History And Historical Context Of The Old Testament

The history of how the Bible came into existence has been explored for centuries and is an active area of study today. There are many facets to the Bible and each has its own set of unique characteristics and teachings. The Old Testament is considered a contemporary guide for daily living, even though it was composed hundreds of years ago. Where did the Old Testament come from? What are some of the influences that shaped the Old Testament? What are the significant events of the Old Testament? In order to gain a better understanding of the Old Testament and its message to Christians, special consideration is given to its historical and cultural context, and to the major milestones in its development. Personal application of the teachings offered in this section of the Bible should be the aspiration of all Christians today. Cultural and Historical Context of the Old Testament An understanding of Israel’s history and geography is necessary for proper interpretation of the Old Testament. The Middle East provided the setting for the events recorded in the Old Testament, specifically Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Syria-Palestine. This area lies along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in Mesopotamia up to the Persian Gulf. This area was the cradle of civilization and the scene of God s activities as recorded in the Old Testament. The majority of the events take place in Palestine, the ancient land of Canaan, though at times the Israelites lived in Egypt and Babylon. This isShow MoreRelatedJesus Christ From The Old Testament787 Words   |  4 PagesBible is composed of two testaments that on the surface are seemingly in contrast and with many discontinuities. How these two testaments work together in harmony can be mysterious and difficult for ministers. In the book Preaching Christ from the Old Testa ment Sidney Greidanus focuses on uniting the New and the Old Testament through Jesus Christ. He says, â€Å"Jesus Christ is the link between the Old and the New. 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