The value of the Old Testament to the Christian is mentioned several times in the New Testament:
“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”- Rom 15:4
“Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” – 1 Cor 10:11
“And that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Tim 3:15-17
Find out what are the main themes of these Old Testament books.
- Genesis – Blessings of God
- Exodus – Worship
- Leviticus – Holiness
- Numbers – God’s will
- Deuteronomy – Wholeheartedness
- Joshua – Secret of success
- Judges – Sin
- Ruth – Blessing to others
- 1 Samuel – Pressure
- 2 Samuel – Submission to God
- 1 Kings – Making decisions
- 2 Kings – Idolatry
- 1 Chronicles – Building God’s house
- 2 Chronicles – Humility
- Ezra – God’s help
- Nehemiah – Serving God
- Esther – God delivers His people
- Job – Suffering
- Proverbs
- Psalms
- Ecclesiastes – Purpose in life
- Song of Solomon – Romantic Love
- Isaiah – Trusting God
- Jeremiah – God’s discipline
- Lamentations – Intercession
- Ezekiel – Forgetting God
- Daniel – No Compromise
- Hosea – Heart of God
- Joel – God’s timing
- Amos – Injustice
- Obadiah – Pride & Indifference
- Jonah – God’s Plans
- Micah – Wealth
- Nahum – God our Protector
- Habakkuk – God’s Sovereignty
- Zephaniah – Repentance
- Haggai – Doing God’s Work
- Zechariah – God’s Restoration
- Malachi – Fear of the Lord