You must always remember this as you study, JESUS CHRIST is the explanation of the scriptures (Grk 'graphe' holy writing, documentation). 

Matthew 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. 

God recommended him to us a teacher of truth. See, Jesus taught the intentions of the Law and the prophets which are things which make up the scriptures (Himself). 

John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. That's not enough... Luke 24:27 "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself."

You see? When you study the old testament, you do it rightly only with the goggles of CHRIST. The one person you're looking for in the old testament is Jesus Christ. Not a Janus God, not a vengeful God, or a killer; Jesus didn't portray all that. The totality of God was manifested in Christ alone — Love.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, HE HATH DECLARED HIM. 

The attention of the scriptures are centered only on Christ, though the writers were not aware of this. 

 1 Peter 1:9-12 (read all) 

1:10 "Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:"

So if you explain the scriptures (Old Testament) out of the context of Christ, you do err. Study well. Studying is how we grow. The simplicity of the scriptures is Christ defined. Hope this helps someone. Blessed. 

Hagios Akins