What does an historical outline of the Old Testament tell us about the context for the Exodus story?

 A brief history of the Old Testament illustrates the pattern of Israelite life from being nomadic people to village settlers, from being a tribal federation to a highly developed empire, from a nation at war with itself to one fighting for independence from Egyptian, Assyrian and Babylonian rule.  

The history of the Israelites is one of community, covenant, conflict, exile, reflection and redemption.

 How does the Exodus event mark the beginning of the history of Israelites as a nation?

The traditions of these people were centred on separate clans and individuals before the escape from Egyptian slavery to deliverance of a promised land. After this critical experience every text identifies these people as a chosen nation unified in their fidelity to one God.  This miraculous event was a clear demonstration of divine power so significant to these ancient tribes of refugees that they as a group entered into a binding covenant with God and hence became a nation of monotheistic people.

The Bible is a collection of books.  God’s Word.

The Bible contains:

• the sacred stories of the Hebrew People.

• stories about the covenant made between Moses and his people and God, which was fulfilled through Christ.

• stories of how God helped people throughout history.

• songs and poems about God.

• stories of Jesus and his teachings.

• Stories about the first Christian communities and their struggle to keep the faith.

A friendly guide to The Old Testament Marie Turner

The Old Testament represents the Sacred Scriptures of two major world religions, but also a fascinating and engaging story of an ancient people that has had unparalleled influence over western culture as a whole. The version you have is probably in a modern English, and reasonably easy to read, if not always to follow; and therein can lie a danger...

This Friendly Guide will unpick some of the knots that can arise from reading the Old Testament without knowing some of the background material, such as: who wrote it? When? And why? In accessible language, come to grips with this startling series of Books we call the Old Testament, taking into account all the cutting edge contemporary historical and cultural research. Written be renowned Australian Old Testament scholar, Marie Turner, this clear and concise Friendly Guide is ideally suited to an introductory level readership. For students and teachers it will be an invaluable resource to supplement their Religious Education program. Similarly, parish groups, RCIA teams and candidates, or anyone wanting to improve their understanding of the foundations of Scripture, will find the text indispensable.