The Old Testament story

God's story

The Old Testament is more than a history of Israel. It is the story of God's revelation of himself.

Far off and close

God is the supreme creator. He is holy, 'above' and separate from his creation. And yet he is most intimately aware of and concerned about, every detail of life. He loves genuine worship. He is angered by injustice and corruption. He looks for faithful relationships, honest trading, protection for the weak and generosity to the poor.

Seen in action

God cares deeply about how a nation and its individuals behave. He holds people responsible for their actions. He promises to bless obedience and punish wickedness. The Old Testament stories show God in action: in compassion and rescue, anger and punishment, judgment, mercy and renewal. God is ultimately committed to forgiving, restoring and recreating all things.

Reigning supreme

The Lord reigns over all. He is the creator of the universe and the Lord of history. Even Israel's formidable enemies and conquerors, the tyrants of Egypt, Assyria, Babylon and Persia, are God's subjects. He uses them to fulfil his great purposes.

Faithful with the faithful

God loves to work with humble and responsive people. Abraham, Moses and David are the great examples. Abraham dies without seeing the multitude of his descendants or possessing his land. Moses is not allowed to enter the Promised Land, nor David to build the temple. All leave 'unfinished business', yet their lives are completed by faith. God treated them as friends and gave them honoured places in his plan.

And the story continues. The Old Testament promises that Abraham's 'seed' will bless the world; a prophet 'like Moses' will appear one day; and a king 'like David' will rule over everything in the end.