The Old Testament is a collection of writings that tell of a people's encounters with their God, and how their God says they should live. It also includes prophecy of how that God will act, and poetic responses to His actions.

Definition continued..

The Old Testament is the record of the foundational myths, poems, laws, history, and divine encounters of the Hebrew people.

Sorry it's a bit late!

The Old Testament is a collection of documents that contain the history, laws, and prophecies of the God's chosen people. It is also an expression of God's love for His people--the love that doesn't die even though they turned their back on Him.

Pretending to be Hebrew

The Old Testament is a cultural and religous expression of the Jewish people. It includes evidence of their history, laws, beliefs, traditions, poetry, and, in the scripture's original context, their language.

Shema Yisrael

The Old Testament records the history, laws, writings, and divine encounters of the Jewish people.

Evolving Definition of Old Testament

The Old Testament is a record of a culture that is applicable to a religion that is based on the original sin and God's desire to restore His relationship with His chosen people.

ta da.

Updated Definition:

The Old Testament documents the founding myths, history, laws, and divine interactions of the Jewish people.

In Genesis 32, Jacob wrestles with a divine being and receives a new name, Israel. At the end of this meeting Jacob/Israel believes he has seen the face of God and survived. While it's not clear why this wrestling match takes place, we think it's important to look at this scripture in context. Jacob is about to be reunited with his estranged brother, whom he hasn't really seen since the ol' blessing switcharoo. He has sent his family ahead, presumably to keep them safe, and is spending the night alone. It's quite possible to interpret this meeting with the divine as symbolic of leaving the trickster Jacob behind, and turning over a new leaf with the name of Israel. It might be Jacob's way of dealing with his past as he prepares to meet someone who was deeply affected by his actions.

And here we are... 9.13.2007

The Old Testament is a collection of books that record the history, laws, and poetry of God's chosen people.