The Story of the Old Testament (Part 2)

Yesterday, we left off in the story of the Old Testament with the Israelites about to enter their “promised” land.

Today, we follow them into it and see how the OT, from that point on, gets the stage set for what comes next.

History and Poetry

After forty years in the wilderness, Israel enters their land. This effort is led by Moses’ successor, Joshua, in a military campaign that sees the removal of the Canaanites living there.

(There’s a lot of controversy surrounding these biblical stories of conquest. Some interpret them literally while others as an allegory for spiritual warfare. Either way, as important as this topic is, the Old Testament's story is our focus today.)

You’d think everything would go well once they were in the land, right?

Nah.

The Judges appointed to lead Israel continuously fail in their roles. Eventually, the people rejected them in favor of a monarchy like the kingdoms around them.

But it turns out their kings aren't so great as well.

They do have some bright spots, however, like King David. He’s so effective that it’s even said the great vanquisher of sin will descend from him.

But David isn’t perfect, nor are the kings after him. This is seen quite dramatically during the reign of his grandson when Israel splits into two different kingdoms.

Under wicked kings, Israel neglects the Covenant their ancestors made with God. As a result, they find themselves in hot water.

Following these books of history are the poetic books, a reflection of the identity Israel has developed as God’s people. They contain praises, accounts of suffering, wisdom, and reflections on the supposed meaninglessness of life. 

They serve an important role in detailing the complexity and faithfulness of God in a flawed life. This is important to consider with what comes next…

The Prophets

Israel’s lack of faithfulness spells disaster, leading to their fall. 

First, the Northern Kingdom is taken by the Assyrian Empire. Then the Southern Kingdom is taken by Assyria’s successor, Babylon.

Seeing the writing on the wall, multiple prophets spoke out against the behavior of their fellow Israelites but went largely unheeded.

So, Israel was in exile. Away from the Promised Land once more, with the future looking bleak.

But they were not without hope.

The prophets reminded them of God’s promise and encouraged them to be faithful and seek Him.

They affirmed that this great deliverer from sin was still to come and that another prophet would arise to usher Him in.

God was not going to abandon them.

Eventually, Babylon falls and the Israelites return home (described in Ezra and Nehemiah of the history books).

They settle back in, eagerly expecting the Messiah, the anointed one.

But then, quite suddenly, God goes silent.

The Old Testament ends, the promise of salvation unfulfilled.

Now the stage has been set, as we’ll see tomorrow.

For now, be blessed.

Jon,

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