Which term is used for the overarching story that connects individual narratives in the Old Testament?

The term "metanarrative" is used to describe the overarching story that connects individual narratives within the Old Testament. This concept refers to a grand, overarching story or framework that gives coherence to diverse accounts, themes, and teachings found throughout the Scriptures. In the context of the Old Testament, the metanarrative encompasses key themes such as creation, fall, redemption, and restoration, illustrating how these elements interweave to create a unified message about God's relationship with humanity.

This term is distinct from the other options provided. A synopsis typically refers to a brief summary of individual stories rather than connecting them into a larger narrative. Chronicles may denote a historical account or record of events but do not inherently convey the thematic continuity present in a metanarrative. Lastly, while a theme relates to a specific idea or motif that might recur within the Old Testament, it does not capture the broader, cohesive narrative structure that the term metanarrative embodies. Thus, metanarrative aptly describes the unifying storyline that integratively links the various books and stories of the Old Testament.