Old Testament Field GuideSample

Intro

Nicole introduces this lesson about the impact of the Old Testament on the world—e.g., politics and economics, philosophy and ethics, literature, art and film.

Impact of the Old Testament: In Front of the Text

It’s hard to imagine human history without the Bible, especially in Western societies that were shaped by biblical values and ideals. Choose any of the following to explore the impact of the Bible in religion, society, art, language and science.

Impact: Monotheism

Social & Political Impact of the Old Testament

The Impact of the Bible on Art

Michelangelo's David

In the main square in Florence, Italy, stands a full-sized replica of Michelangelo’s David (1504). Considered one of the greatest pieces of art ever made, it recalls the story of David and Goliath from the Old Testament.

Tower of Babel

The Great Tower of Babel (ca. 1563), painted by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, was apparently inspired by the Roman Coliseum. Babel is the name given to the tower built so that the people could “make a name” for themselves (Gen 11:4).

Rembrandt's The Circumcision

Rembrandt painted a number of Old Testament figures. The image below is called The Circumcision (1661). While the painting’s subject is the circumcision of Jesus, it alludes to a central Old Testament covenantal practice.

Blake's The Ghost of Samuel

William Blake was a painter, printmaker and poet who had a strong philosophical bent who produced a number of pieces with Old Testament subjects. This image is titled The Ghost of Samuel Appearing to Saul (ca. 1800).

Chagall's Opéra Garnier

The Jewish painter, Marc Chagall, completed the ceiling of the Opéra Garnier in Paris in 1964. There have been few Jewish artists of note due to the Old Testament’s prohibition against creating a graven image (Ex 20:4).

The Bible’s Impact on Language

Language is another topic that has been impacted by the Old Testament. Many modern phrases and references have come into usage as a result. Here are just a few:

The writing is on the wall:

Suddenly the fingers of a man’s hand emerged and began writing opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace, and the king saw the back of the hand that did the writing. Daniel 5:5 (NASB)

A land flowing with milk and honey:

Hence I have said to you, “You are to possess their land, and I Myself will give it to you to possess it, a land flowing with milk and honey.” I am the Lord your God, who has separated you from the peoples. Leviticus 20:24 (NASB)

Sacrificial lamb:

You shall also offer one male goat for a sin offering and two male lambs one year old for a sacrifice of peace offerings. Leviticus 23:19 (NASB)

Hard heart:

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Pharaoh's heart is hardened; he refuses to let the people go. Exodus 7:14 (ESV)

Golden calf:

So Aaron said to them, “Take off the rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden calf. Exodus 32:2-4 (ESV)

Scapegoat:

But the goat on which the lot for the scapegoat fell shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make atonement upon it, to send it into the wilderness as the scapegoat. Leviticus 16:10 (NASB)

Can you think of other phrases or references that come from the Old Testament? Record additional words/phrases and their Bible references.

Science

Wrap-up

Nicole wraps up this lesson on the remarkable global impact of the Old Testament.

The Complete Old Testament Field Guide

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