Reasons to study Old Testament history

David Murray recognises the difficulty that we may have in studying Old Testament history, and provides some encouragements to do so even in the face of those difficulties, real or imagined:

Shakespeare said that history is “a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” The Christian view of history is quite a contrast; we believe God ordained it, organizes it, and moves it towards a meaningful, definite, and certain purpose.

However many Christians entertain a negative view of Old Testament History, of its usefulness and even of its accuracy. It is often regarded as “far away” and “distant” chronologically, geographically, socially, and theologically. “What can it do for me?” and “Why study it?” are common questions. Here are five reasons to study it and benefit from it.

In brief, it is true, selective, relevant, purposeful and redemptive history. Get it explained and expanded here.