I started with the 4 gospels, and I absolutely adored them. I reread each one several times.

Now, I'm trying to grasp the whole picture, but the Old Testament is sooooooo different, I'll be honest, it's hard to read and kind of a drag. The long passages with lineage "____ son of _____"... Sometime I wonder what was the point of these long family lines being described in so much detail?

Also, the 12 tribes of Isreal- there's so much talk about them. Can someone shed light on why they are important to understanding Christianity today?

I guess I read the peak of the book first *Christ* and now I'm having a hard time understanding the stuff before Him. Any help would be appreciated.

I started with the 4 gospels, and I absolutely adored them. I reread each one several times.

Now, I'm trying to grasp the whole picture, but the Old Testament is sooooooo different, I'll be honest, it's hard to read and kind of a drag. The long passages with lineage "____ son of _____"... Sometime I wonder what was the point of these long family lines being described in so much detail?

Also, the 12 tribes of Isreal- there's so much talk about them. Can someone shed light on why they are important to understanding Christianity today?

I guess I read the peak of the book first *Christ* and now I'm having a hard time understanding the stuff before Him. Any help would be appreciated.
I have to admit that some parts of the Old Testament 'drag' for me, too. :o

However, as you read them, and become more familiar with the Bible as a whole, you will start to make connections between the Old Testament (OT) and New Testament (NT).

In the OT, my favorite books are Isaiah, Job and Psalms. Psalms are especially great when I am feeling depressed or upset.

And don't forget that there still are many books in the NT, just full of information and blessing for you.

Don't sweat about understanding it all, you won't! Just trust in the Lord to make clear those things which you need to understand. :)

I started with the 4 gospels, and I absolutely adored them. I reread each one several times.

Now, I'm trying to grasp the whole picture, but the Old Testament is sooooooo different, I'll be honest, it's hard to read and kind of a drag. The long passages with lineage "____ son of _____"... Sometime I wonder what was the point of these long family lines being described in so much detail?

Also, the 12 tribes of Isreal- there's so much talk about them. Can someone shed light on why they are important to understanding Christianity today?

I guess I read the peak of the book first *Christ* and now I'm having a hard time understanding the stuff before Him. Any help would be appreciated.

I won't say the geneologies are not important, they are, but for the beginner in the OT, best to stick to some of the stories that declare God's power, authority, and grace. The story of Joseph for example, (Gen. 37 to the end of the book) is a wonderful story about perserverance, grace, and God standing with you, even when you might feel lost. The Exodus out of Egypt, there is much in the NT which is based either directly or metaphorically on that event. The prophets too, Isaiah, Hosea, Joel, these will give great insight and will help you understand better, the NT.

Best wishes, be blessed!
Bosco

The first time I attempted to read the bible I started with Genesis and never really made it very far. The next time I first read the new testament and am now reading the Old. BUT I am also in a Small Group where we covered about 12 stories out of the old testament. I can't explain how much this helped. I also have a NIV Life Application Study Bible and this has been great. It really helps me understand and see how it applys to my life. Here's a link to bookmarks that have the stories we covered in the Old Testament. Maybe start with those stories. http://www.reallifeministries.com/upload/pdf/gods_redemptive_story_bookmarks.pdf

It's mainly about the history leading up to the New Testament.

I guess you just have to want to read every bit of it. Else skip through the names and the odd parts that might seam monotonous. But they are men of renown and fathers of nations. Starting with Noah's three sons and the prophecy which he spake against them. So they are the ancestors of nations and that can be interesting if you realise the connection. Noah's son Shem was the great ancestor of Abraham.


Also about the 12 tribes. They were tribes given a covenant that if they kept they would qualify to inherit the promises of God. Now at this time there specific inheritance was actually the lands of all the nations which were given to them. Because it was promised to Abraham when the Lord was sent to see what all the cry was about when he destroyed outright two cities because of the cry they caused.

To some this part might seam crazy.
At this point in my opinion this is about saving mankind from the falsehood of idol worshiping which was rampant among kingdoms and cities. And what dark paths they might of been on who knows but they obviously were evil.

But the point is that even though there is all this eye for a eye type of thing happening behind it all there are morals to the story so to speak. And it is all preperation to gear mankind away from wickedness unto salvation. Even though we went through alot of harsh realities to get where we are.

And that sparks my intrest of the individuals mentioned in the bible even though it is only there name it is still interesting to know that they were a part of that ancient struggle.

I have found that I really have to study the Bible, not just read it. Reading Commentaries helps alot, because you then get the benefit of hearing about many traditions that make sense.

God's love for his people is never more obvious than in the Old testament.

The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.
(Ps 145:14-17)

I recommend that you read the OT with an eye towards Jesus as you read it. these scriptures testify of Jesus.Also before you get to wrapped up in all the(he begats) in the OT Read some of Paul's writings in the NT Along with the other Epistles From The Other Apostles,and I agree Psalms is Beautiful reading.A friend of my brother tries to read one Proverb a day,there are only 31,and he says that way he can read them all every month,along with his other study,Personally I can't do it that way because i get to enjoying the Proverbs and can't stop at 1 a day,The basic Instructions for living as a Christian are all through Proverbs and Psalms,all I know for sure is don't stop when you don't understand something,Pray about and if it is for you to know, God will reveal it to you in due time,but keep on reading.

The long passages with lineage "____ son of _____"... Sometime I wonder what was the point of these long family lines being described in so much detail?I find it incredibly fascinating. Someone who is careful enough can actually follow the spread of mankind from place-to-place, and about how many generations it took to reach that way. It also helps us verify who was descended from who (so then we can see that Christ really was descended from David, or that David really was a Jew, or so-and-so really was such-and-such kind of person, and so on).

I find it incredibly fascinating. Someone who is careful enough can actually follow the spread of mankind from place-to-place, and about how many generations it took to reach that way. It also helps us verify who was descended from who (so then we can see that Christ really was descended from David, or that David really was a Jew, or so-and-so really was such-and-such kind of person, and so on).


you forgot "and so forth"

I see the progression of the Old Testament as the story of God showing us more and more of Himself in different layers in different times, revealing more and more of His character.

If you are in a room that is completely dark and your eyes are accustomed to the lack of light, you couldn't bear full on light if it were to shine right into your eyes. Rather, you increase the amount of light slowly over time, that way you can bear the full light when it comes. I think that God's revelation to Israel was kind of the same thing. He started out with a little bit, revealing and emphasizing certain aspects of His character. As time went on, He increased the level of light and showed them more of Himself. It culminates with Christ walking the earth, the fulness of God's revelation to mankind, for He is God Himself.

As you read the Old Testament, you'll see that although God's mercy and compassion are talked about, the earlier days God first brings Israel His law. Then as time goes by and you read the prophets and other writings, you see more and more of His mercy and compassion and willingness (and readiness) to forgive and heal them of their sins. More and more layers of God are shown.

God never changes. He doesn't become less concerned with the Holiness of His name or the seriousness of our sins. But he demonstrates to us in stages how much he wants to take that sin away from us.

Jesus Himself doesn't diminish from the seriousness of sin and the reality of judgement against sin. Rather, he emphasizes many times how terribly some will be judged for their sins. But He brings to us the fulness of the Father's compassion toward us and not just tells us about His desire to take away our sins, but actually does it!

So try to read the OT with that in mind.

But, it's a prelude to the finale!!!! You need to know the whole story!!! You need to know what God said and you'll better understand what Jesus says. Amen:pp

The book of Ruth is a great read, especially around this time of theyear.

I started with the 4 gospels, and I absolutely adored them. I reread each one several times.

Now, I'm trying to grasp the whole picture, but the Old Testament is sooooooo different, I'll be honest, it's hard to read and kind of a drag. The long passages with lineage "____ son of _____"... Sometime I wonder what was the point of these long family lines being described in so much detail?

Also, the 12 tribes of Isreal- there's so much talk about them. Can someone shed light on why they are important to understanding Christianity today?

I guess I read the peak of the book first *Christ* and now I'm having a hard time understanding the stuff before Him. Any help would be appreciated.

Not everything written in the the OT is applicable or required with regards to Christianity and salvation.

God bless you!

Firstfruits

I guess I read the peak of the book first *Christ* and now I'm having a hard time understanding the stuff before Him. Any help would be appreciated.

There was no before Yahushua/Christ...

Jhn 1:1 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=1&v=1&t=KJV#comm/1)In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Jhn 1:14 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=1&v=1&t=KJV#comm/14)And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,

You might find these OT stories about Yahushua to be interesting reads...

Yahushua appears to Abraham( Genesis 18 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Gen&c=18&v=1&t=KJV#top))

Yahushua saves Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from burning in a fiery furnace( Daniel 3 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Dan&c=3&v=1&t=KJV))

I guess I read the peak of the book first *Christ* and now I'm having a hard time understanding the stuff before Him. Any help would be appreciated.
Galatians 3:23-25 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor


The Law, much of the OT, that you speak of - was to lead those before TO Christ. It was written for ours & their learning.

Romans 15:4 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=15&verse=4&version=9&context=verse)
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Keep in mind that Man was created with Spirit - he sinned and lost that spirit (died in that day) and mankind went for thousands of years without the spirit unconditionally in them. It took the perfect life's work of obedience to all that God asked Jesus to do - for us to be redeemed back to God and to have the spirit of God born within us who believe. The OT leads us to Christ - and Christ always pointed men to God.

Ever read the account in the gospels of the men on the road to Emmaus and how Christ taught them all the things concerning him in the OT? Amazing! He didn't have the NT scriptures to speak of yet - so he unfolded the OT references to himself and their hearts did burn within themselves as the understood how he explained the scriptures.

I started with the 4 gospels, and I absolutely adored them. I reread each one several times.

Now, I'm trying to grasp the whole picture, but the Old Testament is sooooooo different, I'll be honest, it's hard to read and kind of a drag. The long passages with lineage "____ son of _____"... Sometime I wonder what was the point of these long family lines being described in so much detail?

Also, the 12 tribes of Isreal- there's so much talk about them. Can someone shed light on why they are important to understanding Christianity today?

I guess I read the peak of the book first *Christ* and now I'm having a hard time understanding the stuff before Him. Any help would be appreciated.
god uses the old test. to show his power and his perfect glory and his perfect law, of how his people should should conduct the worship of him. with very good examples of every kind of situation and temptation known to man, with the lord god almighty always delivering his people. the new test. god reveals himself as the christ. and by his spirit he has rescued us from the wrath to come when he wrecks this earth again. you must remember that all new test. scripture must be proven by the old test. that means if it is not in prophecy or the law then its not proper doctrine,this is why you must be lead by the spirit when reading gods word. he will help you get through all the begats and such, one reason he does this is to give us a date when this world was formed. keep up the good work. love yaza

Since you mentioned Genesis and the tribes being spoken of as to what is important about them.

1. Genesis 37 links up with Rev. 12.
a woman
with 12 stars

sun, moon and eleven stars plus Joseph


Genesis 37:9
"And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me."

This verse has bugged me for many many years - as to why - when Jacob knew of this prophesied as to Joseph -then why did Jacob believe that a wild animal kills him later?
Why did Jacob believe the evil brothers after they faked to Joseph - that a coat with blood on it they told him was found -as to an animal slew him?

same chapter
37:31
"And they took Joseph's coat and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in blood;"
v 32
"And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know whether it be thy son's coat or no,"


Deuteronomy 32 tells about the future of Israel clear to the end days.

v 20
"And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be..."

Okay, - notice that by the time of the 6th seal of Rev. - God shows His face - causing the wicked to go hide.
(This brings Isaiah 2:10-21 to pass).

Staying with Deuteronomy - v 21 refers to the coming time of the church!

v 21
"They have moved me to jealousy...I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people..."

Israel would turn to idolatry - so God would one day provoke them to jealousy be choosing a new people.

Romans 10:19
"But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people..."

Deuteronomy 28 refers to curses that will come on Israel if they disobey God.

V 48 refers to the yoke of iron.

This king did finally come on Israel.


Jeremiah 28:14
"For thus saith the LORD of hosts the God of Israel; I have put a yoke of iron upon the neck of all these nations that they may serve Nebuchaddnezzar..."

Daniel 9:11
"Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured out upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses..."

"the curse is poured out upon us"

Deuteronomy 28 refers to curses that will come on Israel if they disobey God.

V 48 refers to the yoke of iron.

This king did finally come on Israel.


Jeremiah 28:14
"For thus saith the LORD of hosts the God of Israel; I have put a yoke of iron upon the neck of all these nations that they may serve Nebuchaddnezzar..."

Daniel 9:11
"Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured out upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses..."

"the curse is poured out upon us"
Thankfully the 'us' referrs to the Jews and not me - and in Christ there is no longer Jew or Gentile - but we are all one.

This yoke of iron was put on nations - not just Israel.

"the neck of all these nations"

"that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar"


Now, move on over to Jeremiah 30.

v 7
"Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble..."

V 8
"For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke..."

My goal is to show the importance of studying the OT -I don't want to cause this to be moved to another section of the board - so just consider for a bit - is the yoke of iron of Nebuchadnezzar broken yet?

or - does it remain on the world?


Jeremiah 25:11-13 is an interesting section of Scripture - because it shows the Babylonian king time ending when a time of 70 years comes to pass.

So - far?
The Babylonian king - time only has used about 66.5 years of that time to rule the world.

Nebuchadnezzar 605
last king of Babylon (Belshazzar) taken down by the Perians - 539 B.C.

The Scriptures foretell of a Babylonian king that gets punished at the end of 70 years.
This king must be in the future days!

Looking at the end of Zechariah chapter 5 - what is needing to get accomplished?

build
a house in Shinar

(in the land of Iraq)


So then what should chapter 6 probably be about?

Also, the 12 tribes of Isreal- there's so much talk about them. Can someone shed light on why they are important to understanding Christianity today?


God made his covenant to Abraham and his descendants. Abraham was saved by his faith, not sacrifice(see Hebrews 10:4).

Genesis 15:1-6 states:


1: After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”

2: But Abram said, “Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”

3: Then Abram said, “Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!”

4: And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.”

5: Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”

6: And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.We see in verse six the concept of the faith or belief in God accounting for righteousness much like Paul preaches in Romans.

Abraham's Descendants also held to the belief and throughout the Old Testament we see where others are accepted in under certain laws and circumstances. This is relevant to most Christians because it was an allowance for those that were not the chosen people of God to be accepted into his grace.

The Twelve tribes specifically were Israel's son's, or the descendants of them. When Joseph came to Egypt he sent for his brothers and their families, the descendants of Abraham who were looking towards the God of Abraham. Those were the twelve tribes. As time passed in Egypt, the Egyptians forgot the relationship between Israel and Egypt and oppressed Israel. This was what God used Moses used Moses when he delivered the people of God. This is highly symbolic and reflective of our deliverance from bondage.


But, it's a prelude to the finale!!!! You need to know the whole story!!! You need to know what God said and you'll better understand what Jesus says. Amen:pp

I see what you are saying but I think it is more the foundation of our very belief. Everything starts there, we are shown right from wrong and we are given many promises here in the Old Testament, an prophecies. I do not see the New Testament as the finale, but yet another point along the path of the History of humankind and their relationship and understanding of God.


Not everything written in the the OT is applicable or required with regards to Christianity and salvation.

God bless you!

Firstfruits

Nothing as an earthly action is going to save us, our salvation is of God's grace not because of what we have done. We do however obey the laws of God out of love for god. We should desire to live in a manner God laid out for humankind in the old testament.

I feel that too often many are overwhelmed by the old testament and even so many are too eager to disregard it. We worship the Messiah of the Old Testament, so to worship the Savior we must see what we are saved from.

You will not suddenly comprehend the whole bible or the whole Old Testament, so do not be discouraged by it. Take it at a pace that you can understand and at a pace that will help you grow. Living a life for God is a constant search and struggle to see his face, and to see him more clearly.

1 Corinthians 13:12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Exodus 25 is interesting too.

We find there how Moses was instructed to make the sanctuary.

v 9
"According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern..."

the offering was of

"And this is the offering which ye shall take of them, gold, and silver, and brass,"
v 3

Israel would give the items for the building of God's sanctuary.

"giveth it willingly"

This needs to be known by the church because

1. The pattern is always given before God's holy items are made

2. The holy items are to made of gold and such given willingly by the Israeli people.

3. Solomon will later be given - 666 talents of gold.
see 1 Kings 10:14

4. David donated many items to the building of the holy temple - but told Solomon of that - there was no number - but he was to add to it.


5 Cyrus later build another temple to God - but the freewill offering then - became both silver and gold.
see Ezra 8:28

I won't be back till tonight, so I will just give one more linked section to consider.

Eccl. 1:15
"...that which is wanting cannot be numbered."

Daniel 5:27
"...Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting."


Why was the Babylonian king weighed?

1. he had sinned with God's holy unnumbered vessels

2. his sin number must now be sought out

But it couldn't be found - as Solomon had left the holy vessels without a number (unweighed).

The Old Testament is good reading, really. It has all the elements of good literature. There is the battle between good and evil, the struggles of imperfection seeking perfection, history, and romance (Song of Solomon).

If you want to be a scholar, scribe, or Pharisee, study it.

If you want to use the scriptures to get to know God, just read it and meditate on it.

The historical books are great adventure.

Psalms and proverbs are great for the heart and mind.

Ecclesiastes is a study in self effort.

Song of Solomon, Love between The bride and Bride groom

The prophetical books can get heavy but make sense in light of what you read in the historical books.

It won’t come overnight. You will get something with each reading. If nothing else it’s time you won’t be filling your mind with cable-goop.

For non-Jews, reference to the Old Testament as a proof of Christ is like explaining blue to a blind man. When Paul was on Mars Hill, he did not reference any scripture, but used what he knew of their world to introduce them to the Christ.

Once a member of the body, having received the Spirit of Truth, He will lead you into all righteousness. (Which is why I warn you away from commentaries)

If you don’t do well with the geneologies, all the better. Paul tells us to avoid endless geneologies. Actually the geneologies of the Old Testament show the line to Christ which is really only of interest to those who already know and just like to discuss and argue – you know the contentious.

Just enjoy reading it. It would be a lot better had “they” not chopped it into verses. I am sure that part is not inspired.

I started with the 4 gospels, and I absolutely adored them. I reread each one several times.

Now, I'm trying to grasp the whole picture, but the Old Testament is sooooooo different, I'll be honest, it's hard to read and kind of a drag. The long passages with lineage "____ son of _____"... Sometime I wonder what was the point of these long family lines being described in so much detail?

Also, the 12 tribes of Isreal- there's so much talk about them. Can someone shed light on why they are important to understanding Christianity today?

I guess I read the peak of the book first *Christ* and now I'm having a hard time understanding the stuff before Him. Any help would be appreciated.

Look at the nation of Israel as one believer. IOW, they are there for our example. For now, just skip over the geneologies. Jesus taught in parables and so does God. The OT is a parable with a deeper spiritual meaning. It's a true story, but it illustrates for us the NT. God teaches precept upon precept in the NT, and he will illustrate NT truths with OT examples.