Hope for All the Earth: Understanding the Story of the Old Testament

by Mitchell L. Chase

The whole Old Testament is the story of Jesus Christ, but it is so easy to limit ourselves to familiar verses, books, and passages, without ever understanding the full picture. We struggle to imagine where each book and prophecy and narrative fits into that grand story.

In this helpful guide, Mitchell L Chase takes us, step by step, through the whole sweep of the Old Testament, through its stories and songs, through its prophecies and promises, and shows us how each one points us to the coming Saviour, and God’s plan rescue us from our sin and establish his everlasting kingdom.

Genres: Christian

88 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2022

Reviews

[Brianna Smith Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What took me a myriad of seminary classes to learn is clearly articulated in this little book (under 100 pages!) Jesus is the hope for all the earth and the story of the Old Testament is one that continually points to this truth. Mitchell Chase does a wonderful job at clearly and concisely retelling the Old Testament narrative in a way that brings this to light. Well worth a read, especially if you struggle to see how the Old Testament teaches us about Jesus.

[Rose Melin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant. Should be read by everybody.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this a quick read since one of our Sunday School teachers is using it with our high schoolers. A great little read! An excellent summary of the grand story of the Old Testament and how it finds its fulfilment in Jesus. This book would be very helpful for anyone who has trouble keeping the whole (and long!) story of the Old Testament straight! ...or anyone who wants to see the many, many threads of the Old Testament that point to Jesus.

Don't expect anything in-depth. This skims along the surface. And is helpful because of that very fact.

[Amber Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little booklet is packed with so much!! If you have a hard time understanding the larger storyline of the Old Testament, I commend this book to you. Mitchell Chase does a great job of walking the reader through the storyline of the Old Testament while keeping our eyes fixed on the coming Messiah. Each chapter ends with bullet point summary of how what that chapter talked about shows us our need and anticipation for Jesus and suggested reading for the chapter showing you where it is in the Old Testament.

Speaking of the Old Testament, “The effects of the curse were known and felt. Injustice still existed. Death still claimed image bearers with its seemingly invincible grip. The ongoing nature of the sacrificial system showed that our sins needed full and final atonement. The whole earth had not yet been filled with the knowledge of the glory of God.”

“The Old Testament reveals the loving heart of God who pursues sinners with relentless grace. The end of the Old Testament is not the end of the bible’s story, and the heavenly silence during the intertestamental period would not last.” PRAISE GOD!

Highly recommend!!

[Daniel Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The whole Old Testament is the story of Jesus Christ," but it can be hard to remember that when reading various parts. In this book, Mitchell Chase summarizes the Old Testament—from Creation to fall to Abraham to Egypt to Exodus to David to exile to return to prophetic silence—in just 86 pages. Along the way, he points out how Jesus fulfills (and has foreshadowing echoes in) these ancient texts.

In such a short book, you'd expect over-simplification, and there were occasionally spots that felt like important omissions. That said, I was impressed. It is a solid summary, it does point to Jesus, and I did learn a few things.

[Michael Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book is a great intro to the biblical theology of the Old Testament. Perfect for small group study. We used it in an adult Sunday School class, covering one chapter per week. The author traces the theme of the coming Redeemer through the history of Old Testament revelation. The promise of Genesis 3:15 - the promise of the seed that would crush the serpent’s head - and its fulfillment is the major focus of this book. Highly recommended for anyone new to the discipline of biblical theology.

[Bobbi Geosling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This simple and quick read is basically the Old Testament in a nutshell through the lens of Biblical Theology. It traces God’s big story through the Old Testament and stops at the end of each chapter to point out connections to Christ. This is a helpful read for mature students of the Word and new believers alike (it would even be helpful for a non believer who is curious about the Bible.) I flew through it in 2-3 afternoons and spoiler alert— we are giving it out as the other option ladies can pick for their Mother’s Day gift at church (or Fruitful Home, which I also recently reviewed).

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent, simple overview of the storyline of the Old Testament written with a biblical theology lens that desires to see how the OT is the story of Jesus Christ. Each chapter concludes with bullet point summaries of “Expecting Jesus” and suggested Scripture readings. The author also weaves relevant insights and interpretations from the New Testament throughout.

It’s suitable for middle school students and older. I assigned it as a supplemental textbook for a 7th & 8th grade OT overview class I taught at a homeschool co-op group.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book (less than 100 pages) is such a helpful and accessible overview of biblical theology in the Old Testament. It gives the reader a bird’s eye view of large sections of the Old Testament and discusses how each fits into the storyline of Scripture and points to Christ. Would be great for a high school student as well as an adult. Will keep to reference in future Bible reading. Highly recommend.

[ᴀᴍʙ ☼☽✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and succinct primer for those wondering what the Bible is really about yet a humbling reminder for those in Christ - of His fullness and grace revealed through the prophecies of the OT.

Scripture is final and beautiful and I am thankful for that repetitious encouragement throughout this read.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise retelling of the major events and characters of the Old Testament, keeping the Scripture’s ultimate meta narrative of God’s gracious redemption in Christ front and center. Though brief, this is a solid introduction and great primer for those unfamiliar with the Old Testament.

[Kyle "Bapo" Roque · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a simple and quick read to understand the major moments/themes of the OT that leads up the apex of time, in which Christ comes.

[Toni Cacioppo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me understand the historical events of the Old Testament and explains how they point to Jesus. An easy read.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short and extremely helpful little book that does a fantastic job at putting Old Testament events in order and context.

[Brett McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and yet profound summary of the Old Testament. Worth the read for biblical scholars, longtime believers, new Christians, and unbelievers.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This summarizes the Old Testament in a short and concise way without compromising the message. Within eight chapters, Chase continually reminds us of why we need a savior.

[Tim Franks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good look at the major themes and moments within the overall threads of the Old Testament. Looking forward to reading the new on one the New Testament soon too!

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great overview of how the OT constantly points forward to Jesus Christ.

[Charles Sager · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be very helpful for a new believer or someone wanting to take their Bible reading more seriously

[Emily Dockall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written overview of the Old Testament in less than 100 pages. Specifically focused on how many stories and the OT as a whole points to Jesus. I recommend!