This first book presents the overarching Old Testament themes of the promises and power of God, recounted in simple, weekly stories. Students will follow along with God’s people, see how He leads them and keeps His promises, and learn how the stories of God’s people begin to point us to the coming Savior, Jesus Christ. Not only will students learn story: they will understand the framework of the Old Testament: the Tanakh books, types of literature contained in the OT, and repeating themes seen in symbols like kingship, water, and slavery.

The student edition has 32 weekly chapters divided into 5 themed units. Each chapter includes the story of that week's Bible verses, presented at a clear, elementary reading level, and a memory page with a Bible verse, key facts chart, and vocabulary. A thought-provoking “Who is God?” question encourages students to consider how to relate to God in their own lives. There are also worksheets and a quiz to accompany each lesson, which students will do primarily outside of class.

Classwork will be heavily recitation-style: asking students to recollect verses & concepts from the past week's reading, then tying it into larger historical and biblical patterns. Students will practice sword drills, understand biblical etymology, and see how literary patterns (like the heroes journey) are scattered all throughout scripture: the original story. They will learn to critically think and define terms like 'repentance,' 'grace,' and 'covenant,' using scripture at all points.

Unit Themes Presented in God's Great Covenant: Old Testament 1

Unit I: In the Beginning—God’s Power. God, the mighty Elohim, demonstrated His power by speaking creation into existence. He barred sinful man from the garden and judged the wicked world with a catastrophic flood. At the same time, the power of His mercy and His redemptive plan secured man’s future existence.
Unit II: By the Patriarchs—God’s Promises. The Lord God plucked Abram out of the city of Ur and sent him on a journey. Through the covenant, the Lord gave Abram (later called Abraham) three promises: to give him a land, to make him the father of many nations, and to bless the world through him. These promises—and God’s faithfulness to keep them—form the foundation for the rest of God’s story.
Unit III: Out of Egypt—God’s Redemption. In God’s mind, rescuing Israel from Egypt was more than saving the Israelites from slavery. The Lord God was redeeming Israel from sin and renewing the covenant He had made with Abraham. Despite their sin, the Lord desired to dwell with His people and bless them.
Unit IV: Through the Wilderness—God’s Provision. In the harshness of the Sinai wilderness, the Lord God showed His people that His care for them was perfect. Even though they grumbled, complained, and refused to trust Him, God was completely trustworthy.
Unit V: In the Promised Land—God’s Faithfulness. After the glorious conquest of Canaan, Israel entered into the dark years when everyone did “what was right in his own eyes.” Even though Israel repeatedly turned from the Lord, He always heard their cries for mercy and delivered them from the oppression of their enemies.