The most casual reader soon recognizes the majority of the writings of the Old Testament have to do with the history of the Israelites (also known as Hebrews or Jews). Embedded in the Old Testament is a wealth of knowledge about God and his character, books of poetry and proverbs, and a host of prophecies.
The Apostle Paul talks of the first five chapters of Genesis. He tells of the creation of all things, including mankind. Paul tells the sad tale of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, and the consequences that follow.
Scripture References: Genesis 1-5
Japheth, a son of Noah, tells of growing up with Noah. He relates that nobody else could believe there would be a need for an ark, and how it wasn't too late…until it was too late. Japheth explains how different people groups came into existence.
Scripture References: Genesis 6-9
Satan explains how the testing of Job came to happen. He exults in the disasters that befell Job, and how Satan believes that Job will become unfaithful to God.
Scripture References: Job 1-2:6
Job's wife tells of some of the effects of the disasters that befell her husband.
Scripture References: Job 2:7-3:26
Job tells of his frustrations as he tries to explain to his good friends that he has not sinned against God. He cannot explain why disasters have fallen on him, and will not accept their explanations. Satan expects that Job will give in and become unfaithful to God.
Scripture References: Job 4-37
Job extols the power and glory of God that he admits is beyond his comprehension. Job's wife tell the happy ending to their story.
Scripture References: Job 38-42
Lot, the nephew of Abraham, relates the story of how they left their homeland and traveled to Canaan. He tells of God's promises to Abraham. Lot finishes by telling of his complete humiliation and how it will affect the Israelites in the future.
Scripture References: Genesis 10-20
Isaac describes his unlikely birth and childhood. He tells of the complete faithfulness of his father, Abraham.
Scripture References: Genesis 21-23
Esau tells of his father, how he loves him, and of his many flaws. Surprisingly little is told in the Bible about Isaac, when compared to Abraham or Jacob.
Scripture References: Genesis 24-27
From Abraham to Joseph, certain people seem to be specially favored by a parent and by God. Jacob is one of those favored people, who prospers despite his many questionable actions.
Scripture References: Genesis 28-34
Reuben is the oldest son of Jacob. He tells of Jacob's return to Canaan along with his wives, concubines, and children. God changes Jacob's name to Israel.
Scripture References: Genesis 35-38
Joseph explains that he was the favored child of his father, Israel. He tells of his brothers' betrayal, his life as a slave, and his rise to being the second most powerful man in Egypt.
Scripture References: Genesis 39-41
Benjamin is the youngest son of Israel. He explains why his father over-protects him. During a wide-spread famine, Benjamin and his brothers go to Egypt to beg for food from a surprising source. The family moves to Egypt.
Scripture References: Genesis 42-50
