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Did Old Testament Believers Understand Heaven and Hell?

Q: In Psalm 88 I read about Sheol and Abaddon as the psalmist is pouring out his heart for God’s deliverance from death. It raised the question, just what were the Old Testament patriarchs’ and the Israelites’ understanding of an afterlife such as heaven or hell? Did they have a similar picture of eternal life like we do with our knowledge of the New Testament?

Summary

When we read the Old Testament, it’s easy to assume early believers didn’t fully grasp ideas like heaven, hell, or salvation, but that’s far from true. In this episode, Dr. E answers a question about what the Israelites and patriarchs actually believed about the afterlife. Drawing from passages across Psalms, Daniel, Job, and Genesis, he reveals that ancient believers had a deep awareness of eternity and divine justice. Figures like David, Job, and Enoch expressed confidence in life beyond the grave, foreshadowing New Testament truths about resurrection and eternal life.

Dr. E also unpacks the Hebrew words Sheol and Abaddon, explaining how context determines whether they describe the grave, despair, or eternal separation. Through Scripture, he reminds listeners that God has always revealed Himself—and that eternity has been “set in our hearts” from the very beginning. The ancients didn’t miss theology; in many ways, they understood it better than modern Christians.

Takeaways:

• The ancients had a clearer theology of eternity than we often give them credit for.
• Sheol and Abaddon carry layered meanings—context reveals their intent.
• David, Job, and Daniel expressed faith in resurrection and eternal life.
• Enoch and Elijah point to God’s power over death even before the New Testament.
• God placed eternity in every human heart—an echo of divine design.
• We misunderstand Scripture when we assume early believers lacked theological depth.

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If you’ve got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.