Exploring the Old Testament

This course teaches the essential content and teachings of the 39 books of the Old Testament.

This course is a survey of the Old Testament. Each lesson will include several activities. You should allot 90–120 minutes for the class in addition to time for doing assignments outside of class.

Students should read or listen to the book or books of the Bible that will be studied in each lesson prior to studying the lesson as a group. At the end of each class, please remind students of the reading assignment for the following lesson. This reading will ensure that students know the basic content of the book prior to the group lesson. In the case of a longer book, such as Psalms, you may need to spread the reading out over a longer period of time.

Each lesson will begin with a short scripture memory assignment. This consists of key verses from the books to be studied. Students should be prepared to write or recite them from memory when tested over that lesson.

If studying as a group, you may take turns reading the material. You should stop periodically for class discussion. As the class leader, you are responsible for keeping the discussion focused on the material being studied. It is helpful to have a time limit for each discussion period.

Discussion questions and in-class activities are indicated by ►. You should ask the question and give the students time to discuss the answer. Try to make sure that all students in the class are involved in the discussion. If necessary, you can call on students by name.

Many scripture references are included in the text. Students should look at the passages in their Bibles during class.

Each lesson includes an assignment. In the case of group presentations, give time at the beginning of the next class meeting for the presentations.

Each lesson includes test questions, including the scripture memorization that was assigned. At the end of each class, you may review these questions with the students. The following class session should begin with a test on these questions. This can be done orally or in written form. Each student should answer the questions without help from others or from written material. A test answer key is available for download at shepherdsglobal.org.

If you are accessing this course via the SGC mobile app, please note that the following important resources may be found in the Appendix:

• Listing of the arrangement of books in the Hebrew Bible
• Listing of the arrangement of books in the Protestant Old Testament
• Map of the Old Testament world
• Timeline of the Old Testament
• Timeline of the kingdom falls and returns from exile
• The test questions from all lessons
• The test answer key
• Recommended Resources
• Record of Assignments