How to Read the Old Testament Without Getting Lost

Seeing the Story Beneath the Stories

Taylor Halverson
November 15, 2025

Many readers lose their way in the Old Testament because they see fragments instead of the full story. Once you trace its arc—Creation, Covenant, and Redemption—the scattered texts unite into one clear revelation of God’s Ḥesed, His steadfast love that anchors creation, endures failure, and restores all things through covenant faithfulness.

Dear friends,

Many readers begin the Old Testament with enthusiasm and end in confusion. The world of the patriarchs, prophets, and poets can feel distant and dense. Yet once you see the story beneath the stories, the Old Testament becomes a clear and living witness of God’s Ḥesed: His steadfast, covenant love.

When you know where you are in the story, the meaning begins to unfold.

The Big Story: Creation, Covenant, and Redemption

The Old Testament can feel like random collection of books (see my post Why The Bible Feels Confusing).

But you can read it as one unified story told through many voices.

Creation: God brings order, life, and relationship into a world of chaos (Genesis 1-11).
Covenant: God chooses a people and binds Himself to them in loyal love (Genesis 12-50; Exodus; Leviticus; Numbers; Deuteronomy).
Redemption: God remains faithful even when His people fail, promising renewal through a coming Deliverer (Joshua – Malachi).

Everything from Genesis to Malachi fits within this arc. The prophets, psalms, and histories are variations on that single melody of divine love.

When you read with this structure in mind, you begin to see how each passage contributes to the larger story of God’s Ḥesed reaching out to restore creation.

Context Is the Compass

Understanding context keeps us from getting lost. The Bible was written in real languages, cultures, and places. Knowing that world helps us hear the text as its first audience heard it.

Literary context asks, “What happens before and after this passage?”
Historical context asks, “What did this mean for them in their time and place?”
Doctrinal context asks, “How does this truth fit within the whole of God’s plan?”

Context does expands and deepens faith by revealing a God who spoke into real lives and continues to speak into ours.

The Covenant Lens

Every part of the Old Testament belongs to the covenant story that began with Abraham. The laws, the temple, and the prophets all orbit this central truth: God desires relationship, not ritual.

Reading through this lens changes everything. The Ten Commandments become covenant principles of love, not restrictions. The prophets’ warnings become invitations to return to faithfulness. Even genealogies remind us that God’s promises move through real people and time.

When we read with covenant eyes, we no longer see a distant God issuing orders but a present God keeping promises.

The Book of Mormon as Guide

The Book of Mormon models how to read scripture with this same clarity. Its writers constantly explain context, connect covenants, and apply principles to daily discipleship.

Nephi reads Isaiah to teach us covenant faith and endurance. Alma interprets scripture to show how Christ’s mercy fulfills every promise. Each writer demonstrates that true understanding grows from covenant awareness all centered on the one who confirms and lives covenant—Jesus.

Practical Tools for the Journey

Mark covenant words. Notice love, mercy, promise, remember, and return.
Ask the three questions: What? So what? Now what? This keeps reading accurate, relevant, and personal. See my article on this learning and teaching technique here.
Keep a brief record. Write one sentence about how you saw God’s Ḥesed this week.

A Closing Thought

Remember that the Old Testament is a map of God’s faithful love. When you read with covenant understanding and listening hearts, you begin to see the same pattern that shaped Abraham, Ruth, and Isaiah. God speaks, His people respond, and Ḥesed endures.

Next week we will step into the world behind the words, learning how ancient geography and culture open the meaning of scripture and help us see with ancient eyes.

—Taylor Halverson, Ph.D.
Learn Deeply. Live Meaningfully. Spread Light and Goodness!

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How to Read the Old Testament Without Getting Lost

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