OLD TESTAMENT INTRODUCTION
~ PART B ~



EXODUS ["Departure"]. Exodus is the second book of the Torah (which is the Hebrew word meaning “Law”). The first five books of the Bible are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Two (2) unforgettable experiences:

  • Bondage: 430 years in Egypt.
  • Deliverance: Led by Moses.


Two (2) unforgettable blueprints:

  • The Ten Commandments: How to Live.
  • The Tabernacle: How to Worship.


NOTE: The account of Moses’ life covers 1/7th of the whole Bible.   It is 2/3rd as large as the New Testament.


LEVITICUS ["Concerning ‘Levites’ or ‘Priests’"]

More details on:

  • How To Live: Holy Seasons and Laws
  • How To Worship: Sacrifices and The Priesthood


NUMBERS ["Census" or "Numbering"]

Forty (40) years of wandering in the wilderness. The population count, or census, was taken at the start and finish:

  • Start (at Mt. Sinai) = 603,550 males over age 20 (not counting Levites).
  • Finish (38) years later) = 601,730 males over age 20 (excluding Levites).


DEUTERONOMY ["2nd Law"]

Last words of Moses before he died. A review of the wilderness wanderings and the Law repeated: the Law to be read every 7th (Sabbatical) year at the Feast of Tabernacles.

The Time of Deuteronomy: 70 days from the end of the wanderings to the crossing of Jordan.

JOSHUA ["Savior"]

Joshua was Moses’ Chief aide and military leader; he became Israel’s leader after Moses’ death. Joshua led the people across the Jordan and into the promised land.

Seven (7) nations were destroyed in the land. After the conquest of the land by the children of Israel, the land was divided among the tribes of Israel.

There were tremendous MIRACLES in Joshua’s day:

  • The crossing of the Jordan River.
  • The fall of Jericho.
  • The sun standing still.


NOTE: All these miracles had to do with getting God’s people into the land and driving out the enemy! They were involved in God’s plan and purpose to bring forth a nation from whom the Messiah would come!


The KEY to the Old Testament: "A record of a nation designed to bring forth a Man (the Messiah of God)."


The KEY to the New Testament: "A record of a Man (the Messiah of God) designed to bring forth a nation (the people of God)."


"For this purpose the Son of God was manifested,

that He might destroy the works of the devil."

I John 3:8


Your job is the same as Joshua’s. To go into new territory and conquer for the Lord; to destroy the works of the devil; and then to divide the land (inheritance) among God’s people.

You might ask, "How do I divide the land among God’s people?" Here’s your answer, "By teaching them their authority in Christ ... WHO they are in Christ and WHAT they have in Christ ... by teaching them HOW you conquered, and sharing the blessings you have received, so they will know how to conquer:  HOW TO WIN!"


You will learn HOW to do this in the Advanced section and in the Media and Podcasts.


THOUGHT


Do you have your orders from God:  like Moses and Joshua? Are you operating in the perfect center of God’s will for your life? If not, PRAY, and ask God to show you His plan for your life. Spend time ALONE with God daily in your place of prayer (a regular place where you can meet with Him). If your plan fits into God’s plan, you will have God’s faith: and God’s faith always works!


TO LEAD A GREAT BODY OF PEOPLE
YOU MUST HAVE GOD’S ADVICE AND FOLLOW  IT


Moses led over 3,000,000 people through the wilderness. Multiply the male census (603,550) by 2 (allowing each man a wife) and then figure 3 children (minimum) for every family. Whenever a major problem arose, he prayed and talked to God about it before he took action.

The one time he acted foolishly, when he did not take God’s advice, cost him earthly blessings. He became angry so that he "hit" the rock instead of "speaking" to it. Forty years before, God had told him to HIT the rock and water would come out for the people to drink.

However, near the end of the wilderness wanderings, when the people were complaining over thirst again, God told him only to SPEAK to the rock and water would come out. Moses became angry and, even though the fault was with the people he was leading, the Bible says: "he spoke UNADVISEDLY with his lips". Read Exodus 17:1-7; Numbers 20:1-13; and Psalm 106:32-33.


Now, start reading from the Book of Judges through the rest of the Old Testament.  This overview was to give you a start. And, remember ...



If your plan fits into God's plan ...
you will have God's faith ...
and God's faith always works!

The voice of Excellence

Prince Handley