Where do people usually begin reading the OT?

Neostarwcc · Nov 21, 2018

eleos1954 said:
Isaiah is a great book as well. Since it sounds like you are more familiar with the NT .... following are the top 5 OT books that are most quoted in the NT .... not sure if you do or not, but use the concordance when studying ... helps a lot.

Psalms (68 times)

Isaiah (55)

Deuteronomy (44)

Genesis (35)

Exodus (31)

May the Lord bless you through your studies. Amen

Maybe ill read psalms too then. I've heard that psalms is a very interesting read. And maybe proverbs too. I started reading proverbs years ago but never finished.

Dave-W · Nov 21, 2018

Neostarwcc said:
So the book of Isaiah was written around 200 BC? Or when was it written? Because Christ came in the early 1st century AD didn't he? Because they're saying that he died around 44 AD on Wikipedia.

No - that copy of the scroll dated to about 200 bc. The book itself was written during the Babylonian exile, 605 - 537 bc.

royal priest · Nov 21, 2018

Neostarwcc said:
it's nothing about Jesus or about salvation in there. .

The Nature of the Suretyship of Jesus Christ During the Old Testament | Monergism

Dave L · Nov 21, 2018

Neostarwcc said:
I've read the NT at least 3 or 4 times but I have never read the OT all the way through. Honestly? I find it dry and boring. Most of it is just a collection of stories that happened to the Jews. There's nothing about Jesus or about salvation in there. But recently I've been thinking that the NT is getting kind of stale and I'd like to start reading the OT again.

But I don't really want to start at Genesis all over again (I've read Genesis at least 15 times anyway). So I'm wondering what parts of the OT are particularly good to read? I've heard good things about Psalms and Isaiah. Apprarently Isaiah has prophecies about Jesus in it. I know that Isaiah does talk about the New Heavens and the New Earth.

But I've read from Genesis to 2nd Samuel Chapter 11 I believe was where I left off but I don't really want to continue reading from 2nd Samuel I want to skip around with the interesting stuff before I get to the boring stuff.

I read through it every year along with the NT. It helps to use a modern translation (I'm using the NET Bible) this year. So you get a small bite, each day, easy to understand, and not the overwhelming task of plowing through the whole thing. Things make more sense each time through.

JoeP222w · Nov 21, 2018

Neostarwcc said:
There's nothing about Jesus or about salvation in there.

With this statement, one wonders if you have truly read the Old Testament with any understanding at all.

section9+1 · Nov 21, 2018

I read the OT fully as much as I do the NT. God reveals himself to us in the OT. The NT tells us of the relationship he expects to have with us, but if you want to learn who God is, read the OT.

Neostarwcc · Nov 21, 2018

Dave-W said:
No - that copy of the scroll dated to about 200 bc. The book itself was written during the Babylonian exile, 605 - 537 bc.

Oh okay. Thanks for answering. That's definitely before Christ then. It sounds like those Jewish scholars were just trying to think of ways to reject Christ altogether. I mean if he's apparently splattered all the way through the old testament than Idk why most Jews reject Christ. I talked to a Jew about it once and they said it was only because he only fulfilled some of the OT prophecies and the true messiah when he comes would fulfil them all. But as we know Jesus will be fulfilling the rest of the prophecies when he returns. But the Jews apparently reject this idea altogether. Kinda dumb if you ask me.

blackhead · Nov 21, 2018

danbuter said:
I recommend Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. At least, these are my favorite OT books.

I concur!

Neostarwcc · Nov 21, 2018

Dave L said:
I read through it every year along with the NT. It helps to use a modern translation (I'm using the NET Bible) this year. So you get a small bite, each day, easy to understand, and not the overwhelming task of plowing through the whole thing. Things make more sense each time through.

And you don't find reading from Genesis to Revelation boring? Interesting. I've tried it several times and I usually get bored by the time I reach Leviticus. But then again Leviticus is kind of a boring book.

Dave-W · Nov 21, 2018

Neostarwcc said:
I mean if he's apparently splattered all the way through the old testament than Idk why most Jews reject Christ

Paul came to the conclusion that a partial hardening and blinding fell on the Jews until the “fullness of the Gentiles” came in.

Neostarwcc · Nov 21, 2018

Dave-W said:
Paul came to the conclusion that a partial hardening and blinding fell on the Jews until the “fullness of the Gentiles” came in.

Yeah well the Jewish leaders have been rejecting Christ since the beginning. Despite all of the miracles that he did and raising himself from the dead. A feat that only God himself could do. But Paul could be right. Doesn't Revelation say that when Christ does return that the Jews won't reject him anymore? I think it says that anyway. So there's at least that. The Jewish hearts won't be hardened for forever.

AliveinChrist99 · Nov 21, 2018

You have mentioned this but Jesus is in the New Testament - Revealed
In the Old Testament- Concealed
Think of it as Jesus said as a precious pearl, you may have to dig for it but when you find parts of Jesus in the Old Testament it’s worth the time you spent and it’s a real blessing to see
God bless

Resha Caner · Nov 21, 2018

Neostarwcc said:
True. But Jesus doesn't make a direct appearance in the OT because he didn't come to the Earth for the first time yet.

That's not quite right. The Christ is a full participant in the godhead, and as indicated in John 1:3, he's been very active throughout all of history. The most obvious appearance in the OT is Daniel 3:25, but there are other passages that people read as a "Christophany" - a pre-incarnate appearance of the Christ.

There are also many Christological parallels lived out by people like Joseph and Jonah.

With respect to your original question, it's often not productive to just sit down and start reading the OT by yourself, like it's a novel to read by the fireplace on a rainy day. It takes years of study, and it's best to do that study in the company of more mature Christians.

The more you understand the OT, the more you'll realize the richness it adds to the Christian life.

Dave L · Nov 21, 2018

Neostarwcc said:
And you don't find reading from Genesis to Revelation boring? Interesting. I've tried it several times and I usually get bored by the time I reach Leviticus. But then again Leviticus is kind of a boring book.

For me it's a challenge to try and understand all the symbolism and how it relates to now. Like I said some of the newer translations help move it along.

Berean Tim · Nov 21, 2018

Neostarwcc said:
I've read the NT at least 3 or 4 times but I have never read the OT all the way through. Honestly? I find it dry and boring. Most of it is just a collection of stories that happened to the Jews. There's nothing about Jesus or about salvation in there. But recently I've been thinking that the NT is getting kind of stale and I'd like to start reading the OT again.

But I don't really want to start at Genesis all over again (I've read Genesis at least 15 times anyway). So I'm wondering what parts of the OT are particularly good to read? I've heard good things about Psalms and Isaiah. Apprarently Isaiah has prophecies about Jesus in it. I know that Isaiah does talk about the New Heavens and the New Earth.

But I've read from Genesis to 2nd Samuel Chapter 11 I believe was where I left off but I don't really want to continue reading from 2nd Samuel I want to skip around with the interesting stuff before I get to the boring stuff.

Start with a commentary, get the background of the book first then you will get more out of it. God bless your studies

salt-n-light · Nov 21, 2018

Neostarwcc said:
I've read the NT at least 3 or 4 times but I have never read the OT all the way through. Honestly? I find it dry and boring. Most of it is just a collection of stories that happened to the Jews. There's nothing about Jesus or about salvation in there. But recently I've been thinking that the NT is getting kind of stale and I'd like to start reading the OT again.

But I don't really want to start at Genesis all over again (I've read Genesis at least 15 times anyway). So I'm wondering what parts of the OT are particularly good to read? I've heard good things about Psalms and Isaiah. Apprarently Isaiah has prophecies about Jesus in it. I know that Isaiah does talk about the New Heavens and the New Earth.

But I've read from Genesis to 2nd Samuel Chapter 11 I believe was where I left off but I don't really want to continue reading from 2nd Samuel I want to skip around with the interesting stuff before I get to the boring stuff.

I would personally read through Psalms and Proverbs. I see it giving deep insight into the heart of God. Although learning historical events is important,at times we can lose touch of the character of God himself.

Maria Billingsley · Nov 21, 2018

Neostarwcc said:
I've read the NT at least 3 or 4 times but I have never read the OT all the way through. Honestly? I find it dry and boring. Most of it is just a collection of stories that happened to the Jews. There's nothing about Jesus or about salvation in there. But recently I've been thinking that the NT is getting kind of stale and I'd like to start reading the OT again.

But I don't really want to start at Genesis all over again (I've read Genesis at least 15 times anyway). So I'm wondering what parts of the OT are particularly good to read? I've heard good things about Psalms and Isaiah. Apprarently Isaiah has prophecies about Jesus in it. I know that Isaiah does talk about the New Heavens and the New Earth.

But I've read from Genesis to 2nd Samuel Chapter 11 I believe was where I left off but I don't really want to continue reading from 2nd Samuel I want to skip around with the interesting stuff before I get to the boring stuff.

Rather than read the OT do a study on all the verses that speak of the coming of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Pretty amazing all the prophetic literature that points directly to Christ. It also makes you appreciate the historical background of Jesus.
Blessings

Bible Highlighter · Nov 21, 2018

Neostarwcc said:
I've read the NT at least 3 or 4 times but I have never read the OT all the way through. Honestly? I find it dry and boring. Most of it is just a collection of stories that happened to the Jews. There's nothing about Jesus or about salvation in there. But recently I've been thinking that the NT is getting kind of stale and I'd like to start reading the OT again.

But I don't really want to start at Genesis all over again (I've read Genesis at least 15 times anyway). So I'm wondering what parts of the OT are particularly good to read? I've heard good things about Psalms and Isaiah. Apprarently Isaiah has prophecies about Jesus in it. I know that Isaiah does talk about the New Heavens and the New Earth.

But I've read from Genesis to 2nd Samuel Chapter 11 I believe was where I left off but I don't really want to continue reading from 2nd Samuel I want to skip around with the interesting stuff before I get to the boring stuff.

Jesus is in the Old Testament:

Before you read the OT, ask God to show Jesus to you within it's pages.

For Jesus made many pre-incarnate appearances in the Old Testament:
(Check out this CF thread):
Jesus is the Messenger of the Lord in the Old Testament.

There are also many "Typifications of Christ" in the Old Testament:
(Check out this CF thread):
Typifications of Christ in the Old Testament.

Note: In this particular thread, it includes:

#1. Types of Christ in the story of Joseph.
#2. Jesus in the different books of the Bible.
#3. Jesus in Genesis chapter 1.

There are also many fulfilled prophecies of the Messiah:

AccordingtotheScriptures.org :: 353 Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus Christ

You can also get a Jesus Centered Bible at Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Center...42829866&sr=1-7&keywords=Jesus+centered+bible

You can also get the 365 Great Bible Stories (Picture Book) when you also read the Old Testament (to help you to stay focused on Jesus while reading):

https://www.amazon.com/365-Great-Bi...30657&sr=1-1&keywords=365+great+bible+stories

Men were even saved by Christ in the OT.

1 "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ."
(1 Corinthians 10:1-4).

Anyways, I hope this helps, and may the Lord Jesus Christ bless greatly you today.

Halbhh · Nov 21, 2018

Neostarwcc said:
I've read the NT at least 3 or 4 times but I have never read the OT all the way through. Honestly? I find it dry and boring. Most of it is just a collection of stories that happened to the Jews. There's nothing about Jesus or about salvation in there. But recently I've been thinking that the NT is getting kind of stale and I'd like to start reading the OT again.

But I don't really want to start at Genesis all over again (I've read Genesis at least 15 times anyway). So I'm wondering what parts of the OT are particularly good to read? I've heard good things about Psalms and Isaiah. Apprarently Isaiah has prophecies about Jesus in it. I know that Isaiah does talk about the New Heavens and the New Earth.

But I've read from Genesis to 2nd Samuel Chapter 11 I believe was where I left off but I don't really want to continue reading from 2nd Samuel I want to skip around with the interesting stuff before I get to the boring stuff.

Some thoughts on reading through --

1rst, you don't necessarily need or have to read through -- it may be something really calls to you to read now instead like:

Proverbs
or
Ecclesiastes

2nd, if you are reading through, some parts can make me slow down a lot and think, and other parts I may skim more quickly like the lists of groups and numbers in the Book of Numbers (which has more than only lists, so don't skim the entire book).

I've been reading through fully again, from Genesis, and this time in the ESV (previously I had read it fully through in other translations, but long ago, and recently only read random OT books here and there since). One thing I can say is that in the Psalms it tends to slow me down a lot, because there is so much to think on, and perhaps a good plan is that when you read the Psalms you would read 1-4 Psalms a day, and while that is ongoing, begin the next book Proverbs (which I already see may require a similar reading). Possibly I may try to just read some Psalms and some Proverbs each day, until both are through. One wrinkle that happened is that while I was early in the Psalms, our Saturday Bible study group began a 7 week long course in Proverbs, which usually had about 25 proverbs per week, so it's going to be me reading a good number of proverbs more than once, which is good. Part of what has happened in Psalms is that I hit ones that truly surprise, and also some that just make me stop and think (like 49), and I end up reading only 1 for that day. Which is plenty, as needed. The goal is not to get through but to be in.

Devin P · Nov 21, 2018

Neostarwcc said:
I've read the NT at least 3 or 4 times but I have never read the OT all the way through. Honestly? I find it dry and boring. Most of it is just a collection of stories that happened to the Jews. There's nothing about Jesus or about salvation in there. But recently I've been thinking that the NT is getting kind of stale and I'd like to start reading the OT again.

But I don't really want to start at Genesis all over again (I've read Genesis at least 15 times anyway). So I'm wondering what parts of the OT are particularly good to read? I've heard good things about Psalms and Isaiah. Apprarently Isaiah has prophecies about Jesus in it. I know that Isaiah does talk about the New Heavens and the New Earth.

But I've read from Genesis to 2nd Samuel Chapter 11 I believe was where I left off but I don't really want to continue reading from 2nd Samuel I want to skip around with the interesting stuff before I get to the boring stuff.

Genesis. Start in genesis.

Where do people usually begin reading the OT?

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