Testament: The Animated Bible

The tale of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, thwarting the pharoah's wrath in order to search for a land flowing with milk and honey is thrilling. At the center of the action is the development of Moses from a hunted, haunted young man to a wise, charismatic leader. He must persuade his own people to have faith, and that life-saving power will be given by God.

In this moving tale, Ruth follows her mother-in-law, Naomi, to her native Bethlehem after the sad deaths of both women's husbands. Working hard in the fields to feed herself and Naomi, Ruth finds her feelings for her kinsman Boaz run deeper than gratitude for his help with the work. Ruth's loyalty to Naomi touches Boaz and he decides to challenge the claim of a closer relative for Ruth's hand.

Jonah's flat refusal to preach the word of the Lord to the people of the wicked city of Nineveh leads to him upsetting an entire boatful of sailors, being unceremoniously heaved overboard and then getting swallowed by a whale. Jonah is as grumpy as ever, but God's patience and humor lead Jonah to understand the meaning of mercy.

It is always difficult to be an outsider, but Elijah's plight as a persecuted prophet of God took true faith to overcome. Alone in bringing people to the true God, he had to prove that the prophets of Baal were false, incurring the wrath of Queen Jezebel and her weak husband Ahab.

Noah's Ark and the Fall in the Garden are woven together in this absorbing version of two familiar stories. When the flood comes, Noah and his family begin life in the ark he has built. As the storm rages outside, Noah plays storyteller, weaving the tale of Adam, Eve, God and the serpent through the dark days on the water.

When God told Abraham that he and his wife Sarah would have a son, Abraham was astounded, for Sarah was long past child-bearing age. Still, God had assigned Abraham to be the "father of many nations." Overjoyed at the birth of Isaac, Abraham cannot believe when God commands him to sacrifice his son.

The youngest of twelve brothers, Joseph was his father's favorite son. His brothers' jealousy resulted in Joseph being sold as a slave to Egypt and, after offending the wife of his owner, spending a long time in jail. After helping the Pharaoh interpret his dreams, Joseph is rewarded and becomes ruler of the land through a long famine.

Political intrigue is the cornerstone of the story of Daniel. Held captive for many years under the Babylonian kings, but still much-loved and respected by their King Darius, Daniel was appointed governor, provoking great jealousy among the court advisers. Divine love and human resolve enter the lion's den with Daniel, and he emerges victorious.

Power and humility are personified in the story of mighty King Saul and the humble shepherd boy David. As the latter grew up, his skills as a musician and as a great warrior struck fear and envy into the heart of his former mentor. As Saul grew increasingly desperate, making several attempts on David's life, God's destiny unfolded inexorably, leading David to his throne as King of Israel.