This book is designed to provide a working overview of the Old Testament and the story of ancient Israel. The reader will study nine key concepts that will serve to unlock the literary structure and organization of the Old Testament. We will explore how these interpretive keys functioned in the life of ancient Israel. We will also begin to discuss how the Old Testament lays the foundation for the coming of the Messiah and the ministry of the church. An educated reader and interpreter of Scripture will understand how to apply the Old Covenant scriptures to the hopes and needs of the people of God in our day.