in contrast with Him. Your destination is to live your life in for facts and clues about what is going on. truth found within the passage you how to observe, interpret, and apply, but a way that pleases God. Second, you must be exact when you and putting it into action in your current situa­ they cannot change you internally. To change So how do you keep from ending up where observe. You must notice the details. The more tion. Sometimes this is easy, but sometimes it is inside, you must depend on God’s guidance you don’t want to go? If you’re traveling, the attentive you are, the more accurate you can be. difficult. through His Spirit to help you in your study of to a moralistic approach. Students will explore the Bible with a focus answer is, “Don’t get on the wrong plane.” How Third, you must be persistent. Read the text do you avoid “getting on the wrong plane” when multiple times even if you think you know the It is easy when your situation and the biblical the Bible. With the work of God in your life, you you start your Bible study? passage. For example, did God put the rainbow in story are very similar, or when there are biblical can be a proven worker who doesn’t need to be The approach that this book takes to Bible the sky as a sign for us to remember the Flood or commands that directly pertain to your situ­ ashamed before God. on the first step of inductive Bible study: observation. study is a simple process that will keep you on for Him to remember? Can you answer the ques­ the right plane. It is simple because it involves tion without looking it up? (See Gen. 9:8–17.) ation. For example, when your friend gets the Now that we have looked at the right atti­ only three steps—observe, interpret, and apply. Being willing, exact, and persistent are all latest iPhone or gaming system, and you’re stuck tude toward God and His Word (the fear of the And you can learn to do each of the steps. necessary to prepare you to observe. The better with one that’s a few years old, it can be tempt­ Lord) and the approach for Bible study (observe, you observe, the more you will know about the ing to want what he has. In fact, it can lead to an interpret, apply), we are ready to look at the story Observe passage. But it doesn’t stop there. You need to The first step is to observe. understand what you have observed. extreme desire to have what he has. You long for of the Old Testament. Observation is more than seeing. t h e s t o r y o f t h e t h e s t o r y Observation is taking notice of Interpret Name o f t h e OLD TESTAMENT OLD TESTAMENT what you see—being aware and alert. It is paying The second step is to interpret. Thinking It Through 1.2 Exercise 1.7 Exercise 1.2 Name attention to what the text says. Like a sponge Interpretation is understanding Judgment and Mercy Scripture Reading: Selections from Genesis 5:29–9:17 An Overview of the Bible Study Process soaks up water, the observer soaks up facts what you have observed. You can’t phrase that 1. What should be your ultimate purpose for 3. Identify the three things that are needed to tion This year you will begin to learn a very simple approach to studying your Bible. The method you Guideline 1: Make use of Reading Strategies about the story. When you finish observing, interpret until you observe, but the more you Read each Scripture passage and provide a label for each one. The label should ber mercy. a summarizes or describes the general information found in those verses. Hint: Each descrip will begin to learn has only three major steps: Guideline 2: Look for things that are Basic Facts. . you should be able to recall basic facts from the observe, the more you can understand. studying the Bible? What should be your end prepare you to observe well. should reflect one of the two themes from the title of the exercise—judgment o • Observe (what the text says) Guideline 3: Look for things that are Emphasized (See Exercise 1.2, Guideline 8.) Summary statements Guideline 4: Look for things that are Repeated . • Interpret (what the text means) story. You should know the who, what, when, Basic interpretation begins with defining goal or destination for studying the Bible? Hope for God’s Mercy in the Midst of Hardship may vary, but should Guideline 5: Look for things that are Related . 1. Genesis 5:29 • Apply (what the text means for your life) 4. List at least one major thing you can do to reflect the major Guideline 6: Look for things that are Alike or. where, and why of the story. what you observed. This includes defining Sin Brings God’s Judgment The exercises in this Activities Manual will pri- content of the verses in Guideline 7: Look for things that are True to Life Unlike . 2. Genesis 6:5–7, 11–13, 17 relation to the themes marily focus on helping you to read the Scripture . Who is in the story? Who is speaking? Who terms. For example, what does it mean to redeem 2. List the three steps of the Bible­study method help you interpret the text well. ciful to Noah Guideline 8: Summarize God Is Mer of judgment and mercy. passage and observe what it says. (The Student Text your observations. 3. Genesis 6:8–9, 18; 7:1 and lessons from your teacher will help you move These guidelines will help you accomplish obser is doing the action? Who is not doing anything? something? You could use a Bible dictionary outlined in this lesson. Define each step. from observation to interpretation and then to ap- vation goals: - God’s Instruction for Deliverance from Judgment 5. When is application easy? When is it hard? 4. Genesis 6:14, 19; 7:2 plication.) What are the characters doing? What are to look up the term. Basic interpretation also d Goal 1: Identify keywords (not just big words but God Judges with a Floo The observation step doesn’t need to be difficult. 5. Genesis 7:10–12, 17–22 But it’s a step that can be easily skipped over—unless words that make a difference). they saying? What objects are in the story? includes comparisons and contrasts. Once you nt Goal 2: Discover the relationship of words in a sen- God Remembers Noah and Ends His Judgme you learn to slow down and read the text carefully 6. Genesis 8:1, 11, 18–19 It’s easy to see, but not to observe. It’s easy to skim. tence (e.g., sentence structure: subject, verb, When does the story take place? At night, gather the facts about Saul and David, you could hanks Him for His Mercy Noah Worships God and T the Scripture reading, but not to think about what object, etc.). Goal 3: Recognize the kinds of communication in the morning, or afternoon? In what century? compare and contrast their responses to God’s 7. Genesis 8:20 you’re reading. Are you reading to hear from God or to finish your homework assignment? Allow the fear (e.g., poetry, narratives, letters, etc.). Goal 4: Discover the relationship of phrases or sen- Under whose rule? commands. As the story of redemption unfolds, God relates to His people through covenants. A covenant is a solemn of God to motivate you to hear from God. agreement that is made between two or more people or groups. A covenant includes the following: There are only three major tences to the larger context (e.g., the struc- Where does the story take place? What coun­ Interpretation involves recognizing things steps to this method • Promises or commitments (which are sealed with an oath and usually accompanied by a sacrifice) of Bible study. But how helpful is it when someone ture of poetry, narratives, letters, etc.). 8 Unit 1 Goal 5: Visualize the setting (imagine you are there, • Obligations or conditions (which are often accompanied with a sign of obedience)e major covenants just gives you a humongous task (Observe!) without try, city, or countryside? Is it outside or inside? that are implied. One aspect of recognition is to line 4.) guiding you through the process for actually doing experiencing what the characters feel). Read each Scripture passage and then match the Scripture reference with one of th Why does the story take place? Does the text look at what a character says or does to deter­ it? The exercises in the Activities Manual are meant You are not ready for interpretation until you’ve »» This course expands assessments to encourage students to internalize what they that God established with humanity or with His called-out people. (See Exercise 1.2, Guide to help you observe. But you won’t have to do the observed. For example, you’re not ready to ask A. Genesis 8:21–9:17 tell us? Does a later text tell us? mine what that character is like. When Naomi A 8. Noahic Covenant whole process all on your own or all at once. Obser questions to understand the keywords until you’ve 2 Samuel 7:8–16; 23:1–5 vation can be broken down into a handful of helpful- identified what you think the keywords are. C 9. Abrahamic Covenant B. Each of these five questions represents a cat­ decides to go back to Bethlehem, she tells Ruth, guidelines. Each exercise will focus on helping you You are not ready for application until you’ve Genesis 12:1–4; 15:6, 17–18; 17:1–10, 15–16 E 10. Mosaic Covenant C. to use one or more guidelines and accomplish one interpreted. For example, you’re not ready to figure egory vital to observing. When you observe the her daughter­in­law from Moab, that she does not B D. Jeremiah 31:31–34 or more goals. Throughout the exercises, you’ll see out how it works in your life or the lives of others 11. Davidic Covenant a variety of the guidelines referenced as you answer until you’ve understood how to put the keywords learn from Scripture. Rather than just simple fill-in-the-blank and short answer E. Exodus 20:1–21; 21:1; 24:3–8 D 12. New Covenant guided questions. As the units progress, you’ll be together into a summary of key ideas. purposefully guided to begin trying out different serpent and the n prohibited. observation strategies yourself. [The following

uction prohibited. uction Read Genesis 9:18–27. Remember the conflict of the story between the seed of the guidelines and goals are largely gleaned from godly seed (Gen. 3:15). Howard G. Hendricks and William D. Hendricks, Living by the Book: The Art and Science of Reading Creation & Fall 7 13. Which line of descendants (which nation) will follow the ways of the serpent in conflict with God’s the Bible (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 1991), 41–42, people for much of the Old Testament? And which nation grows out of the line of Shem? (Gen. 11:10, 51–195.] assessments, the Student Activities include a prayer journal and assessments that 26) (See Exercise 1.2, Goal 4.)

© 2017 BJU Press. Reproductio

© 2017 BJU Press. Reprod Press. BJU 2017 © anaanites; the Israelites the C guide them as they observe Scripture.

Exercises 17

Exercises 3 GOD’S BIG PICTURE

God created the world God’s world fell into sin when God promised to redeem BB-U1-01b-A-fruit and humansBB-U1-01a-A-garden to rule it. the first man disobeyed. His fallen creation.

Read See Exercise 1.3.

1.3 THE STORY OF SCRIPTURE: UNIT 1 OBJECTIVES can all relate to. The cultures (names, places, The student will be able to events, food, clothing, specific practices, etc.) may be foreign and ancient, but that’s Œ Demonstrate an approach to Scripture Memorize John 5:39 just superficial. The human experience re- that is both devotional (heart) and aca­ mains very similar because God’s creational demic (head). purposes for humans haven’t changed. And  Contrast the Creation, Fall, Redemp­ human nature hasn’t changed since the Fall. tion approach to other interpretive ap­ At its essence, the big story of Scripture CREATION, FALL, REDEMPTION proaches. tells us that God created humans to rule Ž Explain the unfolding of God’s redemp­ the world in fellowship with Him. But sin Teacher’s Edition resulted in humans being driven from the tive plan in each of the narratives from presence of God. So God established a plan Adam and Eve to Noah. of redemption so that, through faith in God’s covenant promises, humans can have their The following chart provides an overview relationship with God reestablished. This of this course’s key focuses. Section 1.2 will faith is lived out in obedience to God’s cov- introduce students to the biblical interpreta- enant expectations. We face the same chal- The Teacher’s Edition engages students with multiple teaching strategies. It lenges in our day as the characters in each The Bible tells one story. ture—Adam, tionAbraham, skills focus of the course. Section 1.3 Moses, David, Paul—fit will introduce students to the overarching biblical account—challenges to have faith, to story line of Creation, Fall, Redemption. obey, and to repent. Therefore, the Bible is Throughout the course students will be chal- relevant to our daily lives. lenged to accept biblical values, which flow from the beliefs and principles that they Just one. into the one bigderive from the Scripturestory. text, to appropri- is packed full of rich content clearly aligned with scaffolded objectives as it ate those values so that they become a part of who they are, and to apply those values to It’s a long story. And it took a lot of little Let’s lookreal life.at the three elements of our sum­ CREATION & FALL Theological Focus focuses on interpretation and appropriate application. It correlates with the The textbook that you have in your hands is to study God’s Word. It also introduces Scrip- designed to help you understand the story of ture’s main story and examines how the story Biblical Theology: the overarching story the Old Testament and how it fits with God’s began. At first you will have a bird’s-eye view line of Creation, Fall, Redemption larger story for creation. God’s Word is the of the whole Bible, and slowly we will zoom in authority for knowing what is right and wrong, closer and examine how each story fits in with and a proper attitude will help you respond cor- the larger story of Scripture. stories to make up the big story. But it’s just one mary of Scripture.Hermeneutical Skills Focus The(Head) first two point towardrectly to it. This unit introduces the skills needed Negative: challenge allegorizing UNIT 1 Student Text so that teachers have a guide for teaching the inductive ap- and moralizing approaches to the Old Testament Positive: learn a basic inductive and theo­ story. the last one, andlogical approach to Scripture:they make a little acronym (like In summary, there are two prongs to our Key Themes of the Old Testament • God’s plan of redemption is fulfilled Old Testament: the kingdom, the cov­ Observe, Interpret, Apply approach as we teach students Bible study through the promised Seed who will crush enants, the promised Seed, etc. skills: Before getting into the the serpent’s head. Worldview Focus Teacher Tip: • Head: equip with theological accuracy and first lesson with its objectives, introduce All these themes run toward the end goal The Epic Story of the Old Testament proach of Creation, Fall, Redemption in contrast to teaching the Bible from a students to the book as a whole. Intro­ Three Ingredients: precision (doctrine, see Section 1.2) of God’s glory, which will culminate in the duce them to the Old Testament by And it’s not just any story. It is a true story. ASAP is for the• Big Story (focusphrase of this course) • Heart: enrich“ witha devotionals warmthsoon as possible”)establishment of His kingdom over all His Teacher Tip: As you introduce the book, pointing out key themes that they should creation. • Beliefs (Head) and Values (Heart) (discipleship, see Section 1.1) motivate students to engage by helping keep in mind as they read the Old Testa­ them grasp the significance and relevance • Cultural Action/Personal Behavior In summary, God’s ultimate purpose (holy ment this year. love) fulfills His ultimate goal (His own of the Old Testament to their own lives. Christian Life Skills Focus (Heart) glory). • God’s mercy is rooted in His holy character The story of the Old Testament is the story moralistic or allegorical approach. of steadfast love. Students will learn more of redemptive history. It’s a historical ac- It involves real people, who had real feelings and that you can easily remember—CFR. Teacher Tip: Values " Character " Practice • God’s steadfast love is based on His faith- about these themes—particularly God’s count that helps you understand the reality fulness. steadfast love—throughout the year. of the world—a reality that answers the big What You Who What questions of life: Where am I? Where did " " • God’s faithfulness is His commitment to At this point, students just need to be Accept You Are You Do the covenant relationships that He estab- aware that God’s steadfast love is a I come from? How do I fit into the world? lishes with His people. major theme in the epic story of the Where am I going? What’s my purpose in emotions, and who really did the things that Accept " Appropriate " Apply • The covenant relationships encompass Old Testament. They need to be aware the world? God’s unfolding plan of redemption. that this theme relates to other major Since the big story of the Old Testament is themes that they will encounter in the the story of humanity, it’s a story that we were written about them. xxii Unit 1 The Story of the Old Testament Creation & Fall 1 And the Bible is not just any true story. It

King Solomon is Read 2 Samuel 11:1–12:14is the trueone of the blessingsstory God prom- of what God is doing to glo­ ised to Abraham.) And God said that He wanted help “all the people of the earth [to] know that Memorize 2 Samuel 7:16 The Bible Tells One Story to bless the whole world through Abraham’s seed the Lord is God, and that there is none else” 5.7 DAVID: COVENANT & FALL (Gen. 12:3). Solomon is also descended from peo- (1 Kings 8:60). The temple is part of God’s plan God created Adam as a mirror to reflect During this time we also get to see in David ple who were slaves in Egypt. And God told them to fix the whole world, to redeem His fallen God’s glory. He also made him to have domin- a chivalry combined with faith in Godrify that HimselfHe wanted Israel to be a kingdom of priests by show - creation.redeeming His fallenStudent creation. Text ion over creation. After Adam failed to exercise makes him one of the noblest characters in ing the world what God is like (Exod. 19:4–5). The highest creation of God—mankind—is dominion over the serpent, God promised that Scripture. And he has another important qual- Do you see some connections you wouldn’t fallen. Solomon’s prayer says so: “There is no Sometimes an author will be so popular “the seed of the woman” would do it. ification Saul didn’t have: he’s from the tribe of have seen before? Solomon wants this temple to man that sinneth not” (8:46). The wise king Solo- Centuries later, God narrowed that promise Judah, the one that the patriarch Jacob predicted mon knew what is in every person’s heart. Rahab down to the line of Noah (by killing every other would rule overSalmon the other tribes. The story has three major parts, all serving one family line in existence). Centuries after that, Solomon demonstrates his commitment Building off the Student Activities’ emphasis on observation, the Student Text guides God narrowed the promise down to Abraham— to the Lord at the temple dedication as that a number of his works will be col- he requests forgiveness then to Isaac, then to Jacob, then to Judah. All for future sins. these men in the line of the seed of the woman were remarkable in their own ways. Each of purpose. them had some kind of dominion over his land Ruth, a Moabite, lected into one volume. C. S. Lewis’s books or his family. was an ancestor students to take the next step in Bible study: connecting their observations to proper But none of them was a king. That is, until of David. God narrowed the line down to David. The king Boaz Ruth Hannah prayed for—God’s anointed one—has Quite a lot of important things are left out The Problem of Pain, Mere Christianity, now arrived on the scene. And for the first time in its history, Israel has a king after God’s own heart. They have had interpretation. Appropriate applications can’t be made without proper interpretation. godly leaders before—like Moses and Deborah— but they’ve never had a godly king. of this lesson’s little summary of the Bible’s one and The Great Divorce are all put together What role will David take in the one story the Bible is telling? Will he finally crush the head of the serpent? Obed unnamed And proper interpretation cannot be done without good observation. The Student David’s Kingship story. However, every story points to Jesus Christ under the title C. S. Lewis Signature Classics. It takes David a good while to replace Saul, but during the wait he displays his godliness to the whole nation by refusing to kill Saul even in self-defense. Saul is the Lord’s anointed, and Authors of children’s books, too, might put David has deep respect for that fact. Text emphasizes the need for understanding how the Old Testament fits into the Throughout David’s long wait (which lasts because He stands at the center of God’s plan to from 1 Samuel 18 through 2 Samuel 3; some- thing like seven to twelve years), God keeps Jesse unnamed many unrelated stories under one cover. exalting David more and more and putting down Saul lower and lower. More reversals! redeem the world. It’s important to add, too, that unfolding story of ScriptureBut the without Old Testament making is the not study like that. daunting. It’s As students study everything God does for His ownthe glory unfolding is also story of Scripture,not just a randomthey can set understand of stories put clearly in no how the Old Testament Abigail Elihu David Zeruiah Nethanel Raddai Ozem Eliab Abinadab Shimea done for the good of His people. particular order. The books of the Bible

The Promise of the Line of David applies to modern believers. 166 Unit 5 A summary has to 175be short if it is to be can’t be separated; they go together. The memorable. Every summary will leave some­ Old Testament is more like another of C. S. thing out because it can’t be as long as the Bible! Lewis’s series, The Chronicles of Narnia. The books come in a certain order, and they all But a summary is important because with such a t h e s t o r y o f t h e OLD TESTAMENT Name Student Activities tell one long, glorious story! Exercise 1.3 long book, we need something that will help us The Big Story of Scripture t h e

s t o r y The purpose of the selected Scripture readings is to provide a concise summary of two things: OLD TESTAMENTo f t h e • Observe the overall Creation, Fall, Redemption (CFR) story line. Exercise 1.6 • Observe the unfolding of redemption through a specific seed. Name understand how all the smaller stories in Scrip­ Remember the story line of Scripture: the Bible is the true story of what God is doing to glorify Himself Students will be introduced to a simple Bible study method: Observe (what the text says), by redeeming (R) His fallen (F) creation (C). This is the story of Creation, Fall, Redemption (CFR). The Seed of the Serpent Versus th • This is a true story. Scripture Reading: Genesise Seed 4 of the Woman • The story’s ultimate aim is for God’s glory (and our good). If you were reading the biblical story for the first time (or if you were living out the story as Adam or Eve), then what would you expect to happen next? Well, what did Genesis 3 leave off with? A promise to restore, • Its primary focus is on redemption. through the seed of the woman, what was broken. Adam and Eve would have been looking forward to their • Redemption is needed because of the Fall. broken world being fixed as soon as possible. • Redemption restores God’s good creation. Interpret (what the text means), and Apply (what the text means for life). This integral part 1. According to Genesis 4:1, how did Eve respond to the birth of her firstborn son? Read each Scripture passage and then match the Scripture reference with the major theme of the story line of Scripture. She responds p ositively—with hop e and gratefulness t C 1. Creation o the Lord for blessing her with a man. A. Genesis 3:1–7 A 2. Fall B. Genesis 3:15 2. In the chart below, contrast Cain and Abel. (See Exercise 1.2, Guideline 6.) of the course will guide students to practice some basic observation skills as they complete B 3. Redemption C. Genesis 1:26–28 Cain You should observe that the seed promise in Genesis 3:15 is being fulfilled as God unfolds His plan Job (Gen. 4:2) through the people you’ll read about in the following passages. a tiller of the ground Abel The Kind of Offering a keeper of sheep Read each Scripture passage and then match the Scripture reference with the person whose line (Gen.of 4:3–4) fruits of the ground their Scripture reading assignments. A prayer journal will guide them to pray scripturally and descendants God chose to use to unfold His plan of redemption. meat with the fat from his flock D 4. Judah A. Genesis 12:1–3 The Quality of the Offering (Gen. 4:3–4) no particular quality B 5. Isaac B. Genesis 17:21; 21:12 mentioned the firstlings—the first/best of A 6. Abraham C. Genesis 32:26–28 The Lord’s Reaction to both his flock CreationE & Fall 7. David 9the Offering and Offeror (Gen. no respect or acceptance for specifically as memory verses reinforce the lessons they have learned. D. Genesis 49:8–10 4:4–5) F 8. Jesus respect and acceptance for both E. 2 Samuel 7:13–16 either Cain or his offering C 9. Jacob/Israel The Offeror’s Reaction to the Abel and his offering F. Matthew 1:1 Lord full of wrath and downcast in nothing specified—but we can The theme of a promised seed is a theme that is repeated as you read through the unfolding story of countenance at being rejected assume he was at peace with God Scripture. (See Exercise 1.2, Guideline 4.) The following questions help you make general observations. (See Exercise 1.2, Guideline 2.)

Now place the people in chronological order so that you can trace the promised blessing from the prohibited. 3. Does the text of Scripture in Genesis 4 tell us exactly why God looked with disfavor on Cain and his broadest group of God’s chosen people as it narrows down to the most specific person whooffering? fulfills God’s promise.

© 2017 BJU Press. Reproduction prohibited. © 2017 BJU Press. No Abraham Isaac Jacob/Israel 10. 11. 12. Judah David Jesus 4. According to Genesis 4:6–7, God responded to Cain’s wrath and downcast countenance with mercy! 13. 14. 15. In what two ways did God show mercy? Teacher Instructions to Students: The goal of this activity is for you to read the Scripture passages so that you willHe have sho a wed mercy by questioning the c big-picture view of the story line traced down through biblical history. Therefore, the goal© 2017 isBJU Press. Reproduction to read the Scripture passages ause of Cain and reflect on them, and not to simply glance at a passage and match it to the correct answer. counseling C ’s problem of not b ain with the solution for ho eing accepted. He sho w to b wed mercy by ecome accepted again and b 5. According to the beginning of verse seven, what was God’s solution?y wa rning him of sin ’s danger. If Cain doeExercisess what is ri gh7t, then G od will accept him again. In other w obedienc ords e) in order to rec , Cain must rep oncile his relationship with G ent (evidenced in od.

Exercises 13

people, he delivers them by bringing judgment the blood on their doorposts. Lambs will die; on their enemies.” firstborns will live. But we shouldn’t think that God is random in His judgment. He actually told Abraham that one of His reasons for leaving Israel in Egypt “The Israelites are being so long was that the people they were going to taught an important principle: conquer in Canaan, the Amorites, weren’t yet guilty enough to be destroyed (“The iniquity of God saves by substitution. His the Amorites is not yet full,” Gen. 15:16). When the countless sins committed by the people deserve to die for their Egyptians have finally filled the cup of God’s wrath sin, but another dies instead.” nearly full, God sends Moses to warn Pharaoh that every single firstborn, man and animal, in all —Vaughan Roberts Egypt is going to die. The Lord hardens Pharaoh’s heart, and he still refuses to let the people go. The New Nation’s First National Anthem “Salvation always comes Now, after 430 years, God delivers the Isra- through judgment.” elites so that they might serve Him. And one big promise to Abraham has been fulfilled. The Jews —Jim Hamilton are no longer just an extended family like they were when Jacob came down to Egypt to see his And then the story is interrupted. God needs son Joseph. The Jews are a nation—like the sand to give some final warnings and instructions to on the seashore. the children of Israel before He carries out the Moses gathers Joseph’s bones, the Egyptians tenth plague. Exodus 12 reminds the Jews that shower their former slaves with gifts, and the even though they are God’s chosen people, Yah- people head across the border. As if His other weh’s holy wrath stands against Jewish sin just miracles weren’t enough, God literally parts the like it stands against Egyptian sin. They weren’t sea in front of them. Having slaughtered the first- chosen because they were good and the Egyp- born Egyptians just days before, now God drowns tians were bad. Even the Jewish firstborns will Pharaoh himself and his whole army (Ps. 136:15). die if someone doesn’t die in their place. So God All the Israelites have to do this time is be silent commands Israel to slaughter lambs and paint and watch God save them (Exod. 14:14).

God’s Covenant with Israel Through Moses 77