
Age: 13+ Middle School, High School 1 Full Credit
An in-depth look at the Old Testament, including interpreting the text, the relationship between archeology and the Bible, issues regarding authorship and inspiration, Israel and other ancient cultures, covenant and promise, and how the Old Testament leads to the coming of Jesus Christ.
This course is designed to provide students with a complete background in the Old Testament to understand how to interpret the New Testament. The class offers:
- Historical insight to all the major books of the OT and Biblical characters.
- An introduction to Biblical theology of the Old Testament.
- Connections between the Old and New Testaments.
- Practice using a Study Bible and associated commentary.
- A deeper understanding of redemptive history and God’s relationship to man.
- A plan to read the entire Old Testament in two semesters.
The primary goal of this class is to teach students better to appreciate God’s revelation to man in the Old Testament, including what His Word means to us today.
Thomas Purifoy, director and producer of Is Genesis History?, has taught the Bible to middle school and high school students for over 30 years.
This course is part of our Lecture Series that was filmed in front of a live classroom. As a result, it includes engagement with students and sometimes references the local situation.
Theological Note: Thomas approaches the text from a literal, historical, and creedal perspective. He affirms plenary inspiration, inerrancy, infallibility, and scriptural clarity. In light of that, he seeks to present the Old Testament in a way that would be pleasing to all who take the Bible to be the Holy Word of God.
- 28 videos (~1 hour each)
- Weekly Assignments
- Old Testament Reading Plan
- Links to Online Bible Resources
- Requires: Study Bible (recommended versions listed in the course)
Our Bronze Membership provides online access to this and 30+ additional courses, PDF course books, audio stories, and a customer support group.
Our Silver Membership adds Family Access (5 logins) and facilitation for courses through our Groups. Course facilitation provides:
- Direct encouragement from instructors.
- Additional links of interest that support learning in the course.
- Live Zoom meetings with facilitators to discuss lecture material and assignments.
Our Gold Membership adds grading, homeschool support, and discounts on live courses.
You can learn more (or upgrade your current plan) on our Membership Page. Our support team of homeschool moms can also answer your questions. Visit our support page to contact them.
All courses can be accessed on desktop, mobile, and through our Compass Classroom App (iOS & Google).
Learn more about Understanding the Old Testament in our Compass Classroom Store.
Course Content
INTRODUCTION & MATERIALS
About Instructor
Thomas Purifoy, Jr.
A creative filmmaker who develops unique learning resources intended to advance the Kingdom of God. Thomas helped develop a classical-based curriculum, and taught philosophy, Old Testament, film and history at the American School of Lyon, France. Thomas studied English at Vanderbilt University and is a former Officer in the US Navy. He currently oversees Compass Classroom and Compass Cinema.
5 Courses

Course Includes
- 29 Lessons
- 61 Steps
- Course Certificate
