"This book is the antidote for long, doctrinaire attempts by scholars to postulate their interpretations of biblical teachings while muddying the waters instead. Your overview of the Old Testament in clear, unadulterated terms has come in a timely manner, the answer to what today's harried people with short attention spans need as biblical foundation. With the noteworthy facts you serve up on a platter, so to speak, your reader partakes of salient points that encourage more detailed reading of the Scriptures. Thank you so much for the novel approach."

Kenneth Edward Lim  The North Korean

"I must start by telling you that I am not a religious person, although I do believe there is a form of higher spirit somewhere. Having started reading your book, I was pleasantly surprised how much I was able to sit and read without feeling I was being Bible bashed. (Excuse the description, but I couldn't find another way to put it.) I actually found your writing very interesting; and you wrote in such a way that actually held my interest. You have reached out in a language that is far more appealing and straightforward with a genuine desire to let people see the book the way it was meant to be, not overbearing as I did find Bible teachers when I was younger. Full marks and congrats on such a great book."

Anonymous

"I appreciate your clear, concise, sometimes brilliant summaries of key topics in both the Old Testament and New Testament Scripture. This would be an excellent resource for every Sunday school teacher to have. I wasn't able to see your diagram and other illustrations but would love to have a copy of them in my hands. You have successfully distilled the essence of God's word and I would love to have a copy of this, with illustrations, for my library. You have my best wishes for publication and I hope you'll let me know when it is published."

Patricia Laster   Breaking Free

"This is an incredible book in its ability to distill massive amount of complex message into enjoyable bite-size pieces. All the while amplifying the Word and His message to each of us. The diagram exercise is very powerful and should be incorporated in Christian education programs for both children and adults. While going through the exercise, I immediately went into curriculum writing mindset. Roslyn has again blessed all of us with a resource that begs to be shared."

Walter Petticrew  Luvyareader

“I Am” Through the Ages

Roslyn Alexander

Copyright (c) 2012 Roslyn R.G. Alexander.

Self published by Roslyn Alexander.

Theological edit by Larry Michael Ph.D.

English edit by Emily Youree.

Digital artwork by Roslyn Alexander copyright (c) 2012.

ISBN 13: 978-09855397 5-7 (sc)

Available in print at Littlescribes.com or at eBook retailers for free. Although this eBook is free all rights are reserved. No parts of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Re-story telling from the Old Testament Scriptures is intended to inspire further investigation. Translations used for quotations include:

Scripture quotations from The Authorized (King James) Version. Rights in the Authorized Version in the United Kingdom are vested in the Crown. Reproduced by permission of the Crown’s patentee, Cambridge University Press.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLEâ, Copyright ã 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995, by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked (GNT) are from the Good News Translation in Today's English Version- Second Edition Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.

Scripture quotations taken from the 21st Century King James Version®, copyright © 1994. Used by permission of Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

All scripture quotations in this publication are from the Contemporary English Version Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Dedicated to the Nations, that they may come to know and anticipate the Prince of Peace.

Genesis 3:15, Genesis 22:18, Genesis 26:4, Genesis 49:10, Numbers 21:6-9, Numbers 24:17, Deuteronomy 18:15, Psalm 16:9-10, Psalm 22, Psalm 132:11, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaiah 40:10-11, Isaiah 50:6, Isaiah 52:13-15, Isaiah 53, Isaiah 60:21, Jeremiah 23:5, Jeremiah 33:14-15, Ezekiel 34:23, Ezekiel 37:25, Daniel 9:25, Micah 5:2, Micah 7:20, Zechariah 6:12, Zechariah 9:9, Zechariah 9:10, Zechariah 12:8-10, Zechariah 13:7, Malachi 3:1-4, Malachi 4:2-6.

Table of Contents

Introduction

In the Beginning

The First Three Arks

The Israelites Grow in Numbers

Yahweh Builds a Nation of Prophets, Priests, and Kings

Songs from the Prophets

The Prophets Who Foretold and Wrote About Christ

“I Am” Still Dwells with Us on Earth

Diagram

Tips for Reading the Old Testament for the First Time

Notes

About the Author

Introduction

In the Holy Scriptures, each book, letter, story, and law was inspired by God and written down by men. There are 66 books in the Old and New Testament Bible written by 40 different people over a period of 1,500 years. Its authors were kings, royal family members, shepherds, Hebrew priests, prophets, scribes, a tax collector, a physician, farmers, political leaders, lawmakers, and fishermen. This short book is just a sampling of what each book is about in an attempt to provide overall meaning of the Old Testament. It will provide insight to a new believer, to one who may be seeking for truth, or for someone who has never found the time to read the whole Old Testament on his or her own. This is a quick overview of the Old Testament in order to help give meaning to the Bible as a whole. It is quite common for people to struggle through the Old Testament and therefore miss the relevance and vitality that the written Word has for the prophetic revelation of Jesus and the reason for His life on earth. This small book gives just a foretaste of the feast to come for those who believe. I hope you sense the essence of God’s Word as it applies to us today, and then prepare yourself for the challenging goal of reading and digesting the entire Old Testament. In the back of the little book is a diagram I hope you find useful to share.

In the Beginning

Throughout many generations, men and women have come to know and experience a God who desires to make known His kingdom. He did this by providing first His Word, then through sending His Son, and now through the provision of His Holy Spirit. In each of these ways, He demonstrated His pursuit of men and women so that we might be restored to His perfect love.

The Old Testament portions of the Bible are a collection of ancient writings from a Hebrew family named the Israelites. Their fathers and grandfathers told and retold these stories over and over again. These stories were later written down so that generations might come to realize and know the revelation of our heavenly Father who created us and who desires to have a full and meaningful relationship with us.

The first five books of the Old Testament, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy present a story about this Hebrew family known by the name of Israel. Moses, an Israelite, was inspired by God to instruct the Israelites with the written Word of God with these first five books.

Moses told us about our Creator¾God whose personal name in Hebrew is Yahweh; translated into English His name is “I Am.”

Adam and Eve

Moses wrote about Adam and Eve who were the first man and woman “I Am” created on the sixth day of Creation. They lived and walked with Yahweh in a beautiful garden named Eden. On the sixth day, God completed the creation of the earth, which sustains all life to this day. The seventh day He made special and He set it aside for rest, and asked us to do the same. Remember this!

Yahweh gave Adam and Eve one rule: Do not eat one kind of fruit. They failed to keep that one rule when evil, named Satan, deceived Eve and convinced her to break Yahweh’s rule, and eat that fruit. Then Adam also sinned against Yahweh and ate the fruit Eve offered to him. They were cast out of the Garden of Eden, and life became difficult because sin and death were now part of their lives¾apart from Yahweh’s perfect design. Cherubim, described as angels, guarded the way to the garden so Adam and Eve could not go back in.

Yahweh sacrificed the life of an animal and taught Adam and Eve how to sew clothes from its skin. “I Am” knew men and women would still need His help, but He turned them away from the garden so they might seek after Him with their innermost beings. Yahweh created men and women to have free will; we still have a choice to listen for Yahweh or turn away from our Creator today.

The First Three Arks

It is written that many more people were born and lived on the earth, but most of them had forgotten Yahweh was still with them and that He desired to have a relationship with them. Almost everyone forgot Yahweh except for a man named Noah, who listened and completed Yahweh’s plans for him. Yahweh gave Noah directions on how to make an Ark so that he, his family, and pairs of the animals would survive a great flood.

After the flood, “I Am” made a promise to Noah when He put a rainbow in the clouds. I hope you have heard the story about the first Ark, when Yahweh spared humankind and the animals from extinction and gave them a promise never to flood the whole earth again. Yahweh gave Noah and his family a way to live in hope as they left the Ark.

“And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the cloud, then I will look upon it, to remember the everlasting covenant” (Genesis 9:15-16, NASB).

Abraham

Moses continued writing about a man named Abram who was born almost 10 generations after Adam. God also talked with Abram and renamed him Abraham when he listened and followed God’s plans for him. God made another promise to Abraham when He asked him to move away from his home and follow Him. God promised to make Abraham the father of many people from all over the world; but, more important, He promised that from Abraham’s future family someone would be born who would lead all the peoples of the earth.

“The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants, until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will honor” (Genesis 49:10, NLT).

Moses and the Israelites Exit Egypt

The book of Exodus is the history of Moses’ birth; he was born five generations after Abraham! In this book, Abraham’s families had grown very large and were living in Egypt as slaves when a child was born who had to be hidden because of Pharaoh’s evil plans. Pharaoh was afraid of these healthy, resilient people and wanted no more baby boys to grow into men. This baby’s mother, who feared God more than Pharaoh, put her baby into a basket she waterproofed with tar and called it an Ark. With his sister standing nearby, she set the basket down into the reeds on the edge of a great river. When one of Pharaoh’s daughters came out to bathe, she discovered the child and had compassion on him. She claimed him and named him Moses. Pharaoh's daughter raised him as her own son so he might survive, but Moses’ Hebrew family name was Levi. Yahweh had a plan for Moses; Yahweh would help the Israelite people escape from slavery and return them to the land Yahweh had given them.

The second Ark was Moses’ basket. As Yahweh spared this people from slavery and death, we can see His hand upon them again and again.

The Ark of the Covenant

The book of Leviticus is named after Moses’ Hebrew family name, Levi.

“I Am” once again inspired Moses to have it written for the Hebrew tribe. Now they had a book with detailed knowledge on how they were to live with each other and with “I Am,” who desired to live inside their camp, but more important, inside their hearts and minds.

In Leviticus, there is a description of the Tabernacle¾Yahweh’s meeting place. Inside the Tabernacle, there was an inner room where the Ark of the Covenant was placed. Inside this Ark were stone tablets called the Ten Commandments. This Ark was constructed of wood and covered with gold. The lid of this container was decorated with two gold Cherubim.

The Ten Commandments are laws God wrote in stone to teach us about Yahweh’s standards. As we acknowledge these laws, we realize we cannot live up to them because we are sinful and in need of Yahweh's forgiveness.

In the Tabernacle, you would have also seen the Table of the Bread of Presence, the Lamp-stand, and the Altar of Incense, all parts of the worship Yahweh commanded. Each article of worship was symbolic of the provisions Yahweh was revealing to humankind and to Israel.

These are the three Arks I think of when I remember the love that Yahweh has for all humanity: Noah’s Ark, Moses’ Ark, and the Ark of the Covenant.

The Ten Commandments Paraphrased

Recognize no other power on the earth as a god, "I Am"—your God.

You may not make a “thing” to worship that replaces your worship of Me.

You may not misuse My name or make it common.

Do not forget the seventh day that "I Am" has set aside for rest.

You must love and honor your parents who care for you the best they can, so you may share life with them into old age.

Do not extinguish a human life.

Be faithful to your husband or wife to whom you have given a vow of marriage.

Do not claim another person’s property as your own, against his or her will.

Do not make up a lie in court or anywhere.

Do not desire for yourself items, animals, or relationships the Lord has not given you.

(Exodus 20:1-17, paraphrased)

In the book of Numbers, Moses tells us about the generations of his Hebrew family tree. Abraham’s grandson Jacob was renamed Israel, and blessed with 12 sons! Their names were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. After they were grown and had families of their own they were divided into 12 tribes as they traveled through the desert for 40 years just outside of a land that God promised to give them.

After being led by Moses away from slavery in Egypt, they had to learn to depend on “I Am” in a whole new way. Yahweh led them by His presence in a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day. He also fed them manna every day, but most of the people complained and complained. They thought living in Egypt as a slave was easier than living in this new way.

Trusting God

Moses told about a very important promise from Yahweh when it was written, “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel” (Numbers 24:17, KJV).

The Hebrews kept track of the birth of every baby born because of Yahweh’s promises to them. They were waiting for a very important Prophet and King to be born from their Hebrew clan. These Holy Scriptures inspired by God were passed down from Abraham by oral tradition, until God inspired Moses to write them down in Hebrew. The prophecies God gave Abraham were made before his son Isaac, or grandson Jacob (who was renamed Israel) was born. Or long before Judah, one of the 12 sons of Israel, received his portion of land. Jesus was born in the land of Judah, where the star appeared and was witnessed in the heavens by many.

A Holy Day

The Book of Deuteronomy is the last book "I Am" inspired Moses to write. On the day these five books were finished, Moses gave them to the Israelites. This day became a Holy Day the Israelites named Shavuot (in Greek it translates to Pentecost). The Israelites still celebrate this Holy Day every year.

Moses wrote about Yahweh’s desire to remain alive inside of the people’s hearts and minds. Moses asked Yahweh many times to forgive these people for their sins because they did not understand His love for them. When Moses had written these five books, he had faith and understood “I Am” would provide Someone special in their future: “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him” (Deuteronomy 18:15, NIV).

Yahweh Builds a Nation of Prophets, Priests, and Kings

Joshua Leads Israel

Joshua led the Israelites over the Jordan River and began to overtake the land God was giving them. Spies crept into a city named Jericho where they became cornered. A prostitute named Rahab spotted them and helped them. Rahab protected the Israelite spies by hiding them until they could escape out of the city alive. After the walls of Jericho fell¾the Israelites spared Rahab and her family. She lived to become an heir to King David and eventually Jesus of Nazareth. Joshua’s faith in Yahweh’s plans provided him with great amounts of energy into his old age as he carried out the plans that God had provided him. He divided up the land among the 12 tribes. Joshua lived to the age of 110.

Judges Rule Israel

After the time of Moses and Joshua, God provided Judges who would lead the Israelite people. While the tribes lived in the Land of Canaan, the Israelites were tempted to turn away from Yahweh and worship false gods and idols created by the foreign people with whom they lived. The Israelites continually fell away from the teachings of Moses, and the ways of the one true and living God of their fathers. Time and time again they turned to lesser gods and failed in their covenant relationship “I Am” made with Abraham so many years earlier. The Judges pointed out the peoples’ mistakes and reminded them to obey Yahweh’s commands. The appointed Judges compelled the people to maintain the covenant relationship that God had made with them. One of those Judges was a woman named Deborah who was a prophetess and a wife. She heard God speak and led Israel for 40 years during a time of conflict and strife. Together with the Israelite army she settled disputes and commanded wars. Deborah and many other Judges served God and Israel in a righteous way.

Ruth the Mother of Obed

The book of Ruth was written when the Judges ruled Israel. Ruth, a Moabite woman, was considered to be an outcast from a scandalous past or a foreigner to the Israelite family. She was married to an Israelite named Kilion, who died as a young man. Ruth loved her mother-in-law Naomi, and remained with her when she returned to her Israelite clan. The Israelite laws during this time were designed to protect and provide for people like Naomi and Ruth. The law permitted Ruth to petition Boaz, a close relative of her father-in-law, to take her to be his wife¾to be her kinsman redeemer in honor of her dead husband’s family line. This was an important provision for a nation expecting the Messiah, “the One” to be born from the Israelite tribe. Ruth found favor with Boaz; and he took her to be his wife. Boaz’s mother was Rahab. Ruth and Boaz gave birth to Obed. Obed was the father of Jesse who was the father of King David. This made Ruth an ancestor to Jesus of Nazareth. Read from Matthew Chapter 1 to see the whole family tree of Jesus.

Just think of how amazing it is—that God chose a family like this! A family of outsiders, prostitutes, murderers, and thieves. He chose and blessed a people who would become disobedient over time and turn away to worship false gods. What was God going to do with such an unruly group? He had a plan for them just like He has a plan for you and me. As you continue to read God’s Word¾you will see it too.

Samuel Learns to Hear God Speak

In the books of First and Second Samuel, Samuel had been dedicated to the Lord by his mother Hannah. After Samuel was weaned, Hannah took him to the temple to live and work with the High Priest Eli.

On night when Eli was an old man, God spoke to Samuel. Samuel awoke and heard God speak but he ran to Eli, thinking that he was calling to him. After this happened three times, Eli instructed him to go back and listen again because it was God who was speaking to him. Samuel responded to God’s call in his life and became the last judge in Israel.

In spite of Yahweh’s perfect plans the people pleaded to God for an earthly king. They wanted to be like the other nations around them. King Saul was the first Israelite that Samuel anointed king. Saul did not follow God’s instructions, and he failed in his leadership of men, so God instructed Samuel to anoint David king. David had been a shepherd boy in his father's home, but now lived under the reign of Saul with great difficulty. As a shepherd boy, David’s ear was trained to listen for predators after his sheep and for melodies as he played his harp and sang songs from God’s own heart. In David’s Psalms, one will read many prophesies about “the Promised One” as the Spirit of God inspired him in song. David became a great warrior, prophet, musician, and king. The psalms David sang foretold about Jesus—how He would be the “One” to bring eternal life to all who believe in Him.

“Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:9-11, NIV).

In the book of Second Samuel, we learn how king Saul died by his own sword, and then David became king. David ruled during a time of many wars with the nations that surrounded him. Sometimes men and women fail in their relationship with the Lord. Saul failed because he did not understand how important obedience was to God.

As you continue to read, you will see how God has made Himself known throughout the ages to ordinary men and women, and some who were judges, prophets, kings and queens. Are you listening for God like Samuel did?

Israel’s Kings

The books of First and Second Kings tell us many interesting things about the Israelite kingdom. During this time, King David, now an old man, gave instructions to Zadok the Temple Priest and Nathan the prophet to anoint Solomon king. Zadok the Temple Priest and Nathan the prophet performed the ceremony.

After 40 years of leadership, David died, and Solomon reigned over the Israelite kingdom during a time of peace and prosperity. King Solomon was known for the wisdom he requested and received from God. He built and dedicated the first Temple in the city of Jerusalem, according to the plans God had given David. Solomon reigned 40 years, after which Israel became a divided kingdom.

Troubles in these kingdoms arose because self-serving kings, who did evil in the sight of the Lord, ruled after good kings, who honored God. This behavior repeated itself over and over again. God continued to provide prophets to declare His will and warn the people there would be consequences because of their sins. The Israelites refused to change their ways and were conquered in war when the temple Solomon built was destroyed. They were eventually taken away from their land and forced to live in exile at Babylon for 70 years.

Chronicles of Israel’s Family

First Chronicles begins with the family record of Adam to Abraham, his wife Sarah with her son Isaac, and the child Ishmael, born to Sarah’s handmaiden Hagar. The family tree continues into the descendants of Isaac, to the reign of King David.

Second Chronicles provides a description of King Solomon’s reign and other historical events that took place during his reign and after those days.

In the book of Chronicles, we read that the first five books of Moses had been lost and were discovered again. One wonders how could God’s people have gone so far astray? Are they any different than we are today? Do we not also stray from the Lord? Fortunately, God remembered His promises to them, and in His sovereign power He allowed them to stray. When they were ready to listen and continue in His plans, He restored them. This happened time and time again.

In Chronicles, you will read there were always a small number of dedicated men and women who remained faithful, even after many had lost their faith in Yahweh. One of those was a prophetess named Huldah. You can read what she foretold to King Josiah in 2 Chronicles 34:22.

Change Comes for Israel

Ezra possibly wrote the book of Ezra after the Israelites had been exiled in captivity at Babylon for 70 years. The Persian king Cyrus became convicted to issue a decree and reverse the oppression of the Israelites. King Cyrus generously gave Ezra what he needed for the rebuilding project in Jerusalem, when he returned the second remnant of their people back to Jerusalem. The King also returned the articles from King Solomon’s temple, which had been stolen during the captivity. Zerubbabel was a priest that went with the first small group of Israelites to start repairs in Jerusalem. Ezra was another priest to return with the second group of people released from Babylon. Ezra was largely responsible for helping the people to reestablish the laws of Moses.

One of the ancient practices of their faith the people would have lost while living in Babylon would have been the “tithe.” This is the law God gave to Moses that established giving 10 percent of their income to God. Yahweh was preparing to do something great again, just like He had promised His people.

When God is ready to accomplish His will, He includes all who follow and serve Him faithfully. He can change the course of history whether the majority acknowledges Him or not. Thy will be done!

Gates Repaired Around Jerusalem

Nehemiah was an Israelite, and an official cupbearer for King Artaxerxes of Babylon. He was allowed to return to his homeland and lead some of the Israelites to start repairs in the City of Jerusalem. He inspected the walls and the gates and assigned families to return and rebuild them to their former state of fortification before the exile. The Valley Gate, the Dung Gate, the Fountain Gate, the Fish Gate, the Jeshanah Gate, the Water Gate, the Horse Gate, and the Sheep Gate were nine of the 12 gates recorded. Nehemiah led a small band of Israelites to restore these gates for their proper use again. The names of these gates help us imagine what life may have been like in these historic days.

Queen Esther’s Place in Israel’s History

In the book of Esther, it is told she was chosen to be queen of King Xerxes in Persia because of her extraordinary beauty. When the Israelites were living in exile at Babylon, her uncle Mordecai brought her to the palace for the king to select a queen. She did not reveal that she and her family were Israelites from the tribe of Benjamin. She remained faithful to Yahweh, and she was as wise as she was beautiful when she requested Mordecai to ask the people to fast and pray because she was going to act on their behalf. An evil official of the king named Haman conceived a wicked plan to annihilate the Israelites.

Nations and leaders have warred against God’s people¾Israel, but Yahweh has always been faithful to preserve His promises to them, and He will do so again like it is written!

Job the Faithful

Job was a righteous and wealthy man, who was faithful in his worship of God. Satan asked God for permission to test Job and take away his wealth and health to see if Job would still remain faithful in his relationship to Yahweh. God gave Satan permission to test Job¾but not to take his life. Job remained faithful and did not give in to despair or pride. Through the loss of most of his family, possessions, and judgmental words from his friends and wife, Job held out and remained faithful to the Creator of life! At the end of this testing God redeemed and renewed Job’s life, allowing him to live to the old age of 144. His family and possessions were restored to him in a greater abundance than they had been. He lived to enjoy his children and grandchildren into the fourth generation. Job was so blessed he did something that was unheard of at that time; he gave an equal inheritance to his daughters as well as his sons. This is just like the promise to all of God’s children who will become joint heirs with Christ when His Kingdom comes!

Songs from the Prophets

A note is necessary here as a reminder of the calculation of years in the time before Christ referred to as “B.C.,” (Before Christian Era) when the number of the years gets smaller until they reach the Christian era, abbreviated by A.D.

Psalms from the Heart of God

The book of Psalms is a collection of 150 songs, most of them written by King David when he played the harp and sang as God inspired him in Word and melody. Four thousand musicians took turns singing the psalms during King Solomon’s day. Some are psalms of praise, others songs of confession, some are prophetic, and others were written for religious celebrations. The 22nd Psalm is a song of prophecy that describes the suffering of Christ on the cross, written some thousand years before Jesus died. As Christ hung on the cross He began to quote Psalm 22 out loud, as He gave voice to these words that were written in His heart. The psalms have a wonderful calming affect on one’s soul; and there are many who receive solace from them in times of great personal trial. They inspire us to meditate, as they reassure us of a relationship with our heavenly Father. There are many psalms that prophesy about the coming of the Promised One:

“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?” (Psalm 22:1, KJV).

“I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels” (Psalm 22:14, KJV).

“For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet” (Psalm 22:16, KJV).

“They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture” (Psalm 22:18, KJV).

Writing from a Wise King

King Solomon wrote most of the chapters in Proverbs. After he was crowned king, he asked God for wisdom and was revered as the wisest king in his day. This book is a collection of his thoughts and petitions written to the Creator of Day.

“God said: ‘Solomon, I’m pleased that you asked for this. You could have asked to live a long time or to be rich. Or you could have asked for your enemies to be destroyed. Instead, you asked for wisdom to make right decisions. So I’ll make you wiser than anyone who has ever lived or ever will live’” (1 Kings 3:10-12, CEV).

Writings from King Solomon’s Time

Although no other author is certain, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs are generally attributed to be writings of King Solomon. These writings tell us about the search for the meaning of life and wisdom.

“God has set eternity into the heart of men and women but they do not understand what God has done from beginning to end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11, KJV).

Song of Songs is a love poem, which a man wrote about his desire for his lover. Love refreshes our lives; to be loved and to love is part of our reflected image of God. God has created us in our inner being to desire a relationship and contact in the reality of our flesh. Because of sin we experience short or abandoned relationships with each other and with our Creator. Conflicted, we live longing for an eternal everlasting love with others and our Creator God.

Other Prophets Who Foretold and Wrote About Christ

The prophet Isaiah was born from Hebrew royalty. He spoke of the Messiah’s birth, life, and things to come in the future of Jerusalem and in the future of the earth. “The Branch from Jesse,” in Isaiah 11, is a prophecy that explains this (Branch) or Prophet would be born from the family of Jesse, an offshoot, meaning He would be an Heir born from the family of Jesse who was the father of King David. In chapter 35 of Isaiah “Joy in the Redeemed,” explains that a Prophet would recover possession of His people and they will have great joy! In chapter 65, Isaiah writes about a “New Heaven and a New Earth.” This chapter is about future events.

The biblical study of future events is called eschatology and/or apocalyptic events. These are common themes in the prophetic scriptures woven throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament book of Revelation written by the Disciple John. Yahweh gave Isaiah and the other prophets knowledge of His redemptive plan. Isaiah said Christ was the Servant who would suffer, “The Suffering and Glory of the Servant,” found in Isaiah 52. Jesus’ disciples in the New Testament books quote Isaiah more than any other prophet. The disciples understood Isaiah was speaking about Jesus of Nazareth.

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and upon His Kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this” (Isaiah 9:6-7, KJ21; Luke 1:32-33).

The Suffering and Glory of the Servant

“The Lord says, ‘My servant will succeed in his task; he will be highly honored. Many people were shocked when they saw him; he was so disfigured that he hardly looked human. But now many nations will marvel at him, and kings will be speechless with amazement. They will see and understand something they had never known’” (Isaiah 52:13-15, GNT; Romans 15:21).

(Scripture quotations marked (GNT) are from the Good News Translation in Today's English Version- Second Edition Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.)

“But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:5-6, KJ21; Matthew 11:5; Luke 7:22).

A Prophet to Judah

Jeremiah was born to the High Priest Hilkiah in the land of Benjamin. He was a prophet to Judah in the southern Kingdom at about 640 B.C., which was years before Christ’s birth, and during the time of the beloved King Josiah. In

586 B.C., King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and took the people captive to Babylon. This happened after the prophet Jeremiah had warned the unfaithful people about their worship of false gods and idols. Jeremiah was present during the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and was sent into exile with the Israelites. He encouraged the people through his prophecies that someday there would be a restoration of Jerusalem and that redemption was part of God’s plan.

“‘Behold, the days come,’ saith the LORD, ‘that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch; and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is His name whereby He shall be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS’” (Jeremiah 23:5-6, KJ21; Jeremiah 33:14-15).

Israel Weeps and Laments

Jeremiah is traditionally believed by scholars to be the author of Lamentations. The Hebrews in Babylon read it when they mourned the destruction of King Solomon’s Temple.

“For thus saith the LORD: That after seventy years are accomplished at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, causing you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me and find Me when ye shall search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:10-13, KJ21).

Seventy years after the destruction of the first temple, permission was granted by the new Persian King Cyrus the Great for the people to return and begin construction in Jerusalem. It would be years before the second temple was completed. The second temple begun by Zerubbabel and Ezra is also sometimes called Herod’s Temple. The Romans were responsible for destruction of the second temple. Some people in Israel are still waiting to rebuild the third Temple on the Mountain of Moriah where Abraham took Isaac in obedience at Yahweh’s request for a sacrifice, and where Solomon's and Ezra's (Herod’s) temples have been located in the past. Currently the Dome of the Rock is located in the place where the third Temple is to be built. It is a mosque. The people who built the Mosque came from Abraham's son Ishmael's family; fulfilling another promise from Yahweh that a great people would come from Ishmael's family (Genesis).

Ezekiel, a Prophet During the Exile

The priest and prophet Ezekiel lived during the time of Jeremiah. He also went into exile with Babylon. Ezekiel wrote about one Shepherd that would look after the sheep, adding to the prophesies of Jesus.

“I will give them a king like my servant David to be their one shepherd, and he will take care of them.  I, the Lord, will be their God, and a king like my servant David will be their ruler. I have spoken” (Ezekiel 34:23-24, GNT; Ezekiel 34:24; 37:24-25; Revelation 7:17).

(Scripture quotations marked (GNT) are from the Good News Translation in Today's English Version- Second Edition Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.)

Ezekiel had other interesting visions and wrote a detailed description of another temple in Jerusalem. Models of this temple have been built from its description in chapters 40-43 with these titles: The New Temple Area, Rooms for the Priests, and The Glory Returns to the Temple. Ezekiel’s Temple is described in vivid detail and is distinctly different from Solomon’s and Ezra’s Temples. Even the surroundings and the shape of the land described in Ezekiel's vision are different from the current landscape today in Israel.

In Zechariah 14:5, there is a prophecy of a great earthquake in the Holy Land titled The LORD My God Will Come. Today there is speculation that this may be how the topography changes and the building of the new temple in Ezekiel may come about. In Revelation 6:12, there is also mention of an earthquake that will be felt around the world, both of these happen when Jesus returns (Ezekiel 38:17).

Interpreter of Dreams and Apocalyptic Prophecy

Daniel was a Hebrew prophet trained as a statesman in Babylon after he was taken captive under King Nebuchadnezzar's rule. Modern day Iraq is Babylon. Daniel was chosen for royal foreign service because of his high aptitude and ability to learn the language in Babylon. Daniel was given the Persian name Belteshazzar while he was captive. He was given instruction in Babylon’s language and literature for three years. After this time, he served in the royal court as one of the king’s wise men. Daniel remained faithful in his worship of Yahweh while he was captive in Persia.

God granted Daniel the ability to interpret dreams. One of those was a disturbing dream King Nebuchadnezzar had. Daniel prayed to Yahweh to reveal the dream to him. God revealed the dream to Daniel so that he was able tell the King his dream and what it meant. In Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar also dreamed about his own future on the earth when there would be another kingdom established, created without human hands¾that would never be destroyed. God continued to perform great works through Daniel even though he remained captive, and under the authority of foreign kings during his lifetime. Daniel must have suffered a great deal of emotional pain, but Yahweh gave comfort to Daniel in the form of prophecy with futuristic events and imagery of Christ’s return.

Daniel spoke of The Ancient of Days and The Coming of the Son of Man Coming on the Cloud of Heaven (Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 24:30; Mark 13:26; Luke 21:27; Revelation 1:7, 11; 11:15). Daniel is most famous for surviving the lion’s den, but his book has some of the most powerful prophecies about the life of Jesus. Through Daniel’s life, we understand that when one remains faithful to God, even while living under corrupt or foreign rule, God can still interact with faithful people to shape history for His purpose. In Daniel 9:24-26, he writes about the number of years that would pass from the restoration of the temple in Jerusalem in 454 B.C. until the crucifixion of Jesus close to five centuries later. All of this prophecy was fulfilled.

“Seven times seventy years is the length of time God has set for freeing your people and your holy city from sin and evil. Sin will be forgiven and eternal justice established, so that the vision and the prophecy will come true, and the holy Temple will be rededicated. Note this and understand it: From the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem until God's chosen leader comes, seven times seven years will pass. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and strong defenses, and will stand for seven times sixty-two years, but this will be a time of troubles. And at the end of that time God's chosen leader will be killed unjustly. The city and the Temple will be destroyed by the invading army of a powerful ruler. The end will come like a flood, bringing the war and destruction which God has prepared” (Daniel 9:24-26 GNT).

(Scripture quotations marked (GNT) are from the Good News Translation in Today's English Version- Second Edition Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.)

Hosea’s Adulterous Wife

The Lord spoke to Hosea and gave him the most puzzling directions: to go find an adulterous woman and marry her. He was to love her with all his heart as an example of Israel’s guilt for seeking after other gods. Yahweh pursued Israel like a groom pursues his future wife, but unfaithfulness was all that Yahweh received in return. Israel was punished and then restored again, a consistent theme in the history of the Old Testament. Regardless “I Am” was faithful to complete His plan of redemption. His prophets spoke about this plan time and time again.

Weep at the Altar

The prophet Joel foretold and wrote about an apocalyptic invasion of locusts that devoured everything in their path and compared them to an army of men who will lay everything to waste. He says this is what it will be like on The Day of the Lord, and then asks, Who Can Endure it?, and to Rend your Heart to God when disasters come, as they will. Weep at the altar of God for He will turn and bless you (Joel 2:1-32).

“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved” (Joel 2: 28-32, NIV; Acts 14:16-21).

The New Testament book of Acts, believed to be written by Luke the physician, records what happened on the day of Pentecost or Shovuat, when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples in the Upper Room. Peter stood up and addressed the crowd and quoted the preceding passage from Joel. Three thousand people became believers on this day, and were baptized into the first church instituted in Jerusalem.

A Bi-Vocational Prophet

Amos was a prophet to the northern Kingdom of Israel. He worked as a shepherd, fruit farmer, and served as a prophet. From a common person’s perspective, Amos most likely experienced the effects of an unjust legal system in his day. Amos announced prophecies like the other prophets in his day, Woe to the Complacent and The LORD Abhors the Pride of Israel (Amos 6, NIV).

Prophet to the Edomite

The prophet Obadiah preached to the Edomite people when he said to them, “do not look down on your brother in the day of his misfortune” (Obadiah 1:12, NIV). The Edomite tribe descended from Esau (Jacob or Israel’s twin brother). The enemies of the Edomites eventually drove them out of their homeland just like Obadiah prophesied.

While nations, tribes, and families are displaced on the earth, believers must continue to work for justice and become peacekeepers as they wait for God’s kingdom to come upon the earth like it is in heaven. Like Jesus said when He taught the disciples the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth” (Luke 11:2-4, KJV).

Prophet to Nineveh

The book of Jonah is about a prophet who went wayward from God’s plan. He climbed aboard a boat headed in the opposite direction Yahweh had told him to go. “I Am” pursued Jonah in a storm that almost sank the boat, causing the crew to eventually agree to throw Jonah over-board (because he had told them he was running away from God). A great fish swallowed Jonah; once inside this great fish, Jonah repented and was ready to listen to Yahweh’s plan. God gave Jonah a second chance to take His word to this foreign people living north and east of Jerusalem.

This people group is still alive today. They are known as Assyrians, and their native country is Iraq (ancient Babylon). The Assyrian Orthodox Church still celebrates Jonah’s life and Jesus of Nazareth! The Assyrians speak Aramaic, the same language Christ spoke in its ancient form. Today this people group has been dispersed throughout the world because of religious persecution, political oppression, and war. The Assyrians hold to the story of Jonah and maintain his burial site in the city of Mosul, Iraq for this prophet to this day. Some theologians think Jonah may have died inside the whale and after three days God brought him back to life. Read what Jesus taught the disciples in Matthew and Luke and see what you think He meant (Matthew 12:39; Luke 11:29-32).

A Prophet to the Southern Kingdom

Micah lived during the time of Isaiah and Hosea and prophesied to the people of Judah in the southern kingdom where Jerusalem is located. Micah preached justice and mercy and invited people to walk sincerely with Yahweh instead of just observing the popular religious rituals of the day. In Micah’s day, many people suffered under the burden of a corrupt judicial and religious system where the poor were oppressed. Micah prophesied, “One who breaks open the way will go up before them” (Micah 2:13, NIV).

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2, NIV; Matthew 2:6; John 7:42).

“The people said: Our God, no one is like you. We are all that is left of your chosen people, and you freely forgive our sin and guilt. You don't stay angry forever; you're glad to have pity and pleased to be merciful. You will trample on our sins and throw them in the sea. You will keep your word and be faithful to Jacob and to Abraham, as you promised our ancestors many years ago” (Micah 7:18-20, CEV; Luke 1:72).

Another Prophet to Nineveh

Nahum was a prophet similar to Jonah because he also preached to the city of Nineveh and told them of their final fate. Nahum, whose name means, “comfort” offers consolation in describing how God is not only slow to anger, but also like an overwhelming flood. He is in control of kingdoms and nations and will eventually bring about justice on earth.

A Prophet Who Questioned God

A prophet named Habakkuk cried out to God about the injustice in the world, and God responded to him.

“Look at the nations and watch¾and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told” (Habakkuk 1:5, NIV).

Habakkuk dialogued with God and then recorded God’s answer. It is good to cry out to God about the injustice you see and then wait upon God’s answer. Our heavenly Father desires you to dialogue with Him, but none of us can imagine or predetermine what God will do.

“He Is Mighty to Save”

The prophet Zephaniah was born into the royal family of King Hezekiah. Zephaniah announces, "The Great Day of the LORD" (Zephaniah 1:14, NIV) and its punishment against evil nations. Zephaniah uses descriptions that are terrifying to read,

“The Future of Jerusalem” Zephaniah describes how God would “purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the lord and serve Him shoulder to shoulder” (Zephaniah 3:9, NIV).

This day of redemption is described in beautiful poetry as a people having a relationship with our Redeemer¾Who is known in the revelation of Scripture as Jesus of Nazareth.

“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17, NIV 1984; Isaiah 63:1).

Another Prophet’s Spirit Stirred

The prophet Haggai motivated and inspired the people of his day to rebuild the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem that had been destroyed by Babylon. Through Haggai, the Lord stirred the Spirit of the people to start rebuilding the temple in his day. Today, we understand that the completion of the second temple was also part of God’s plan. Jesus would be born and raised in the Hebrew culture of the temple for a purpose and a reason.

The Romans also influenced the culture during Jesus’ lifetime. One wonders if Jesus as a carpenter built furniture that was Roman in its function and style?

Religious leaders who worshiped in Ezra’s or Herod’s temple requested Jesus’ arrest from the Roman government. The Roman governor Pilate washed his hands, as a symbolic gesture to the crowd that he was reluctant to become responsible for the execution of Jesus. This act allowed a passive decision for the Sanhedrin (Israel’s supreme court) to carry out their plans to crucify Jesus, who clearly claimed to be “The King of the Jews.” Jesus’ life and death was part of God’s redemption plan. Jesus was “The Promised Glory of the New House” (Haggai 2, NIV).

Zechariah Sees One Pierced

The Prophet Zechariah was born in Babylon during the exile and returned to Judah for the rebuilding of Jerusalem. He and his family must have longed for the day they would be restored to their home to follow through with the plans they knew Yahweh wanted them to complete. Zechariah wrote down his visions and recorded the dates in the process. He started around the years 520 B.C. to 518 B.C. About 40 years after his early prophesies he wrote apocalyptic prophesies to which there were no recorded dates, “The LORD Comes and Reigns” (Zechariah 14, NIV). Zechariah encouraged the people to rebuild the second temple along with others in that time like Haggai, but he would have outlived Haggai and may have lived as long as 465 to 424 B.C.

“See your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, He will proclaim peace to the nations” (Zechariah 9:9-13, KJV; Matthew 21:5; John 12:15).

“Tell him that the Lord Almighty says, the man who is called The Branch will flourish where he is and rebuild the Lord's Temple. He is the one who will build it and receive the honor due a king, and he will rule his people. A priest will stand by his throne, and they will work together in peace and harmony” (Zechariah 6:12-13, GNT).

(Scripture quotations marked (GNT) are from the Good News Translation in Today's English Version- Second Edition Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.)

“On that day the LORD will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that on that day the one who is weakest among them will be like David on that day, and the house of David will be like God, like the Angel of the LORD, before them. On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem” (Zechariah 12:8-9, HCSB).

Mourning for the Pierced One

“Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the house of David and the residents of Jerusalem, and they will look at Me whom they pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child and weep bitterly for Him as one weeps for a firstborn” (Zechariah 12:10, HCSB).

“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout in triumph, Daughter Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you; He is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9, HCSB; John 12:15-16; Zechariah 12:8-10; Isaiah 62:11; Revelation 1:7-8).

“Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad” (Matthew 26:31-56, KJV; Zechariah 13:7),

As you become familiar with the New Testament, you will understand that these prophecies were literally fulfilled and are recorded by the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the New Testament. Most of these quotes from the prophets are cross-referenced with the New Testament so you can compare what was prophesied to what actually happened. Discover for yourself what took place while Jesus was on the earth and what was foretold so many years before.

My Messenger

Malachi was apparently the last prophet until the birth of Christ (about 400 years)—after which no other prophets’ writings have yet been discovered. At this time in history, Israel was complacent in their worship of Yahweh. Priests showed partiality in interpreting the law. The people robbed God of tithes and offerings. The Lord said through Malachi the prophet, “Return to me and I will return to you” (Malachi 3:6-7, NIV).

“I Am” Still Dwells with Us on Earth

God has sought men and women throughout the history of humanity that were distinctive in many different ways. We see this occur from the beginning when Yahweh interacted in a personal form with Adam and Eve, continuing on to the time of Moses when God delivered the Ten Commandments on the stone tablets. God gave instructions throughout the Old Testaments with an audible voice to the prophets. While instructing Moses as He led the people He chose to reveal Himself too as He provided the Laws of the first five books known as the Torah. Yahweh also provided the prophets with visions as He revealed Himself for the purpose of the written Word and His plans for Israel. Again in the New Testament, God revealed Himself through an angel of the Lord in an audible voice to Mary, the mother of Jesus and to other prophets in Scripture with a visitation from an Angel of the Lord. God revealed Himself to Israel and ultimately to all humanity when the only Son of God was born in the flesh by the woman Mary. Jesus (Yeshua) of Nazareth was God's only Son. Jesus did everything other humans did; he walked, talked, and ate with the 12 disciples. He shared with them eternal truths, insights, and His knowledge of the already written Scriptures—whose prophecies were being fulfilled though His life as the only living Son of God. Religious leaders had Jesus arrested by Roman officials at the twelfth hour at night when Roman guards took Him to the high priest where a council of angry religious leaders gathered to find fault with Him.

“The high priest asked Jesus under oath to tell them if he was the Christ, the Son of God and Jesus replied, ‘Yes, It is as you say. But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven’” (Matthew 26:64, NIV).

The high priest accused Jesus of blasphemy, and He was taken to the Roman governor Pilate where He pronounced again that Jesus was the “King of the Jews.” The high priest and others had organized a rabble crowd who shouted, “Crucify Him.”

“When Pilate saw that it was no use to go on, but that a riot might break out, he took some water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, ‘I am not responsible for the death of this man! This is your doing!’ The whole crowd answered, ‘Let the responsibility for his death fall on us and on our children!” (Matthew 27:24-25, GNT).

(Scripture quotations marked (GNT) are from the Good News Translation in Today's English Version- Second Edition Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.)

During the celebration of Passover and also on Good Friday before the Sabbath, Jesus had been put to death by crucifixion, a form of Roman execution. Our Lord was laid in a tomb before sundown on the sixth day of the week. Bringing to mind God’s instructions from the beginning of Creation to remember the seventh day with rest. In three days, Jesus was resurrected by our heavenly Father, Yahweh, the Great “I Am,” raised Jesus up from the dead! Jesus was indeed the One great Prophet the people were waiting for, but some never recognized or accepted Him.

Sadly, this still happens. Upon Jesus’ resurrection, Yahweh continued to reveal Himself during the next 40 days. In flesh and bones, Jesus appeared to more than 500 people. The disciples visibly observed by Him ascending into the clouds. He returned to His heavenly Father, with a promise to all generations—that He would return when the time was right, and when His heavenly Father reveals that time to Him.

“Watch out, then, because you do not know what day your Lord will come. If the owner of a house knew the time when the thief would come, you can be sure that he would stay awake and not let the thief break into his house. So then, you also must always be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you are not expecting him” (Matthew 24:42-45, GNT).

(Scripture quotations marked (GNT) are from the Good News Translation in Today's English Version- Second Edition Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.)

God continues to this day to reveal Himself through the written Word of the Old and New Testaments, and with His Holy Spirit that came to the disciples, and ultimately to all of us on the Holy Day of Shavuot, or Pentecost. His Spirit dwells with us on earth, and lives within the body of believers (the Church, not the building). The Holy Spirit acts on our behalf to heal our flesh, convict us of our sin, and bring us to repentance, forgiveness of sin, and salvation that only Jesus can give.

So you see from this short summary of the Old Testament books, God has interacted with men and women in many ways throughout our history. Christ came to fulfill the written Law that men and women cannot keep. He continues to seek and knock at the door of your heart, wanting you to hear and recognize Him.

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.  All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:1-4, NIV).

“Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if any hear my voice and open the door, I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with me” (Revelation 3:20, GNT).

(Scripture quotations marked (GNT) are from the Good News Translation in Today's English Version- Second Edition Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.)

"I Am" is still with us, as He has been throughout all generations, right from the beginning. Do you hear Him speaking? Are you listening? He has a plan for you too. Are you ready to hear it? You will find rest.

Diagram

This diagram on the next few pages is a drawing of a pyramid to help as a visual aid in describing the relationship we may receive with our Creator God.

a. Begin by drawing a large circle taking up all the paper from left to right leaving two-three inches at the top of your paper. On the edge of this sphere, to the left and right, write: Unforgivable and Unrepentant.

b. Then draw one line in the middle of your paper starting at the apex of the pyramid, forming the front edge of the triangle that will sit on top of the large circle, leaving two or three inches at the bottom of the circle.

Finish the right side of the pyramid and write, Law and Sacrifice on the bottom right side of the triangle. Finish the left side of the pyramid and write: The Nations and Belief in Jesus in the bottom of the left triangle.

c. At the top of the apex on the pyramid draw a small circle symbolic for your Father in heaven "I Am." Next to "I Am" write Eternal Life. To the far right, write Forgivable and to the far left write Repented.

d. Then draw a circle in the middle of the pyramid over the front edge and write the name Jesus inside of it. Draw a line to the right and left for the cross.  Draw two lines down to the bottom of the pyramid.

I. Our right side of the pyramid is symbolic for the Old Testament relationship God had with Israel as He provided the law to show us our sin. To the far right side of the pyramid, draw a gavel, or the hammer used in court, Write the word Israel and law on this side of the pyramid. This side also represents the era of time abbreviated BC.

II. Our left side of the pyramid is symbolic of the present day of grace or the New Testament Church and our relationship with Jesus. Draw stick people who make up the body of Christ or the Church and write: The Body of Christ and Belief in Jesus on this side (your left side).

III. The backside (unseen) of the pyramid is symbolic of our eternal life or the relationship, which is offered to us through Jesus.

IV. The bottom side of the pyramid is also hidden. This side is symbolic of our life on the earth where sin and death is the natural law that reigns on the earth. Only God's plan for our lives will free us from the reality of eternal death or separation from God.

Christ stands in front, centered over the edge of the pyramid in the shape of a cross because He stood in a human form but was also the likeness of His heavenly Father.

Jesus, God's only Son is able to exist and extend into all three spheres and into all sides of the pyramid represents the Law, the Church, the grave, and eternity with "I Am."

To show this relationship to all three spheres and four planes of the pyramid, use the cross. The top of the cross extends to His Father in heaven (the top sphere or eternal life). The bottom of this cross has two legs, like Christ who stood on the earth with His right leg and left leg standing in front of the right and left sides of the pyramid. Christ's legs, or the bottom of the cross are extending into the earth symbolic of death. Christ conquered the grave when His Father raised Him from death to life. Freeing us from the law with God's grace and gifting us certain hope. Write the word hope on Jesus right arm extended to the body of Christ. Write the word love on his left arm extended to the law.

Christ's right leg stands over the right side of the pyramid and into the earth (the bottom sphere) seated within the parameters of the law freely without sin. Christ's left leg stands over the left side of the pyramid seated in the earth because Christ overcame death. God’s only Son invites us to do the same with this invitation to acknowledge who He is.

From our point of view on paper using the cross for this illustration, Christ's left arm is extended to the right side of the pyramid, symbolic of the Law established for Israel as His Covenant of Love. The law convicts us of our sins, and shows us our need for forgiveness. The other side of the cross or Christ's right arm (or our left side looking at this illustration) is extended to the nations of the earth and to the Church. This side is symbolic of today. Today, Christ empowers the Church as the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin as we confess, repent, and believe Jesus Christ is our personal Lord and Savior. Our Hope is in Him and in His return to earth to reign as our Prince of Peace.

At the bottom of this visual aid, add Christ's name Prince of Peace and the symbol P X the New Testament Church used is located at the intersection of Christ and the graves below the bottom edge of the pyramid. For this purpose P X symbolizes Prince of Peace who crossed over from death to life again.

The graves under the pyramid are symbolic of our death or unrepentant, unforgivable sin. Christ crossed over this intersection of sin and death. As explained throughout the Holy Scriptures, we are all subject to eternal suffering in the grave that separates us from God by unforgivable and unrepentant sin. When we confess we are sinners, repent, and believe Jesus Christ (God's only Son) came to show us the Way back to God, He will forgive us and view us as a new creation in Him. Our sins become forgivable. Christ is able to raise you from the grave and present you to His Father in heaven.

Jesus was the final sacrificial offering required by God in order to restore us to our Everlasting, Creator God.

See if you can draw this diagram, and explain it to a friend.

I am unable to download this graphic, if you go to my website it will be located there for you to look at and draw.

Tips for Reading the Old Testament for the First Time

Read a new translation easy to read in modern English.

The Good News Translation (GNT), and the New International Version (NIV) are my favorites.

Read straight through. Don’t stop because you don’t understand something the first time you read, just jot down your questions and keep reading.

Get a Bible with a good dictionary in the back and some maps or look maps up on line. Set a time to meet with a mentor that can help you understand what you are reading. Meet for coffee or a walk and talk as you go. Share prayer needs and ask the Lord to intervene to give you understanding of what you are reading, and ask the Lord to move in your life.

It’s ok to skip over long lists of names for the genealogies, which may bore you on your first time through. Be sure to note your questions under the chapter title along with a page number so they can be referenced later with your mentor, or pastor.

If you are having trouble finding time to read, try listening to the Old Testament on CD, these are available for purchase or readily available to check out from a library. Listen in your car while commuting. Also check your local church library, or a local Christian bookstore for commentaries on the Old Testament in CD format. Ravi Zacharias has OT CDs that were recommended.

Alexander, Ralph H. "Ezekiel." In The Expositor's Bible Commentary, Vol. 6. Ed. Frank E. Gabelein. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing Corp., 1986.

Pearson, Anton T. "Ezekiel." In The Wycliffe Bible Commentary: Old Testament. Ed. Charles F. Pfeiffer. Chicago: Moody Press, 1962.

Rosenberg, Joel C. “EPICENTER Why the Current Rumblings in the Middle East Will Change Your Future” TYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHERS, INC., Carol Stream, Illinois. 2007-2013.

“Serendipity Bible” For Person and Small Group Study, fourth edition. Zondervan. Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530 Serendipity House Littleton, Colorado 1998.

About the Author

Roslyn holds a Board of Governor degree with a minor in fine art from Eastern Illinois University. She also has an Applied Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois. Over the past seventeen years Roslyn has worked with children and adults with special needs, teaching and equipping her clients and their parents with skills and activities for everyday living, fine motor, and handwriting. Roslyn and her husband of 38 years are now living in a large urban area in North America where she continues to volunteer with children of various nationalities who need extra help learning English language and handwriting skills. Roslyn's grandchildren were initially the inspiration for her art intensive children books, but her work transformed after her first publications with Crossbooks when she began to share them with teachers and children in a variety of places. The Lord inspired Roslyn to write, "I Am" Through the Ages after the challenge of mentoring international women and new believers through an Old Testament Bible study.

Roslyn believes our culture in North America is becoming more and more illiterate of the Old Testament Scriptures. We need to go back to the foundation of our faith in order to better understand the testaments of Jesus. She has attempted to help bridge this gap with this small book and with other art intensive picture books. All these books make lovely conversational coffee table books, gift books, or a child's book, for children age nine to 109. Each book offers the Gospel message, presented with words and pictures in a clear way that will touch the heart of its reader, and bring him or her to a closer understanding of the Word of God.

Roslyn's other books for children 9 to 12 years of age are at Littlescribes.com, Crossbooks.com, Lifeway.com, or at lulu.com/spotlight/blanchrose.

In Seven Days?

ISBN   978-1-6150-7884-4

Found at: Crossbooks.

About In Seven Days?

“The earth made in seven days—could this be? A loving God imagined and longed for me?”

At one time or another, we all ask ourselves about the Genesis account of creation. How we view creation, and how we understand the lessons in Genesis, deeply affects how we view our lives and our faith. Through original poems, artwork, and photography, In Seven Days?, by author and artist Roslyn Alexander, presents a fresh, positive outlook on God’s creation of the universe and offers new understanding of the Bible account for readers old and new.

Roslyn’s bold and beautiful illustrations enhance our journey through the first seven days, and her lyrical verse provides a playful, modern retelling of the creation story to which we all can relate. Also included are original sin, God’s plan for our redemption, and a celebration of His light and glory. God desires relationship with us, and by personally seeking Him.

Bread of Presence, Jesus has always been with us

ISBN: 978-1-6150-7871-4

Found at: Crossbooks

About Bread of Presence, Jesus has always been with us

“Perfect lamb, without blemish—all God, and yet all man—He walked and dwelt among us, offering us bread of life with human hands.”

The modern practice of communion, of taking the body of Jesus Christ into the temple of our own bodies, is rooted in the rituals of the Temple of King Solomon, who ruled Jerusalem at the height of its power and greatness. In Bread of Presence, author and artist Roslyn lovingly retells the “Bread of Life” story through original prose and artwork, celebrating the history of the temple and how Christ became the focus and true meaning of fellowship with God.

Jonah Pursued

ISBN 13:  9780-9855397-1-9

Found at: Lulu.com

About Jonah Pursued

“God wanted this work done, not just another runaway son, so He blew up such a storm, Jonah knew he had been warned!”

The Old Testament Bible story of Jonah is told for children ages 5 to 105. This book is full of colorful digital art by Roslyn Alexander. Enjoy a colorful journey back to Jonah's day with the culture of the Assyrians and the Mediterranean Sea. God Pursued Jonah, and He is still pursuing you! Proceeds from this book will go to help the Assyrian refugees in the US. Many have been forced to immigrate from the years of 1990 to the present day. Large numbers have immigrated to the US, Canada, and Australia. Our family and church was blessed when we helped settle a family from Basra Iraq via Amman Jordan in 2001. Before that time I never realized what a rich biblical history these people have maintained over the centuries.

The Arks

ISBN 13: 978-0-9855397-3-3

Found at: Lulu.com, or Littlescribes.com

About The Arks

“These are the three Arks I think of when I remember the love Yahweh has for humanity: Noah’s Ark, Moses’ Ark, and the Ark of the Covenant.”

This story is about the first five books of the Old Testament Scriptures with artwork on every other page. It presents in simple language a brief overview of the first five books using the Arks as illustrations to help the readers to remember how God has provided a Way for them through the generations. This book is full of digital artwork also by Roslyn Alexander, which readers have come to love. This story will intrigue and inspire young readers to further investigate what the Bible says to us from so many years ago, which is still relevant and necessary to understand the Gospel story today. Teacher’s notes are provided in the back of the book.

Scales

ISBN 13: 978-0-985597-2-6

Found at: Lulu.com or Littlescribes.com

About Scales

“Each time a new scale grew out from within, it became more difficult for the boy to feel pleasure and love and all those nice things that we treasure the most when we are able to let go of insults and learn how to forgive.”

Scales is a book for children who are ready to learn about forgiveness. The main character is a teenage boy who experiences difficulty with his world and then learns to forgive. The idea for this story was taken from the Book of Acts.

Blue Earth

ISBN 13:  978-0-9855397-0-2

As a free audio e-book on Youtube, or in print.

About Blue Earth

“Mary was in deep thought about the past day, weeks, and months. She was on a journey to Egypt with Joseph, but more than that, she was on a journey with the living Son of God.”

Blue Earth is artistically illustrated to stimulate the imagination and draw the reader into seeking their Creator God. This beautiful combination of photography, digital art, and scriptural story telling take the reader on a journey of mystery and wonderment of our Creator God. It encourages readers to open their spiritual eyes and mind to Jesus Christ.

Forty Days and Waiting

About Forty Days and Waiting

"Waiting is not easy; but when you rely on God, His plan will arrive in His time. Which is what Noah knew to do, when he listened and waited for God's point of view."

The book Forty Days and Waiting is a collection of Bible characters that had to wait for God's intervention in their lives. Noah had to wait. Moses had to wait. Israel had to wait. Elijah had to wait. And the people of Nineveh had to wait. Ezekiel waited. Jesus waited. And the disciples waited. Are you waiting on the Lord for an answer to your prayers? We are all ultimately waiting for Jesus return to earth.

Bones

About the Audio book Bones

"Will my bones come back to life? Oh Redeemer LORD, only You alone know the time."

This book is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ for children 9-12 years of age. This story also incorporates Old Testament prophetic Scriptures from King David, Ezekiel, and Moses. As always, Roslyn's book is art intensive and has artwork on every page.

Teaching, praying, and hoping you will come to know the Lord Jesus and experience the movement of His Spirit in your heart, soul, and mind.

Seven of these books are also available in one volume titled

The First Four Arks and Scribe-Lings at Littlescribes.com

Table of Contents

Copyright

Dedication

Introduction

In the Beginning

The First Three Arks

The Ten Commandments Paraphrased

Yahweh Builds a Nation of Prophets, Priests, and Kings

Songs from the Prophets

Other Prophets Who Foretold and Wrote About Christ

“I Am” Still Dwells with Us on Earth

Diagram

Tips for Reading the Old Testament for the First Time

About the Author

Roslyn's other books