A Brief Outline of the Old Testament
This overview walks through the main storyline of the Old Testament in a clear, chronological way. The Old Testament tells one unified story of God creating the world, choosing a people, dwelling with them, disciplining them when they rebel, and promising a future Savior.
1. Beginnings (Genesis 1–11)
Creation
God creates the world and declares it good.
Humans are made in God’s image to rule and care for creation.
The Fall
Adam and Eve rebel against God.
Sin and death enter the world, breaking humanity’s relationship with God.
Noah and the Flood
God judges widespread human wickedness with a flood.
God saves Noah and his family and promises never again to destroy the world by flood.
The Tower of Babel
Humanity rebels again by seeking greatness apart from God.
God confuses their languages and scatters them across the earth.
2. God Chooses a People (Genesis 12–50)
Abraham
God calls Abram (later named Abraham) and makes key promises:
Genesis 12:1–3 – God promises land, a great nation, and blessing to all nations through Abraham.
God promises Abraham land, descendants, and worldwide blessing.
These promises shape the rest of the Bible.
Isaac and Jacob
God repeats His promises to Abraham’s son Isaac.
Isaac’s son Jacob (later named Israel) has 12 sons, who become the 12 tribes of Israel.
Jacob’s Wives & Children
Leah: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah (daughter)
Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin
Bilhah (Rachel’s servant): Dan, Naphtali
Zilpah (Leah’s servant): Gad, Asher
Note: Levi’s descendants become priests and do not receive their own land.
Joseph
Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers.
He rises to power in Egypt and becomes second-in-command.
God uses Joseph to save his family from famine.
Jacob’s family moves to Egypt.
3. Exodus and the Law (Exodus–Deuteronomy)
Moses
A new Pharaoh enslaves the Israelites and orders Hebrew baby boys killed.
Moses is rescued and raised in Pharaoh’s household.
God calls Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt.
The Exodus
God sends 10 plagues on Egypt.
Israel escapes through the Red Sea; the Egyptian army is destroyed.
Mount Sinai
God gives Israel the Law (including the Ten Commandments).
Israel is called to live as God’s holy people.
Wilderness Wandering
Israel refuses to trust God and enter the Promised Land.
As a result, they wander in the wilderness for 40 years.
4. Conquest and Settlement (Joshua)
Joshua
Joshua leads Israel into the Promised Land.
Israel defeats many of its enemies but does not fully obey God.
The people settle in the land God promised to Abraham.
5. The Time of the Judges (Judges)
God raises up judges as military and spiritual leaders.
Israel repeatedly falls into a cycle:
Sin
Oppression
Cry for help
Deliverance
Judges 21:25 – “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
This period shows Israel’s need for a righteous king.
6. The United Kingdom (1 Samuel–1 Kings)
Samuel
Samuel is a prophet and priest.
Israel demands a king, rejecting God as their true king.
Saul
Israel’s first king.
Starts well but disobeys God.
God removes the kingdom from Saul.
David
Defeats Goliath and becomes a great military leader.
Described as “a man after God’s own heart.”
Makes serious mistakes but repents.
God promises David that his kingdom will last forever.
Solomon
David’s son.
Asks God for wisdom and becomes famous for it.
Builds the first Temple in Jerusalem.
Later turns away from God due to idolatry and many marriages.
7. The Divided Kingdom
After Solomon’s death, the kingdom splits:
Northern Kingdom: Israel
Made up of 10 tribes (including Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph’s sons).
19 kings — all are considered evil.
Conquered by Assyria in 722 BC.
The people are scattered and Israel ceases to exist as a nation.
Southern Kingdom: Judah
Made up of Judah and Benjamin.
Jerusalem and the Temple are located here.
20 kings — 8 are considered good.
Conquered by Babylon in 586 BC.
The Exile
Jerusalem is destroyed.
The Temple is torn down.
Many leaders and skilled people are taken to Babylon.
The poorest people are left behind.
The exile is God’s judgment for breaking the covenant.
8. Return from Exile (Ezra–Nehemiah)
Persia defeats Babylon and becomes the world power.
Persian kings allow the Jews to return home.
Zerubbabel - Leads the rebuilding of the Temple (the Second Temple).
Ezra - Teaches God’s Law and leads spiritual reform.
Nehemiah - Rebuilds the walls of Jerusalem.
9. Prophets and Hope
Throughout Israel’s history, God sends prophets to call the people to repentance.
Prophets warn of judgment but also promise restoration.
Many prophets speak of a coming Messiah, a future King who will save God’s people.
Eventually, prophetic voices stop.
10. Silence and Expectation
There are about 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments.
Israel lives under foreign rule and waits for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
The silence ends when John the Baptist appears, preparing the way for Jesus.
The Big Idea of the Old Testament
God is faithful even when His people are not. The Old Testament points forward to the coming of Jesus, the promised Messiah, who will finally fix what sin has broken.
