A Biblical Theology of The Old Testament
1. What We Mean by the Old Testament
The phrase Old Testament (from the Greek hē palaia diathēkē and the Latin Vetus Testamentum) refers to the Scriptures of Israel, which Christians read alongside the New Testament. It is the Bible that Jesus and the apostles received, cited, and fulfilled. When we speak of a biblical theology of the Old Testament, we ask how the books of the Law, Prophets, and Writings together reveal God’s character, covenant promises, and ultimate plan for redemption.
The Old Testament is not a disconnected anthology but a unified story. It testifies to God’s covenant with Abraham (Gen. 12:1–3), the giving of the law at Sinai (Exod. 19–20), the kingdom under David (2 Sam. 7), and the prophetic hope for a new covenant and restored creation (Jer. 31:31–34; Isa. 65:17–25). Each stage builds anticipation for the Gospel, fulfilled in Christ, the promised descendant of Abraham and David.
2. The Transmission of the Old Testament Text
A biblical theology of the Old Testament also takes seriously the history of the text itself. From early scrolls written on skins (Jer. 36:14; Ps. 40:7) to the careful work of the scribes, the preservation of Scripture was viewed as a sacred trust.
Ezra’s Role: After the exile, Ezra the scribe was recognized for his dedication to the law of Moses (Ezra 7:6). Jewish tradition associates him with preserving and standardizing the Scriptures.
Accuracy Preserved: Even when parallel passages differ (such as Psalm 18 and 2 Samuel 22), scribes transmitted both faithfully rather than smoothing them together. This shows reverence for God’s word.
The Masoretic Tradition: Centuries later, Jewish scholars developed the Masorah, adding vowel points and accents to safeguard traditional pronunciation and interpretation. This work illustrates the seriousness with which God’s people guarded Scripture.
This transmission reminds us that the Old Testament is not only inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16) but also providentially preserved. The accuracy and survival of the Hebrew Bible bear witness to God’s commitment to his covenant word.
3. The Unity of the Old Testament Story
Though spanning centuries and diverse authors, the Old Testament presents a unified theological narrative.
Creation and Covenant: Genesis introduces God as Creator and humanity as made in his image (Gen. 1:27). The covenant with Noah (Gen. 9) establishes stability for history.
Election and Promise: God’s call of Abraham introduces the theme of blessing to all nations (Gen. 12:3). Israel is chosen not for privilege alone but to be a light to the nations (Isa. 49:6).
Law and Kingdom: At Sinai, God gives his law, shaping Israel as his covenant people (Exod. 20). The monarchy under David further develops God’s promise of a king whose throne will endure forever (2 Sam. 7:16).
Exile and Hope: Prophets interpret Israel’s exile as judgment for covenant breaking, but they also proclaim hope for restoration, a new covenant, and a Spirit-filled future (Ezek. 36:26–27; Jer. 31:31).
From beginning to end, the Old Testament directs us to God’s plan to restore his people and creation through his chosen Messiah.
4. The Old Testament and the Gospel
The Gospel is not a sudden interruption but the fulfillment of the Old Testament’s promises. Jesus himself taught that “everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled” (Luke 24:44).
The Law reveals humanity’s sin and the need for a greater righteousness (Rom. 3:20).
The Sacrificial System points to Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away sin (Lev. 16; John 1:29).
The Prophets speak of a suffering servant and a coming kingdom (Isa. 53; Dan. 7).
The Psalms give voice to hope for God’s king and deliverer (Ps. 2; Ps. 110).
Anthony Delgado emphasizes the Gospel as God’s covenantal promise fulfilled in Christ’s death and resurrection. Read in this light, the Old Testament is not obsolete but essential for understanding the meaning of the cross, the resurrection, and the hope of the kingdom of God.
5. The Old Testament and the End of the Age
A biblical theology of the Old Testament also considers its eschatological horizon. Israel’s prophets spoke of a day when God would judge the nations and renew creation. Isaiah envisioned a new heavens and a new earth (Isa. 65:17). Daniel foresaw the kingdom of God breaking into history (Dan. 2:44).
Yet these visions were not fully realized in the return from exile or the rebuilding of the temple. They pointed forward to the Messiah’s first coming in humility and his future coming in glory. For Christians, the Old Testament’s eschatological promises are already begun in Christ’s resurrection (Acts 2:31–36) and will be consummated in the new creation (Rev. 21:1–5).
This perspective teaches the church to live in hope. The Old Testament sets the pattern: God’s people wait in faith for promises to be fulfilled, while God’s faithfulness guarantees the outcome.
6. Reading the Old Testament Today
For Christians, the Old Testament remains God’s Word—living, active, and instructive (Heb. 4:12). Its value lies in multiple dimensions:
Historical Witness: It recounts God’s mighty acts in creation, covenant, and redemption.
Doctrinal Foundation: It teaches God’s holiness, human sin, and the need for atonement.
Ethical Instruction: Its laws and wisdom literature guide God’s people in righteousness (Ps. 1; Mic. 6:8).
Christological Anticipation: Every story, law, and prophecy prepares the way for Christ.
By studying the Old Testament, believers are rooted in the same story that shaped Israel and fulfilled in the Gospel. It is a school of faith, hope, and endurance (Rom. 15:4).
Conclusion
A biblical theology of the Old Testament reveals God’s unfolding plan of redemption. Preserved with care through history, it testifies to God’s covenant faithfulness, the seriousness of sin, and the hope of salvation through the coming Messiah. Its story runs from creation to covenant, from exile to expectation.
The Old Testament ends with anticipation, not completion. Its promises find their “Yes” and “Amen” in Christ (2 Cor. 1:20), the one greater than Moses, the true Son of David, and the Redeemer who inaugurates the new covenant. To neglect the Old Testament is to miss the very foundation of the Gospel. To embrace it is to hear the living voice of God calling his people to faith, obedience, and hope in the kingdom that is coming.
