Old Testament

Explore all 82 articles about Old Testament.

Old Testament

Are we not allowed to wear clothing made of different types of fabric?

The Old Testament banned mixed fabrics to mark Israel as set apart, but that law does not pertain to us. Yet God still calls us to live distinctly holy lives.
Old Testament

Deuteronomy 6:4 says God is one; so how can Jesus be God?

The Bible teaches that God is one in essence, but exists in three distinct Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus is fully God, sharing the same divine essence as the Father and Spirit, and was uniquely tasked with fulfilling the role of Savior.
Old Testament

Did God come to heal us physically (Isaiah 53:5)?

Jesus did heal physical sickness, but His greater mission was to heal our deepest sickness—sin. Isaiah 53 shows that by His wounds, we are ultimately made whole through spiritual restoration with God.
Old Testament

Did Jephthah sacrifice his daughter?

Jephthah’s vow in Judges 11 has two common interpretations: either he tragically sacrificed his daughter or he devoted her to lifelong service to the LORD, resulting in permanent virginity. The account of Jephthah and his daughter highlights the spiritual confusion of Israel during the time of the judges and serves as a warning against making rash vows.
Old Testament

Do Proverbs 26:4 and 26:5 contradict?

Proverbs 26:4–5 aren’t a contradiction—they’re a call to wisdom. Sometimes godly wisdom stays silent, and sometimes it speaks, but always at the right time and in the right way.
Old Testament

How can we acknowledge God in all our ways (Proverbs 3:6)?

As we make decisions throughout each day, we can acknowledge God by seeking His guidance and wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and obedience. Doing this reminds us that God doesn't just guide part of our life—He directs our entire path.
Old Testament

How did Haman die?

Haman, a high official in the Persian Empire, plotted to destroy the Jewish people after Mordecai refused to bow to him. Queen Esther exposed his plan, and he was executed on the very gallows he had built for Mordecai.
Old Testament

How does Jesus fulfill the prophecy that says, 'Out of Egypt I called my son' (Matthew 2:15)?

Matthew 2:15 is prefigured in Exodus, when God called Israel, His “son,” out of Egyptian bondage. That foreshadowed Jesus, God’s Son, being called with Mary and Joseph out of Egypt, where they had been in hiding from Herod.
Old Testament

How is Jesus a little lower than the angels (Psalm 8:5; Hebrews 2:7)?

Jesus was temporarily made lower than the angels in terms of authority when He took on humanity, fulfilling the role of a perfect man. After His sacrifice and resurrection, He was exalted above the angels, ruling over all creation.
Old Testament

How is Jesus the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)?

Jesus is the Prince of Peace because the Father has given Him authority as our Lord and Savior. Christ’s sacrifice enables us to have peace from the wrath of the Father, inner peace, peace with others, and upon His second coming, peace on earth.
Old Testament

How old was David when Samuel anointed him king?

The Bible doesn’t give David’s exact age when he was anointed, but it points to him being a young shepherd—likely in his teens. Long before he wore the crown, God had already chosen him, showing that His calling often begins well before His timing is fulfilled.
Old Testament

How old was David when he fought Goliath?

The Bible doesn’t give David’s exact age when he faced Goliath, but it clearly presents him as a young, unlikely warrior. Based on the clues, David was likely a teenager—proof that God doesn't limit people by age to accomplish the extraordinary.
Old Testament

In Ecclesiastes 3:11, what does it mean that 'He has made everything beautiful in its time'?

God's perfect timing ensures that everything unfolds beautifully according to His eternal plan, even when we cannot fully grasp it. Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us to trust in His sovereignty and goodness, knowing that He brings purpose and beauty to every season of life. God’s timing is perfect, for He sees the whole scope of time and place at once.
Old Testament

In Hosea 13:14 is the correct translation “I will deliver” or “Will I deliver”?

Scholars disagree on the correct translation of Hosea 13:14. In the end, “Will I deliver …” is most likely what was originally meant, but neither translation harms the integrity of Scripture.
Old Testament

In Psalm 68:18, what does ‘captives in your train’ mean?

A conquering king in ancient times would take captives back to his land, and they would trail behind, forming a long line—a “train”—behind him. In Psalm 68, David describes the most majestic king, God, freeing His captive people, and leading them home in His “train.”
Old Testament

In what way are idols connected to demons (Deuteronomy 32:16–17)?

Idolatry is more than just misplaced worship—it is often participation with demons, as Scripture suggests that demonic forces are behind false gods and idols. While demons may influence idol worship, the root of idolatry is in our own hearts, and God holds us—not the demons—accountable for turning from Him.
Old Testament

Is the ‘Suffering Servant’ of Isaiah 53 a prophecy about Jesus?

There are too many parallels between the Suffering Servant and Jesus to deny that they are the same person. Indeed, the New Testament authors regularly applied Isaiah 53 directly to Jesus.
Old Testament

To whom was Jesus referring when He said, ‘He who has ears to hear…’?

In both the Old and New Testament, having “ears to hear” is an expression for saying that one is spiritually able to understand and obey truth from God. Jesus used this expression while speaking in parables to call those who would listen (“hear”) and obey His teaching.
Old Testament

What are some lessons from the Book of Daniel?

Empires rise, rulers boast, and kingdoms dominate—but the book of Daniel reveals that God is the true King directing history behind the scenes. Every earthly kingdom will eventually fall, but the eternal kingdom of the “Son of Man” will stand forever.
Old Testament

What are some lessons from the Book of Esther?

God may seem silent, but the book of Esther reveals He is powerfully at work behind the scenes. Even through ordinary and imperfect people, God turns what was meant for evil into redemption.
Old Testament

What are some lessons from the Book of Genesis?

Genesis shows how God created the world, how sin entered, and how He promised a Savior to crush evil. It traces that promised line through Abraham and his descendants, pointing forward to Jesus and God’s plan to redeem all creation.
Old Testament

What are some lessons from the Book of Hosea?

Hosea’s overall message to Israel is a warning of coming judgment if they do not repent. However, woven throughout Hosea is God’s fierce, unwavering, covenantal love for His people despite their sin and rebellion.
Old Testament

What are some lessons from the Book of Ruth?

The book of Ruth contains extraordinary acts of kindness, loyalty, and sacrificial love. While it begins with tragedy, it ends with joy—foreshadowing the type of redemption Christ gives those who put their faith and belief in Him.
Old Testament

What are the LORD’s appointed times in Leviticus 23?

God appointed days and times when He wanted His people, the Israelites, to assemble together. The purpose was to help them remember and celebrate what God had done, what He would continue to do, and would do for them.
Old Testament

What are the Ten Commandments and why are they important?

The Ten Commandments summarize God's laws for loving Him and our neighbors, reflecting His nature and guiding our relationships. While the Ten Commandments were given to Israel, their core principles still inform Christian living, showing our need for Jesus to fulfill the law and provide salvation.
Old Testament

What did Esther mean when she said, "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16)?

When Queen Esther learned the fate of her people, she stepped up and made a request of protection from the king. She did so saying, “If I perish, I perish,” certain that doing this was worth risking her life.
Old Testament

What did God mean when He said, "Be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23)?

“Be sure your sin will find you out” means that sin cannot be hidden from God—what’s done in secret will eventually be exposed and judged. The warning is clear: sin has consequences.
Old Testament

What did Jesus mean when He said 'the truth will set you free' (John 8:32)?

Jesus said the truth brings spiritual freedom. Christ is the truth that frees us from the bondage of sin.
Old Testament

What did Jesus mean when He said, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you’ (John 14:27)?

When Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you" (John 14:27), He was promising His disciples a deep, unshakable peace that would remain even in the face of suffering and His physical departure. This peace comes from the presence of the Holy Spirit and the certainty of Christ’s return, not from favorable circumstances.
Old Testament

What did Laban mean when he said to Jacob, ‘The LORD watch between you and me’ in Genesis 31:49?

When Laban said, “The LORD watch between you and me” in Genesis 31:49, it was not a blessing but a warning; he and Jacob didn’t trust each other, so Laban called on God to be the judge if either broke their peace covenant. The phrase reminds us that God always sees and holds us accountable, even when others do not.
Old Testament

What does 'as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD' (Joshua 24:15) mean?

“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” expressed Joshua’s devotion to God and to raise his entire household and under his influence to be devoted to Him. We, too, have the choice like Joshua to wholeheartedly serve the Lord.
Old Testament

What does 'feet like a deer' mean in the Bible (Psalm 18; Habakkuk 3:19)?

"Feet like a deer" symbolizes God giving His people strength, agility, and stability to rise above danger and hardship, just as mountain deer climb to safety in high places. David and Habakkuk used this imagery to express their trust that God alone would lift them out of trouble and keep them secure.
Old Testament

What does 'the Lord is my light and my salvation' (Psalm 27:1) mean?

Psalm 27:1 presents the Lord as a light—the source of goodness, guidance, and salvation. God guides His children through troubles and assures us of eternal life.
Old Testament

What does God mean when He says, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit" (Zechariah 4:6)?

Through the prophet Zechariah, God encouraged the Israelites by assuring them His Spirit would accomplish the rebuilding of the temple, not their own power. Similarly, believers today have the indwelling Holy Spirit that assures us we can accomplish God’s will.
Old Testament

What does God mean when He says, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you' (Hebrews 13:5)?

God gives many assurances to His people throughout the Bible. Since we are part of God’s family though faith in Christ, we, too, can have this same comfort.
Old Testament

What does God mean when He says, ‘I know the thoughts that I think toward you’ (Jeremiah 29:11)?

When God says, “I know the thoughts that I think toward you” in Jeremiah 29:11, He’s assuring exiled Israel that His plans for them—including restoration and hope—are still intact despite their judgment. Though this was a specific promise to Israel, it reflects God’s unchanging faithfulness, and believers today can trust that His eternal plans for them are also secure through Christ.
Old Testament

What does it mean in Ecclesiastes 9:5 that 'the dead know nothing'?

King Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes from an earthly, human perspective, and the statement “the dead know nothing” wrongly assumes that all existence and consciousness ends with death. Ecclesiastes 9:5 highlights the emptiness of life and death when viewed apart from God’s eternal perspective. Life on earth only makes sense when we see it from God’s perspective.
Old Testament

What does it mean that "My thoughts are not your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8)?

“My thoughts are not your thoughts” means that God’s plans, especially His plan to show mercy and forgive sinners, are far beyond human understanding. We can’t fully grasp God's thoughts, but we can trust, respond, and marvel at His saving work.
Old Testament

What does it mean that 'the earth is the Lord's' (Exodus 9:29)?

Moses’ assertion to Pharaoh that “the earth is the Lord’s” conveys God’s authority as the Creator of everything. God’s sovereignty over all includes dominion over our lives.
Old Testament

What does it mean that 'the steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD' (Psalm 37:23)?

Psalm 37:23 indicates that God will direct the steps of those who delight “in his way.” Studying God’s Word and being guided by the indwelling Holy Spirit ensure that we walk with the Lord.
Old Testament

What does it mean that God 'restores my soul'? How can God restore my soul?

Psalm 23:3 says that God “restores my soul,” meaning that he renews the spirit of His followers. Believers know and trust in the Lord to watch over us, meet our needs, and renew our souls despite the worries of the world.
Old Testament

What does it mean that God fights our battles (Exodus 14:14; Deuteronomy 1:30)?

When God fought for Israel, it was based on specific promises of deliverance and victory, not a general guarantee of success in all struggles. While we aren’t promised victory in every earthly battle, we can trust God to keep His spiritual promises—to preserve us, transform us, and never let us go.
Old Testament

What does it mean that it is not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18)?

Genesis 2:18 reinforces the overall biblical teaching that men and women are distinct, yet complementary. It also shows God’s plan for the marital union: one man and one woman joined for life.
Old Testament

What does it mean that my help comes from the Lord (Psalm 121:2)?

Because of who God is, He is our help no matter what troubles we face. Our help comes from the Lord.
Old Testament

What does it mean that the Word was in the beginning (John 1:1)?

John 1:1 affirms Jesus’ divinity as the Word of God who has existed from eternity. All things were created through Him.
Old Testament

What does it mean that the name of the Lord is a strong tower (Proverbs 18:10)?

Proverbs 18:10 compares the Lord to a “strong tower” to show God’s attributes of love, faithfulness, and omnipotence. God has been and always will be a refuge for His children.
Old Testament

What does it mean that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12)?

Ephesians 6:12 identifies the real enemy of believers as spiritual forces, rather than people. Later in that chapter, Paul explains how spiritual darkness must be fought with the spiritual tools God gives believers.
Old Testament

What does it mean that “as a man thinks, so is he” in Proverbs 23:7?

Proverbs 23:7 shows us that sometimes people do not mean what they say. We need to be discerning and respond appropriately when someone’s actions don’t match their words but rather convey what is really in their heart.
Old Testament

What does it mean to "take refuge under his wings" (Psalm 91:4)?

Psalm 91:4 conveys God’s protection and care for His children using the metaphor of a bird whose wings are shielding its young. Christ’s blood provides refuge eternally by providing everlasting security for believers.
Old Testament

What does it mean to 'taste and see that the Lord is good' in Psalm 34:8?

Psalm 34:8 uses the metaphor of tasting to invite readers to experience the Lord and discover His goodness. Jesus, too, offers Himself as spiritual nourishment leading to everlasting life. Let us taste and see that the Lord is good.
Old Testament

What does it mean to 'think about these things' in Philippians 4:8?

Philippians 4:8 encourages believers to focus on what is good and godly. Fixing our thoughts on all that is good helps us maintain our focus on God, follow His ways, and experience His peace.
Old Testament

What does it mean to 'train up a child in the way he should go' (Proverbs 22:6)?

Proverbs 22:6 advises parents on the importance of raising a child in a godly way. God calls us to train up our children in godly ways and to leave the results to Him.
Old Testament

What does it mean to be like a tree planted by water (Psalm 1:3; Jeremiah 17:8)?

To be like a tree planted by water means to be a faithful believer who draws continual strength and life from God through His Word and trust in Him. Just as a tree thrives and bears fruit when rooted by a stream, so also we flourish spiritually when we abide in Christ and remain grounded in His truth.
Old Testament

What does it mean to bear fruits worthy of repentance (Matthew 3:8)?

Believers are called to bear fruit worthy of repentance. Our words, behaviors, and actions should be outward signs, or "fruit," of genuine heart repentance. As we abide in Jesus Christ, we will produce an abundant harvest of fruit worthy of repentance that glorifies His name.
Old Testament

What does it mean to give no place to the devil (Ephesians 4:27)?

Ephesians 4:27 acknowledges that, as humans, we’ll get angry, but it also warns us to give no place to the devil. We are not to cultivate anger, as unresolved anger invites the devil into our lives, which leads to sin.
Old Testament

What does it mean to not grow weary and lose heart (Galatians 6:9)?

In Galatians 6:9, when Paul tells believers not to “grow weary” or “lose heart,” he is referring to our service to the Lord. Paul explains how our service to the Lord leads to heavenly rewards.
Old Testament

What does it mean to set your face like flint in Isaiah 50:7?

Flint is an extremely hard rock and used in expressions to mean that someone has a resolute determination to complete what was started. In Isaiah 50:7, we see the Servant (Jesus) set His face like flint as He unswervingly completed His mission on earth. We, too, are called to follow Him with steadfast faith.
Old Testament

What does it mean to “be fruitful and multiply” in Genesis?

In Genesis, God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" calls humanity to have children and fill the earth, reflecting His design for growth and flourishing. While marriage and parenthood are not God's calling for everyone, those who do marry and have children are given the unique privilege of helping their children come to know God, and in turn, guiding them to be "fruitful and multiply" through making disciples.
Old Testament

What does it mean when God tells Adam, 'For you are dust, and to dust you shall return' in Genesis 3:19?

In Genesis 3:19, God sentences Adam and all humanity to physical death—a return to dust—because Adam sinned by disobeying God. Christ’s atonement for humanity’s sin rescued believers from the grave into eternal life.
Old Testament

What does ‘iron sharpens iron’ mean?

“Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17) means that people grow wiser and more effective when they challenge and encourage one another in close fellowship. In the church, this sharpening happens as believers live out the “one another” commands, helping each other grow to be more like Christ through love, correction, and support.
Old Testament

What is Psalm 151? Should Psalm 151 be in the Bible?

Psalm 151 is not part of the original Hebrew Scriptures and is considered apocryphal, found mainly in the Greek Septuagint. While it may be of historical interest, it is not inspired Scripture and was never recognized as canonical by Jews, Protestants, or Roman Catholics.
Old Testament

What is a garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3)?

A garment of praise is worn by God’s people, signifying an attitude of worship and gratitude to God. Jesus proclaimed Himself as the source of transformative joy and restoration.
Old Testament

What is the Aaronic Blessing?

The Aaronic Blessing was given to the early Israelites to help them be like God by reminding them who He is and what He does for them. While the blessing was not magical, by living like God wanted, He was pleased to bless them as promised.
Old Testament

What is the Old Testament position on hell? What does the Old Testament say about hell?

The full theological concept of hell, as a place of eternal punishment for the wicked, becomes clearer in the New Testament, where Jesus and the apostles elaborate on the consequences of rejecting God. The Old Testament mostly lays the groundwork for understanding God's justice and judgment.
Old Testament

What is the meaning of 'be made whole' in John 5:6?

When Jesus asked the lame man if he wanted to be made whole, He was referring to more than just physical healing. God calls us to find true wholeness in Him.
Old Testament

What is the meaning of Psalm 14:1 (53:1), "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'"?

Psalms 14:1 and 53:1 call “the fool” someone who denies God. While such a person considers themselves wise, God calls them a fool and warns that there are eternal consequences for rejecting Him.
Old Testament

What is the meaning of ‘I AM WHO I AM’ in Exodus 3:14?

In Exodus 3:14, God declares “I AM WHO I AM” to reveal His eternal, unchanging, and self-existent nature—completely distinct from all created things. I AM WHO I AM affirms God’s sovereign authority, His presence with His people and His identity as the one true God, fulfilled and echoed by Jesus in the New Testament.
Old Testament

What is the worm that will not die mentioned in Mark 9:48?

The “worm that does not die” in Mark 9:48 is a way of figuratively depicting the everlasting torment of hell. The horrifying and everlasting nature of hell should encourage believers to share the good news of how Christ saved us from it.
Old Testament

Why are we told to answer not a fool according to his folly (Proverbs 26:4)?

Proverbs 26:4–5 advises discernment when interacting with a fool. We are advised to correct a person’s foolishness without becoming foolish like them.
Old Testament

Why did David ask God to 'create in me a clean heart' in Psalm 51:10?

In Psalm 51 David asked God for a “clean heart” because he recognized his sin. Just like David, we must call out to the Lord and ask Him to create a clean heart in us, knowing that He alone can cleanse us from all unrighteousness (Psalm 51:10).
Old Testament

Why did Job refer to his friends as miserable comforters?

Job’s friends were miserable comforters because they falsely accused Job of deserving suffering rather than praying for him and comforting him. God calls us to bear each others’ burdens and to have compassion for those who go through difficulty.
Old Testament

Why did Paul and Jesus call people foolish when Jesus taught us not to call our brother a fool?

Jesus admonished believers against wrongly judging or insulting other image-bearers of God. Even when we are being discerning, we are called to make sure our hearts and attitudes toward others are God-honoring.
Old Testament

Why does Balaam say 'God is not man' (Numbers 23:19)?

God is not like humans who lie or change their minds; when God speaks, His word is true and unchanging. Balaam’s statement in Numbers 23:19 reveals that God’s promises and intentions, such as protecting Israel, are steadfast and reliable no matter human attempts to alter them.
Old Testament

Why does God call His house a house of prayer (Isaiah 56:7)?

God’s house is called a “house of prayer” because it’s where prayers rise like incense to Him. When Jesus died, the temple veil tore, providing full access to God for all who believe to boldly come to God in prayer.
Old Testament

Why does Hagar call God 'the God who sees' (Genesis 16:13)?

Hagar calls God “the God who sees” because He saw her and provided for her. Likewise, God is the God who sees us and tales cares of each of us.
Old Testament

Why does Isaiah 53:3 refer to the Messiah as a man of sorrows?

The Messiah is called a “man of sorrows” because He would endure deep suffering and rejection to bring salvation, despite being perfectly righteous. Jesus’ painful death fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy, showing God’s plan to bear our sins and offer us healing through His wounds.
Old Testament

Why is the church called the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15)?

First Timothy 3:15 calls the church the “pillar and ground of the truth” (KJV) because, as the assembly of believers, the church represents the Lord to the world. In following God’s Word and living out the fruits of the spirit, believers show truth to a lost and seeking world.
Old Testament

Why is the plural used for God in Genesis 1:26 and 3:22?

The plural pronouns in Genesis 1:26 and 3:22 likely either express God’s majestic greatness or hint at the Trinity—one God in three Persons. Though the Old Testament doesn’t fully reveal the mystery of the Trinity, the New Testament clarifies God’s triune nature, inviting us to worship the majestic, triune Creator.
Old Testament

Why should we let no unwholesome talk come out of our mouths (Ephesians 4:29)?

Ephesians 4:29 warns believers to avoid coarse language. This and other scriptures teach that words should be chosen with care, as they are part of a believer’s witness for Christ.
Old Testament

Why should we want God to teach us to number our days (Psalm 90:12)?

Psalm 90:12 teaches that acknowledging that life is brief will lead to wisdom. This wisdom helps us prioritize spiritual concerns over material ones.
Old Testament

Why was a ram provided as a substitute for Isaac and not a lamb?

God provided a ram—not a lamb—as a substitute for Isaac because it emphasizes costly substitution and covenantal provision. The ram points forward to Christ, who fulfills both images as the obedient Son and the Lamb who was slain.
Old Testament

Why will God not give His glory to another (Isaiah 42:8)?

God will not give His glory to another because He alone is the eternal, uncreated Creator who is infinitely above all else. To share His glory would be to deny His uniqueness and perfection, exalting something created as if it were greater than the Creator.