Birch focuses on the faith of the people of Israel. In a way that is conducive to group discussion, he considers creation, exodus, covenant, kingship, exile, and restoration and relates these events to the life and witness of the modern church. Through his discussion, he illustrates how the people of Israel recognized no division between spiritual and secular, personal and social dimensions of faith.
He points readers toward that some harmony, in the direction of a deeper inner commitment and a more courageous ministry and witness to the needs of a broken world. Suggestions for further reading and study questions follow each chapter, assisting groups in applying the Old Testament to the contemporary social order.