Chapter 2: The Old Testament
UNDERSTANDING THE SCRIPTURES
1. The Law of the Old Testament (pp. 43–51)
ANTICIPATORY SET
In your assigned group,
explain how your passage
presents a new teaching that
perfects the Old Law.
Keep in mind that the
phrase “the Law and the
Prophets” refers to the Old
Testament.
You have three minutes to
analyze your passage, then
share findings with the class.
1. The Law in General: Matthew 5:17–20.
2. Anger: Matthew 5:21–26.
3. Adultery: Matthew 5:27–30.
4. Divorce: Matthew 5:31–32.
5. Oaths: Matthew 5:33–37.
6. Retaliation: Matthew 5:38–42.
7. Love of Enemies: Matthew 5:43–48.
1. The Law of the Old Testament (pp. 43–51)
BASIC QUESTIONS
 What is the value of the Old Testament to Christians?
 What is the importance of the first five books of the Old
Testament?
KEY IDEAS
 The New Testament fulfills the promises of the Old Testament,
which remain a treasure of perennial value.
 The first five books of the Old Testament are the books of the
Law.
1. The Law of the Old Testament (pp. 43–51)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
Why does St. Matthew begin his Gospel with a genealogy?
St. Matthew wants to show his readers how Jesus Christ fulfills the
covenants of the Old Testament, specifically, he is the New Adam.
What does it mean to say the New Testament fulfills the Old?
The New Testament completes and accomplishes what was written about
in the Old Testament without having abolished it.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 122, what
does the Old Testament contain?
It is a storehouse of sublime teaching about God. It contains sound
wisdom about human life, provides a treasury of prayers, and presents the
mystery of the salvation of all people in a hidden way.
1. The Law of the Old Testament (pp. 43–51)
GUIDED EXERCISE
Analyze the illustration “The Tree of Jesse” (p. 25).
How does this illustration show the relationship between the Old
and New Testaments?
1. The Law of the Old Testament (pp. 43–51)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
How many books are in the Old Testament?
There are forty-six books in the Old Testament.
What are the four basic genres of books found in the Old
Testament?
The four genres are law, history, wisdom, and prophecy.
What different names are given to the first five books of the
Bible?
The first five books of the Bible are alternatively called the books of
the Law (in Hebrew, Torah), the five Books of Moses, and the
Pentateuch.
1. The Law of the Old Testament (pp. 43–51)
Genesis
• Greek for “beginning”
• Recounts the creation and many famous biblical stories
• Takes the Israelites to Egypt
Exodus
• Greek for “going out”
• The escape from Egypt and giving Moses the Ten Commandments
Leviticus
• Named for the Levitical priests
• Detailed book of religious laws
Numbers
• Census of the tribes of Israel and their forty years in the desert
Deuteronomy
• Greek for “second law”
• New laws for the Promised Land
• Prophecies about Israel’s future
1. The Law of the Old Testament (pp. 43–51)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
How certain are scholars about the sources of the Pentateuch?
Despite hard work, attempts to identify the sources are but conjecture and
speculation.
What did the Pontifical Biblical Commission observe about the
Pentateuch in 1948?
It is certain Moses was the substantial influence as Sacred Author and
legislator in the Pentateuch.
What constitutes the Sacred Scriptures: the extant books or their
original sources?
The extant books are the inspired Scriptures. Therefore, one need not
“worry” if scholars cannot locate or perfectly trace all of their sources; even
if the identity of the authors is not known, they were nonetheless inspired.
1. The Law of the Old Testament (pp. 43–51)
GRAPHIC ORGANIZER
Complete the following table to organize the four-source
theory of the origin of the Pentateuch.
Source
J
E
D
P
Full Name
J, E, D and P Sources of the Pentateuch
Approximate
Basis of Theory
Date
1. The Law of the Old Testament (pp. 43–51)
Source
J
E
D
P
J, E, D and P Sources of the Pentateuch
Full Name
Approximate
Basis of Theory
Date
th
Jehovist or Yahwist 10 or 9th
The use of the word Yahweh for God. Supposedly
Century B.C.
reflects the perspective of Jews in Judah.
th
th
Elohist
9 or 8 Century The use of the term Elohim for God or gods.
B.C.
Supposedly reflects the perspective of Jews in the
northern kingdom of Israel.
th
Deuteronomistic
7 Century B.C. It is claimed that “D” wrote Deuteronomy at the
time of Josiah’s reforms.
Priestly
Babylonian
It is claimed an editor revised all five books to
th
Exile (6
reflect the concerns of the Jerusalem priesthood at
Century).
the time of the return from exile.
1. The Law of the Old Testament (pp. 43–51)
CLOSURE
Write a one-paragraph essay about the value of the Old Testament to
Christians.
Consider both the Catechism, nos. 121–122, and the passage from
Christ’s “Sermon on the Mount” examined in the Anticipatory Set (p.
24).
1. The Law of the Old Testament (pp. 43–51)
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
Study Questions 1–9, 18 (p. 40)
Workbook Questions 1–15
Practical Exercise 1 (p. 41)
Read “History” through “Prophecy” (pp. 28–33)
1. The Law of the Old Testament (pp. 43–51)
ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT
A reading of the account of the Tower of Babel (cf. Gn 11:1–9).
Review the literal and spiritual senses of Scripture (p. 12).
In you assigned group, interpret the spiritual sense of this narrative.
2. The History, Wisdom, and Prophecy
of the Old Testament (pp. 28–33)
ANTICIPATORY SET
Read Isaiah 9:6 (p. 31). Have a class discussion about why early Christians
saw this as a prophecy about Jesus Christ using the following graphic to
organize your findings.
Isaiah 9:6 as a Prophesy of Christ
Phrase from Isaiah 9:6
Fulfillment in the Person of Jesus Christ
“To us a child is born, to us a son
is given.”
“The government will be upon his
shoulder.”
“His name will be called
‘Wonderful Counselor.’”
“[His name will be called]
‘Mighty God.’”
“[His name will be called]
‘Everlasting Father.’”
“[His name will be called] ‘Prince
of Peace.’”
2. The History, Wisdom, and Prophecy
of the Old Testament (pp. 28–33)
Isaiah 9:6 as a Prophesy of Christ
Fulfillment in the Person of Jesus Christ
Phrase from Isaiah 9:6
“To us a child is born, to us a son Jesus Christ, the Son of God in the order of nature and
the Blessed Virgin Mary in time, is given to the lost
is given.”
sheep of Israel and the whole world.
“The government will be upon his The Father has given Christ all authority in Heaven and
on earth.
shoulder.”
No one ever gave such great counsel to people as did
“His name will be called
Christ about how to live.
‘Wonderful Counselor.’”
Christ is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity and is
“[His name will be called]
truly God.
‘Mighty God.’”
Christ and the Father are one.
“[His name will be called]
‘Everlasting Father.’”
“[His name will be called] ‘Prince Christ established peace between Heaven and earth and
among people.
of Peace.’”
2. The History, Wisdom, and Prophecy
of the Old Testament (pp. 28–33)
GUIDED EXERCISE
Joshua
He led the conquest of Canaan.
Judges
Judges were military leaders who
helped in the conquest despite the
unfaithfulness of the people.
2 Samuel
The story of King David is told.
1 Kings
The reign of David’s son, Solomon,
ends in idolatry.
2 Kings
The Kingdom of Israel was divided
and Israel was destroyed.
Ruth
A humble, foreign woman became the
grandmother of King David and an 1 Chronicles
ancestor of Christ.
This retells 1 and 2 Samuel.
1 Samuel
The tragic story of Saul is told.
2 Chronicles
This retells 1 and 2 Kings.
2. The History, Wisdom, and Prophecy
of the Old Testament (pp. 28–33)
Ezra
The Temple was rebuilt.
Nehemiah
This continues the story of Ezra.
Tobit
This tells of a man and his son,
helped by the archangel Raphael.
Judith
This heroic Jewish woman saved
Israel by a clever strategy.
Esther
This heroic Israelite became Queen
of Persia and saved the Jewish exiles
there.
2. The History, Wisdom, and Prophecy
of the Old Testament (pp. 28–33)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
Which books of the Old Testament tell the story of King David?
The Books of 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles tell David’s story.
Which three historical books have a woman as their main character?
Each of the Books of Ruth, Judith, and Esther has a woman as its main
character.
Which two historical books retell four other historical books?
1 Chronicles retells the story of 1 and 2 Samuel from a more religious
point of view. 2 Chronicles retells 1 and 2 Kings with more emphasis on
the kingdom of Judah.
2. The History, Wisdom, and Prophecy
of the Old Testament (pp. 28–33)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What is the subject of the Book of Job?
It is about why the innocent suffer in this life.
Which is the greatest book of religious poetry, and to whom is it
attributed?
The Book of Psalms is attributed to King David.
What is the subject of the Books of Ecclesiastes?
The Book of Ecclesiastes bemoans the vanity of worldly things.
2. The History, Wisdom, and Prophecy
of the Old Testament (pp. 28–33)
GUIDED EXERCISE
Read silently St. Hippolytus’s Commentary on the Psalms (p. 39), and
then discuss the following question:
What does apostolic Tradition reveal about the authorship of the
Book of Psalms?
2. The History, Wisdom, and Prophecy
of the Old Testament (pp. 28–33)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
To what extent is it true to say the prophets warned, comforted, and predicted?
Many of the prophets warned of coming disasters if the people of Israel did not
return to the true worship of God. When disasters struck, the prophets gave the
people messages of comfort, reminding them of God’s continuing love and presence
among them. Many prophets predicted future events, including the coming of the
Messiah.
What was the people’s reaction to Jeremiah’s prophecy about the destruction
of Judah?
They hated him for having given unpleasant news.
How is Isaiah’s “Ecce virgo” (cf. caption, p. 31) a prophecy of the coming of
Jesus Christ?
Isaiah wrote, “Behold, a young woman [virgo = virgin] shall conceive and bear a son,
and shall call his name Emmanuel” (7:14). The Blessed Virgin Mary is the young
woman who conceived and bore a Son while still a virgin. Her Son is the Son of God
and lived on earth, hence fulfilling the name Emmanuel, which means God-with-us
(cf. Mt 1: 23). At the end of the Gospel of St. Matthew, Christ’s last words are, “Lo, I
am with you always, to the close of the age” (28:20), which echoes the name
Emmanuel.
2. The History, Wisdom, and Prophecy
of the Old Testament (pp. 28–33)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
Why are the prophets from Hosea to Malachi known as the minor
prophets?
Their books are shorter (in Latin, minor).
How was the Prophet Hosea’s marriage a metaphor for God’s
relationship with the Israelites?
Hosea’s wife was unfaithful to him, but he took her back despite her
infidelity. This was a metaphor for God’s “marriage” to Israel, who was
unfaithful to him by worshiping other gods, but God continuously took her
back despite this infidelity.
Which prophet foretold the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem?
Micah said a Savior to rule Israel would be born in Bethlehem.
2. The History, Wisdom, and Prophecy
of the Old Testament (pp. 28–33)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What are the three divisions within the prophetic literature?
The prophetic books can be divided into major prophets, minor prophets,
and post-exilic prophets.
Which prophets are associated with the rebuilding of the Temple?
The rebuilding of the Temple is associated with Haggai and Zechariah.
(Ezra and Nehemiah tell the story of the rebuilding [cf. p. 29], but Haggai
and Zechariah are more closely associated with the rebuilding itself.)
What is the subject of the two Books of Maccabees?
The two books of Maccabees detail the Jewish revolt led by the Maccabeus
family against the Greek rulers of Palestine, who were trying to Hellenize
the Jews.
2. The History, Wisdom, and Prophecy
of the Old Testament (pp. 28–33)
CLOSURE
 Free write for five minutes giving a broad outline of the history
of Israel.
2. The History, Wisdom, and Prophecy
of the Old Testament (pp. 28–33)
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
Study Questions 10–14 (p. 40)
Workbook Questions 16–21
Practical Exercise 2 (p. 41)
Read “Quick Outline of Old Testament History” through “What
Typology Is and How It Works” (pp. 34–38)
2. The History, Wisdom, and Prophecy
of the Old Testament (pp. 28–33)
ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT
Spend five minutes to locate one pericope (extract) from Proverbs
you find especially poignant.
Share your proverb with the class.
3. Old Testament History and Typology
(pp. 34–38)
ANTICIPATORY SET
Especially during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, many critics of
Christianity dismissed the narratives of the Old Testament as fables,
mere stories invented by gullible religious people.
Beginning in the late nineteenth century and continuing until today,
archaeologists in the Near East have made many discoveries that lend
evidence to the historical existence of many of the people, places, and
events chronicled in the Old Testament.
To get a glimpse into how the Old Testament recounts real history, do an
Internet search for combinations such as “Bible” and “archaeology.”
3. Old Testament History and Typology
(pp. 34–38)
BASIC QUESTIONS
What is the general outline of Old Testament history?
What is typology?
KEY IDEAS
Using both internal and extrabiblical evidence, the events of Old
Testament history can be chronologically arranged with good
confidence, especially from the time of Samuel.
Typology is an important tool to understand the Old Testament
because it allows people to understand—in its persons, places, and
events—prefigurements of what was to come in the New Testament.
3. Old Testament History and Typology
(pp. 34–38)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What is the time span of the Old Testament?
It spans from Creation until about one century before Christ.
How do scholars date biblical events in the Old Testament?
Scholars estimate dates using both internal evidence and extrabiblical
sources. Internal evidence depends on what the books themselves say;
extrabiblical sources include ancient writings and archaeological
evidence.
From what point can biblical events be dated with good
certainty?
They can be dated from the time of Samuel onward (ca. 1100 BC)
with good certainty.
3. Old Testament History and Typology
(pp. 34–38)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
How did the Prophet Elijah prefigure Christ in the desert?
Elijah fasted for forty days and forty nights in the desert and visited Horeb, the
mountain of God where Moses received the Law. Christ went into the desert to
fast for forty days and forty nights and there was tempted; when he emerged, he
gave the New Law.
When did the Assyrians conquer Israel and take the northern tribes into
captivity?
The Assyrians conquered Israel ca. 721 BC.
What happened ca. 586 BC?
The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and carried the Tribe of Judah into
captivity.
3. Old Testament History and Typology
(pp. 34–38)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
Why was Cyrus called the messiah of the Jews?
He conquered Babylon and allowed the Jews to return home to Jerusalem.
What was King Antiochus’s goal for the Jews?
He wanted to destroy completely the Jews’ worship of the one true God.
What was Antiochus’s means to achieve his goal?
He thought, wrongly, public acts of extreme cruelty would persuade the Jews to give
up their religion.
3. Old Testament History and Typology
(pp. 34–38)
GUIDED EXERCISE
Discuss Romans 3:1–4:12.
How does St. Paul describe the relationship between the Mosaic Law
of the Old Testament and the Law of faith in Jesus Christ?
3. Old Testament History and Typology
(pp. 34–38)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, what does typology
show?
Typology shows the unity of the two Testaments. God’s works of the Old
Covenant prefigured what he would accomplish in the New Covenant in the
Person of his Son.
What is the difference between how modern readers tend to view history
and how God views it?
Modern readers tend to view history as a series of chronological events. God
views all of history together—past, present, and future—as if one moment.
What is an example of the Old Testament providing an accurate
prediction of the New Testament?
Old Testament prophets accurately predicted the advent of Jesus Christ and the
sufferings he would endure for the salvation of all people.
3. Old Testament History and Typology
(pp. 34–38)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What is an example of an event in the Old Testament that points to
an event in the New Testament?
Abraham’s sacrifice of his only son, Isaac, points to God the Father’s
sacrifice of his Only-Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, on the Cross.
Does the New Testament event foreshadowed in the previous
question destroy the original meaning of the Old Testament event?
No; the Old Testament event stands on its own meaning. Using typology,
people can see how the Old Testament event provides an analogy for the
New Testament event.
Why is typology an important tool to understand the Bible?
Typology lets people see recurring patterns in the complex mass of material
in the Old Testament. It helps to understand the New Testament in terms
of the Old.
3. Old Testament History and Typology
(pp. 34–38)
GUIDED EXERCISE
On your own, read the selection from Against Heresies on page 39, and
then take part in a class discussion using the following questions:
According to St. Irenæus, why did God give the Old Testament to
the Jews?
What does St. Irenæus mean by type?
For what did types allow?
3. Old Testament History and Typology
(pp. 34–38)
CLOSURE
Write a paragraph defining typology and apply its definition to one
example.
(Hint: A number of examples are listed in CCC 1094.)
3. Old Testament History and Typology
(pp. 34–38)
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
Study Questions 15–17, 19–21 (p. 40)
Workbook Questions 22–24
3. Old Testament History and Typology
(pp. 34–38)
ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT
 Based on what you know so far, free write for five minutes on the
aspect of Old Testament history of greatest interest to you and
why.
The End