Old Testament

Abraham and Isaac

Joseph in Egypt

Joseph's Reunion

Except for a mother’s desperate plan, the strong will of an Egyptian princess, and the mighty hand of God, Israel’s most honored leader may never have seen his first birthday. This story recounts the early years of Moses’ life, from his dreary days of tending sheep in the Midian desert to his privileged youth in Pharaoh’s household. Watch God’s hand as a tiny baby, found in the bulrushes, is reared to be a powerful Egyptian ruler, yet is called through burning bush to deliver Israel. Learn the story from Exodus 1–4.

When the Israelite Naomi and her two Gentile daughters-in-law are left as widows in a foreign land, Naomi begs them to care for themselves by returning to their own people. One agrees—but Ruth declares she will never forsake Naomi and accompanies her back to Israel. Ruth’s faithfulness is rewarded when Naomi’s near kinsman, Boaz, falls in love and marries her. One of the greatest stories in human history is recreated for the entire family to enjoy. Teaches the Bible story from Ruth 1–4.

In keeping with her vow, Hannah dedicates her child to God. From his days as a young boy serving Eli, the high priest, to guiding the ancient Israelites, Samuel the prophet stands as an inspiring example of how we, too, can delight in our relationship with God. This story brings to life several episodes from the life of Samuel and invites all to discover the joy of faithful service to God. Learn the Bible story from 1 Samuel 1–4, 7.

David and Goliath

It was his first major test as king. The eyes of the nation were watching nervously to see if this young leader could measure up to the high standards set by his beloved father, King David. The dilemma was two mothers both laying claim to one baby. Lives depended on Solomon’s excruciating decision. What he decided raised the bar of what it means to judge righteously. This emotional story escorts viewers into the very throne room of King Solomon, one of the wisest men who ever lived. Learn from 2 Samuel 12; 1 Kings 1–7, 11.

The crowd was still and hushed as the words of the great prophet Elijah thundered down from Mount Carmel: “How long will you go back and forth between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him! If Baal be god, then follow him and be done with it!” From Elijah’s elusion of capture at the hands of King Ahab, to raising the dead son of the widow of Zarephath, to a showdown with the wicked priests of Baal. Elijah’s story shows the power of the true God of Israel. Learn about this Bible hero from 1 Kings 17–18.

As a fiery chariot from heaven took away the great prophet, Elijah, his mantle fell upon his frightened protégé, Elisha. From then on, Elisha would be God’s mouthpiece. This story spotlights Elisha’s ministry of miracles, from healing a soldier’s disease to restoring life to a young boy. Compare Naaman’s trust of Elisha, whose obedience resulted in being healed of leprosy, with Gehazi, who was cursed for seeking riches while doing God’s work. Elisha served God for the remainder of his life. Learn the story from 1 Kings 19; 2 Kings 2–5.

Babylonian forces invade Jerusalem and carry away many of the city’s finest young people, including Daniel and his three young friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. In captivity, the youths are in the king’s service and outperform all their rivals— pleasing the king and frustrating their enemies. When Darius, the new king, makes Daniel his first president, Daniel’s enemies plan a trap to have him killed. When Daniel survives being thrown in the lions’ den, he proves that God still rules over the affairs of men. Learn the scripture story from Daniel 1–6.

Would you risk your life to save the lives of your countrymen? That was the deadly dilemma confronting the young Queen Esther, one of the Bible’s most courageous women. The adopted daughter of Mordecai, Esther becomes Queen of Persia because of her beauty. When Haman, chief at the king’s court, learns of Esther’s true birthright, he plots to murder the Jews. Queen Esther’s courage and wisdom helps her to turn a tragedy into a victory that is celebrated today with the feast of Purim. Learn the Bible from Esther 2–8.