Introduction to the Old Testament The 39 books of the Old Testament story begin by
telling us about the creation of our universe and of the human race.
These writings continue with God selecting a people, one nation, Israel.
And He chose Israel not because the people were special, but so they would become
special, because they would know Him.
And so He makes a covenant promise with this people for the sake of all people of
all time.
By following Israel's story recorded in the Old Testament, we find God's plan to
bring salvation to the earth through the promised Messiah.
Patiently and passionately throughout the story of the Old Testament, God offers His
love and forgiveness, drawing people even outside of Israel to Himself to be their
Savior and their God.