With relaxed summer schedules, the warmer months are a great time to dive deep into books of the Bible you don’t often read. And studying Old Testament books can help you discover a biblical context that will give you greater insight into more familiar New Testament books.
While most people are intimidated by Old Testament books, we suggest starting with a Bible study that will not only help you study a particular book of the Bible but also equip you with better tools for studying the Bible on your own in the future.
So if you’re looking to lose yourself in the Old Testament poolside this summer, here are our top recommendations:

God of Covenant by Jen Wilkin | 10 Sessions
Why not start at the beginning? This study of Genesis focuses on chapters 12-50, walking alongside the fathers of our faith—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph—to discern Jesus in the stories of His people. Over 10 sessions, discover how God orchestrates everything for His glory and the good of His people, and see how the God of creation and covenant is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
(Bonus tip: If you want to concentrate on Genesis 1-11 first, pick up Jen Wilkin’s God of Creation study.)

Finding God Faithful by Kelly Minter | 8 Sessions
In this 8-session study, you’ll trace the path of Joseph’s life to observe how God’s sovereignty reigns, even in our darkest moments. Learn to recognize when God is working during periods of waiting, trust God’s plan when life doesn’t make sense, and rest in the sufficiency of His presence in every circumstance. His provision is enough, His presence is constant, and His purpose is unstoppable.

Gideon by Priscilla Shirer | 7 Sessions
When we think of Gideon, we mostly think of his 300 soldiers or the fleece and the evening dew. But this story is about God and His great love for His people, as well as His strength in spite of their weakness. In this bold 7-session study, you’ll learn to recognize your weakness as the key God gives you to unlock the full experience of His strength in your life. Who doesn’t need that reminder every now and then?

Trustworthy by Lysa TerKeurst | 6 Sessions
When hard times come and it seems God is deviating from the plan we assume our life should follow, we’re more likely to want to tame God, not trust Him. It’s then that we begin to press into our ways and our own timing. No human can carry the weight of being their own god, but so many of us try. In this 6-session study of 1 & 2 Kings, join Lysa TerKeurst in Israel as she honestly reveals the places of distrust in her own heart while exploring the deeply applicable Scriptures that will teach us how to truly trust God.

Esther by Kelly Minter | 7 Sessions
In this 7-session study, Kelly Minter invites you into the daring faith modeled by Esther and her cousin Mordecai—a faith rooted in the goodness of God, lived out through extraordinary circumstances, and used to change the world. Although our time looks different from Esther’s, our God is just as active and faithful today, and He has called you for such a time as this.

Job by Lisa Harper | 7 Sessions
Everyone who attended Sunday School as a child knows the story of Job, but approaching this book with new eyes as an adult will give you a whole new respect for the man. Over 7 sessions, you’ll discover the redemptive facet of Job’s suffering. You’ll learn to view pain as a way to strengthen your faith, point others to the gospel, and trust in the Lord. Because His providence will never take you to a place where His grace will not sustain you.

Steadfast Love by Lauren Chandler | 7 Sessions
This 7-session study is a deep dive into Psalm 107. Through studying it verse by verse, you’ll learn to face each season of life with courage and trust in Jesus, and discover how tests in our journeys of faith reveal the true condition of our hearts. For there is no fear for the one who fears the Lord, the one whose soul is anchored in His steadfast love.

Take Courage by Jennifer Rothschild | 7 Sessions
When the Jewish people returned to their wrecked land after exile and began rebuilding the temple, they were distracted, discouraged, and ready to throw in the towel. But the prophet Haggai reminded them they could find courage in the God who had never left them.
Sometimes the landscapes of our lives feel wrecked, with our hope and purpose in shambles. We too get distracted and discouraged. However, God’s presence and promises give us courage to press on and trust Him with our stories.
In this 7-session study on the Book of Haggai, learn to walk confidently in your calling, stay motivated despite opposition, and courageously invest your life in God’s purposes, trusting Him for results you may never see in this lifetime.

The Faithful by Priscilla Shirer, Kelly Minter, Beth Moore, Jennifer Rothschild & Lisa Harper | 5 Sessions
Borrowing from best-selling studies by some of your most favorite authors, this study is perfect for women on the go as each session is a standalone Old Testament character study of either Gideon, Nehemiah, Esther, Hosea, or Malachi.
Through their stories, discover how God uses the lives of ordinary people for His glory and the good of His people. And strengthen your faith as you walk alongside these larger-than-life figures who all chose to obey God no matter the circumstances.
Pro tip: Leaders, this study is a great way to preview full-length studies for the fall!