Why should we study the Old Testament?

Answer

There are numerous reasons to explore the Old Testament. Firstly, it establishes the groundwork for the teachings and occurrences depicted in the New Testament. The Bible is a gradual revelation. If you were to skip the initial section of any well-written book and attempt to conclude it, comprehending the characters, the storyline, and the conclusion would prove challenging. Similarly, the New Testament can only be fully grasped when its basis in the events, characters, laws, sacrificial system, covenants, and promises of the Old Testament is recognized.

If we solely possessed the New Testament, we would encounter the Gospels without understanding why the Jews anticipated a Messiah (a Savior King). The purpose behind this Messiah’s arrival would remain unclear (refer to Isaiah 53), and identifying Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah through the numerous specific prophecies concerning Him [such as His birthplace “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2), His manner of death (Psalm 22; especially verses 1, 7-8, 14-18; 69:21), His resurrection “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; Neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” (Psalm 16:10), and various other aspects of His ministry (Isaiah 9:2; Isaiah 52:13)] would have been impossible.

Studying the Old Testament is also crucial for comprehending the Jewish traditions briefly mentioned in the New Testament. We would not understand the significance of these customs, such as the temple practices, feasts, and rituals, without a foundational knowledge of the Old Testament.Could not comprehend how the Pharisees had twisted God’s law by adding their own traditions to it, or why Jesus was so agitated as He cleansed the temple courtyard, or where Jesus derived the words He used in His numerous responses to adversaries.

The Old Testament documents numerous intricate prophecies that could only have been fulfilled if the Bible is God’s Word, not man’s (e.g., Daniel 7 and the subsequent chapters). Daniel’s prophecies provide specific details about the rise and fall of nations. These prophecies are remarkably precise, to the extent that skeptics opt to believe they were written post-event.

We ought to delve into the Old Testament due to the myriad lessons it offers us. By examining the lives of the figures in the Old Testament, we discover guidance for our own lives. We are encouraged to have faith in God regardless of circumstances (Daniel 3). We learn to stand resolute in our beliefs (Daniel 1) and to anticipate the reward of loyalty (Daniel 6). We understand that it is preferable to confess sin promptly and genuinely rather than shifting blame (1 Samuel 15). We realize the repercussions of playing with sin, as it will catch up with us (Judges 13—16). We learn that our sins have consequences not only for ourselves but also for our loved ones (Genesis 3) and, conversely, that our good conduct brings rewards for us and those around us (Exodus 20:5-6).

Studying the Old Testament also aids in comprehending prophecy. The Old Testament contains numerous promises that God will still fulfill for the Jewish nation. It discloses details such as the duration of the Tribulation, how Christ’s forthcoming 1,000-year reign fulfills His commitments to the Jews, and how the conclusion of the Bible ties up the loose ends that were unraveled at the beginning of time.

In essence, the Old Testament enables us to understand how to love and serve God, and it unveils more about God’s nature. It demonstrates through consistently fulfilled prophecy why the Bible is distinctive among sacred texts—it stands alone as a

Able to demonstrate that it is what it claims to be: the inspired Word of God. In brief, if you have not yet delved into the pages of the Old Testament, you are missing much that God has available for you.