The Old Testament is Christ-centered. The narrative focuses on Israel as the chosen vessel to preserve God's law, highlight human flaw, and bring the Messiah into the world
The Old Testament points to Christ in several key ways:
Messianic Prophecy: It contains hundreds of prophecies detailing the lineage, birth, suffering, and reign of the Messiah.
Types and Shadows: The people, events, and rituals of Israel (such as the Passover Lamb, the Temple, and the Levitical priesthood) are seen as "shadows" that find their ultimate reality and fulfillment in Jesus
The Faithful Israel: Where the nation of Israel repeatedly failed to uphold its covenant with God, Jesus is viewed as the "true Israel"—the perfectly obedient Son who succeeded where the nation failed.
Jesus Himself affirmed this focus, stating that the Law, Prophets, and Psalms were written about Him.
Therefore, while the historical setting is deeply rooted in Israel, the overarching message of the Old Testament centers on God's redemptive plan through Christ.