hi.

#TIME.#--From an unknown time to about 400 B. C.

#LANDS.#--Armenia, Chaldea, Palestine, Egypt, Persia.

[Illustration]

#SIGNIFICANCE OF EVENTS.#--The Old Testament begins with a statement of
the creation; tells of the introduction of man, "made in the image of
God;" records the downfall of man and God's many efforts to redeem
him; recites the incidents of God's dealings with chosen individuals,
selected families and a particular nation; continues with this nation
separated into two parts and held captive by a foreign power, and
closes with the return of a part of Judah. With the entrance of sin
came the promise of salvation through one who should come out of the
chosen (Jewish) nation.

The Old Testament Preview

NOTE.--The Chronology used throughout is based on
"The Dated Events of the Old Testament,"
by Willis Judson Beecher.

#1. Two Great Divisions.#--In biblical history here are two great
divisions, that of the Old Testament and that of the New Testament. It
is well to have clear outlines in our minds with regard to the great
outstanding characteristics of these periods. In making these
divisions into the periods that follow we have no "Thus saith the
Lord" for our guidance, but use the best common sense that we have.
Others might make a different division, but we give that below as at
the least suggestive.

#2. Prelude.#--The great prelude of creation. Here we are told that
all things find their origin in God. This teaching is in
contradistinction to the claim that matter is eternal. It also denies
the doctrine that the world was made by chance. It places the
beginning of all things seen in the power of One who is from eternity
to eternity. This satisfies the cravings of the human heart as no
other teaching does.

#3. First Period.--Adam to Noah.# Here we have the first stage in the
drama of human history. In it we find the beginnings of the human
race, of sin, and of redemption. Three most important beginnings. It
is covered by Genesis 2 to 5 inclusive. It is marked by total failure
on the part of man. "Every imagination of the thoughts of his heart
was only evil continually" (Gen. 6:5). Man proved himself recreant to
God's holy law.

#4. Second Period.--Noah to Abraham.# Chapters 6 to 12. God makes a
new beginning with the family of Noah. But, as before, man proves
himself disobedient and faithless to his God. We find a great
civilization, but little godliness. For the secon