Thoughts on the Old Testament

Life is busy and I haven't had the time to share so many of my important thoughts on this blog. Over the past few years, I have been assembling in book form, highlights and thoughts from the teachings found in the Gospel Doctrine Class curriculum. I thought that I would share some of those highlights in this blog, possibly on a weekly basis (unless I have more pressing thoughts). I thought I would start with Teachings from the Old Testament (Sunday School curriculum for 2010). Your comments are always appreciated.

Thoughts on the Old Testament

What thoughts first come to your mind when I mention a study of the Old Testament? Do you think of an ancient and dusty land? Do you think of tedious and boring reading? Do you think of strange and peculiar laws? Do you look forward to a study of the ancient prophets?

While I was serving on my mission, the Council of the Twelve issued a Missionary Study Guide. This guide stated, “Ordinarily the greatest value will accrue if the Standard Works are studied in this order: Book of Mormon, New Testament, Pearl of Great Price, Doctrine & Covenants, the book of Genesis and those portions of the Old Testament which relate to subjects being studied.”(1) This guide became the basis for my study of the scriptures during my mission. As a consequence, my study focused on all of the Standard Works, except the Old Testament.

Shortly after returning from my mission I decided it was time to read the Old Testament and committed myself to reading it from cover to cover. It was not easy, but I struggled through, completing it several months later. I have studied much of the Old Testament since, but have yet to read it cover to cover a second time. In contrast, I have completed twenty-eight readings of the Book of Mormon, along with multiple readings of the New Testament, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great. In addition, I have read numerous Church books, particularly those related to Church history.

Why is it that we are reluctant to read and study this ancient work of scripture? After preparing and teaching the Sunday School Old Testament course three times, I have come to believe that our reluctance is primarily an attitude problem. Without question, the Old Testament presents greater challenges than those of the other Standard Works. Indeed, it is a book that requires additional effort and study to comprehend and understand. Nonetheless, it is a great treasure that makes the effort one of great value.

President Gordon B. Hinckley stated,

"I hope that for you [studying the scriptures] will become something far more enjoyable than a duty; rather, it will become a love affair with the word of God. I promise you that as you read, your minds will be enlightened and your spirits will be lifted."(2)

President Hinckley’s statement applies to all of the Standard Works, including the Old Testament.

A study of the Old Testament should strengthen our testimony of the Savior and our commitment to live his gospel. If we are guided by the Spirit in our study of this great volume, we should be able to testify with Job, "I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth."(3)

As you study the Old Testament, I suggest the use of a good Bible handbook, an Old Testament commentary, and a history of Bible times to aid you in understanding the culture and background of these ancient peoples. The Old Testament Student Manual, available through Church distribution, is also an excellent resource. Most importantly, the messages of the Old Testament are best understood through the Spirit.
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[1] Search The Scriptures – A Missionary Study Guide For Missionaries (Salt Lake City: The Council of the Twelve, 1971), p. 7.
[2] Ensign, May 1995, p. 99.
[3] Job 19:25.