Introduction to the Old Testament -- Come Follow Me 2026 Week 1
Key Takeaway
The 2026 Come Follow Me curriculum returns to the Old Testament. This introductory week sets the stage for a year of study through Genesis, Exodus, the prophets, and beyond.
The 2026 Come Follow Me curriculum opens with an introduction to the Old Testament, the foundational text of Judeo-Christian scripture. For Latter-day Saints, the Old Testament holds unique significance: it contains the earliest records of God's covenants with His children, prophecies of the Messiah, and the literal history of Israel that parallels our own dispensation.
This week invites you to consider why the Old Testament matters. Its books span thousands of years, from the creation account in Genesis through the post-exilic writings of Malachi. The Restoration adds context that no other tradition possesses -- the Book of Moses and the Book of Abraham restore plain and precious truths lost from the Genesis narrative.
As you begin this year of study, consider these questions: How does the Old Testament testify of Jesus Christ? What patterns from ancient Israel appear in your own life? How do the covenants God made with Adam, Noah, Abraham, and Moses relate to the covenants you have made?
The Hebrew language itself carries layers of meaning that English translations cannot fully convey. The word "torah" does not simply mean "law" -- it means "instruction" or "teaching," suggesting a loving God who guides rather than merely commands. Throughout this year, paying attention to the original Hebrew will unlock insights that surface reading misses.
Set a goal this week to read the Come Follow Me introduction and to familiarize yourself with the structure of the Old Testament: the Pentateuch, the historical books, the wisdom literature, and the prophets. Each section has a distinct voice, but all point to the same covenant God.
Related Study Tools
Come Follow Me Schedule
View the full 2026 Come Follow Me reading schedule with weekly guides.
Hebrew Alphabet
Learn the Hebrew alphabet to begin reading scripture in its original language.
Scripture Timeline
See how Old Testament events fit into the broader scriptural timeline.
Bible Dictionary
Look up key Old Testament terms, people, and places.
Covenant Tracker
Track God's covenants from Adam through the Restoration.
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Genesis 12-17, Abraham 1-2 Study Guide -- "The Abrahamic Covenant"
The Abrahamic covenant -- land, posterity, and priesthood blessing -- is the backbone of the entire Old Testament. Abraham 1-2 restores the personal story behind the covenant's most important recipient.
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