6 Questions to Ask When Reading the Old Testament

 when reading the Olds TESTAMENT Books, prayerfully ask THE Following questions:

When prayerfully reading Old Testament books, ask these questions:

1. Who is this? (Character Study): What does this passage tell me about the person or people mentioned? Consider their background, family, social standing, motivations, and overall personality. What are their strengths and weaknesses?

2. New Testament Lens: What does the New Testament reveal about this person(s) or the events described? Does the New Testament directly mention them? Are there allusions or typological connections? How does the New Testament understanding of God, salvation, and the Kingdom illuminate this Old Testament account?

3. Failures and Consequences: What character flaws or failures does the person(s) exhibit? What were the consequences of their actions? What lessons can I learn from their mistakes? (Don't just focus on the negative; consider the context and any mitigating factors.)

4. Heroism and God's Glory: What heroic act(s) did this person(s) perform? How did their actions glorify God (or fail to)? Even seemingly "good" actions might have unintended consequences or reveal flawed motivations. Discern the true source of their strength and success.

5. Jesus' Superiority: How did Jesus fulfill or surpass what this person attempted (or failed to do)? How does Jesus' life, ministry, and sacrifice demonstrate a greater and more perfect way? This is crucial for understanding the Old Testament's role in pointing to Christ.

6. Typological Connections: Are there any similarities or parallels between this person's life, suffering, ministry, and/or resurrection (or any other significant event in their story) and Jesus' life? Be careful not to force connections, but look for genuine patterns and foreshadowing. How does this Old Testament account prefigure or point towards Jesus?

A few extra tips for this kind of study:

• Pray before, during, and after: Ask the Holy Spirit for understanding and guidance.
• Consider the historical context: Understanding the time period, culture, and surrounding events is crucial.
• Read the surrounding passages: Don't just isolate one verse or story. The context is key.
• Consult commentaries (carefully): Good commentaries can offer valuable insights, but always compare them to Scripture itself.
• Don't rush: Take your time and meditate on what you're reading.
• Focus on application: How can these truths apply to your life today?

By using these questions and tips, your Old Testament reading will become much more than just historical accounts. It will become a rich source of spiritual nourishment and a deeper understanding of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.