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Introduction

Scripture Content Outline	Supplementary Study Sources
The Old Testament Is a Sacred Book of Scripture The Old Testament contains thirty-nine books. The books of the Old Testament are often categorized into four groups: law (Pentateuch), history, poetry or writings, and prophecy. The Old Testament is a foundation for the New Testament as well as for modern scripture.	Religion 301 student manual, 1-1.
The Old Testament Bears Witness of Christ Old Testament prophets testified of Christ. The Old Testament demonstrates that all things given of God point to Christ. The Old Testament contains prophecies of the birth and mission of Christ. The Old Testament is a written record of the covenant between Israel and Jehovah.	Religion 301 student manual, 1-4 through 1-5. Jacob 4:4–6. What truth did Jacob teach about the Savior and his Old Testament prophets? Jacob 7:11. What subject have all prophets prophesied and written about? (see also Mosiah 13:33). 2 Nephi 11:4. What did Jacob delight in and testify of? Revelation 19:10. What is the spirit of prophecy? JC, pp. 42–48. Many Old Testament prophecies about the coming of Christ are summarized.
The Teachings of the Old Testament Are Applicable Today The Old Testament contains many prophecies about today. The Old Testament teaches the blessings of righteousness and the consequences of sin. The Old Testament demonstrates that the words of the prophets are vindicated by God.	Religion 301 student manual, 1-2 through 1-3; 1-16 through 1-17. D&C 1:37–38. How does the principle described in these verses apply to the Old Testament? D&C 76:3–4. What implication does the message of these verses have for a study of the Old Testament? Marion G. Romney, Ensign, “Records of Great Worth,” Sept. 1980, pp. 6–7. How can the Old Testament be a guide to us in facing current challenges?
The Old Testament, Like All Other Scripture, Can Be Understood Only through the Spirit of God The Old Testament should be studied diligently and prayerfully. The Old Testament will be a constant source of inspiration and guidance to those who come to know it.	Religion 301 student manual, 1-7 through 1-15. Moroni 10:3–5. By what power and under whose guiding influence can we understand the scriptures? Joshua 1:8. What did the Lord command Joshua to do? 2 Timothy 3:15. What did Paul tell Timothy about the value of studying the Old Testament scriptures? 2 Kings 22:13. How did King Josiah regard the Old Testament writings that were available to him? (see also 2 Kings 23:2–3). GD, pp. 45–46. How can we gain the most from a study of the Old Testament? TPJS, p. 56. Who did the Prophet Joseph Smith say would like the scriptures best?

Some Suggestions for Presentation

In this lesson you should cover all the major headings in the outline.

Seeing the Old Testament from a Proper Perspective (Sections A–D)

Begin by referring to Moses 1:41 (see also 1 Nephi 13:20–29, 39–40). Ask students if they know of anything that has been taken from the writings of Moses. Ask why Satan would desire to have some things taken from the scriptures. Point out that the information given in Moses 1 is a significant example of writings of the prophet Moses that were lost from the Old Testament (see Moses 1:41). The Lord restored Moses’ record through the Prophet Joseph Smith, as He had promised (see Moses 1:41). Satan certainly did not want the world to have the information in Moses 1 because it is vital to a correct understanding of the Old Testament. Ask students what special truths in this chapter make it an excellent preface to the Old Testament. Help students to see the following truths in this chapter of Moses:

1. Jesus Christ, under the direction of the Father, organized this earth as well as countless others.

2. All things for our eternal welfare come through Jesus Christ, who is the Only Begotten Son of the Father.

3. The adversary has opposed the Lord’s work from before the creation of the earth.

4. God’s power is greater than the adversary’s.

5. The work of God is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

Emphasize that the primary purpose of the Old Testament is to witness of Christ and teach that through him people may be reconciled to the Father and thus obtain eternal life. Refer to some of the study sources to emphasize the testimony of Christ in the Old Testament. Be sure that students understand the importance of looking for the message of Christ throughout their study of the Old Testament. That understanding will help them to see the Old Testament in its true perspective.

What Is the Old Testament? (Section A)

Use transparency 1 to give students an overview of the structure and contents of the Old Testament and to trace briefly the history covered by the Old Testament. The transparency could be used throughout the course to help the students keep people and events in perspective and to show historical context. Also, point out the chronology chart in the maps and charts section of the Religion 301 student manual and prepare students to use it effectively throughout the course.

As you discuss the books of the Old Testament and their historical setting, point out that the first five books in the Old Testament were written by Moses. They start with the creation of the earth and trace the prophets from Adam to Moses. The antediluvian patriarchs are treated rather briefly, with most of the text discussing events of the time from Abraham through Moses, a period slightly longer than six hundred years.

Most of the books in the Old Testament contain some history; however, twelve books, known as the historical books, deal almost exclusively with history. The historical narrative of the Old Testament begins with Joshua’s entry into the land of Canaan and continues to the Babylonian captivity. The book of Joshua through the book of 2 Kings covers this period of time. The books of Chronicles, written at a much later date, primarily repeat 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings. The books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther cover the last century of Old Testament Jewish history (500–400 B.C.), the period after the kingdom of Judah returned from captivity in Babylon.

Approximately one-third of the Old Testament is Hebrew poetry. Written by various authors, the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon make up most of that one-third and are called the Writings, or the poetic books.

The prophets spoke for Jehovah to his covenant people, Israel. One of their principal messages then was the same that is given today through our living prophets: repent, or perish. The message was largely unheeded by ancient Israel, and the prophets witnessed the decline of their nation and its eventual destruction and exile. Their writings span a period of about three hundred years and were directed primarily to the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, although many of the teachings of the prophets were also directed to future generations, particularly those in the last days. The writings of the prophets record many of the teachings given during the time covered by the historical books.

Why Study the Old Testament? (Section B)

1. Discuss reasons for studying the Old Testament and list students’ responses on the chalkboard. Supplement the students’ list with reasons you feel are important.

2. Reading blocks 1-7 through 1-13 in the student manual contain seven keys to studying the Old Testament. These could be reviewed and discussed.

3. The following statement by Elder Spencer W. Kimball could be read and discussed: “I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns. I find myself loving more intensely those whom I must love with all my heart and mind and strength; and loving them more, I find it easier to abide their counsel. We learn the lessons of life more readily and surely if we see the results of wickedness and righteousness in the lives of others. To know the patriarchs and prophets of ages past and their faithfulness under stress and temptation and persecution strengthens the resolves of youth. To come to know Job well and intimately is to learn to keep faith through the greatest of adversities. To know well the strength of Joseph in the luxury of ancient Egypt when he was tempted by a voluptuous woman and to see this clean young man resist all the powers of darkness embodied in this one seductive person, certainly should fortify the intimate reader against such sin.” (What I Hope You Will Teach My Grandchildren [address delivered to seminary and institute of religion personnel, 11 July 1966], p. 6.)

Share your testimony of the value of studying the Old Testament. Then challenge students to read the Old Testament, and encourage them to set specific goals for reading it.