A course introducing the Old Testament story in a simple way, attempting to build upon preexisting student knowledge. It is based upon Melton Short's work The Old Testament made Simple.

1. THE OLD TESTAMENT
STORY
GETTING THE BIG PICTURE

2. MOVE #5
ISRAEL & JUDAH TO
EXILE

3. MOVE #5
ISRAEL & JUDAH TO
EXILE
WHAT DO YOU THINK
ARE THE MAJOR
EVENTS IN THIS
PERIOD?

4. Nineveh
Map #
Israel goes into captivity in Assyria
Judah goes into captivity in Babylon
Judah
Israel
Babylon

5. The land was in two
parts - Israel north, and
Judah south.
Both went into exile as a
punishment for sin and
rebellion, but at
different times.

6. 722BC Israel is taken into captivity by
Assyria. This captivity led to the later
development of Samaria.

11. The second part is when Judah, the
southern kingdom, is taken into
captivity by Babylon. This captivity
lasted for 70 years.

12. Jeremiah predicted the fall and
tribulation of Judah and what would
take place thereafter.

15. Ezekiel was in exile inspiring and giving
hope to the exiles.

16. Ezekiel was in exile inspiring and giving
hope to the exiles.

17. Daniel was one of the exiles.

18. Daniel was one of the exiles.

20. MOVE #6
EXILE TO ISRAEL

21. MOVE #6
EXILE TO ISRAEL
WHAT DO YOU THINK
ARE THE MAJOR
EVENTS IN THIS
PERIOD?

22. Map #
Judah returns from captivity
BabylonIsrael

23. Prophets warned both Israel and Judah of
God’s impending judgment— repent or
lose the land. They did not!
But God in lovingkindness told Judah that
captivity would last for only 70 years and
then they would return to the Promised
Land.

24. In 538BC the Persians (King Cyrus)
overpowered the Babylonian empire.
Persians believed in a different form of
conquest and king Cyrus allowed the
Israelites (Judah) to return home.

25. In 538BC the Persians (King Cyrus)
overpowered the Babylonian empire.
Persians believed in a different form of
conquest and king Cyrus allowed the
Israelites (Judah) to return home.

27. Three stages of Israelite return from
exile:
Zerubbabel (538 B.C.) [Temple]
Ezra (458 B.C.) [Religious / social
reform]
Nehemiah (444 B.C.) [Walls & gates]

28. Zerubbabel’s Temple rebuilt in stages (c.
536–516 B.C.).
1. The altar was built for sacrifices.
2. Temple foundation laid.

29. 3. Building the temple took 20 years -
local opposition and the lack of
motivation among the Jews.

35. 400 silent years follow.
No word from God.
Israel grows increasing hungry for
salvation, for Messiah.

36. 400 SILENT YEARS—GOD DIDN’T SPEAK
400 BC 5 BC
Old Testament
Completed
Birth of
Christ