Old Testament Survey

DETAILS

• Exegetical Paper:
  • Write an exegetical paper on a selected passage from one of the Old Testament books, demonstrating proficiency in biblical interpretation.
• Major Themes Essay:
  • Develop an essay exploring major themes that span across multiple Old Testament books, connecting key theological concepts.
• Character Study Project:
  • Undertake a character study project, examining the lives, actions, and significance of a selected character or group of characters within the Old Testament.
• Covenant Theology Analysis:
  • Analyze the theme of covenant theology within the Old Testament, understanding the various covenants and their implications for God’s relationship with His people.
• Historical Timeline Assignment:
  • Create a historical timeline that charts significant events, figures, and developments within the Old Testament.
• Final Comprehensive Exam:
  • Take a comprehensive exam that assesses knowledge of key concepts, themes, and events covered throughout the Old Testament Survey.
• Class Participation:
  • Actively engage in class discussions, sharing insights, questions, and reflections on the material covered in the Old Testament Survey.

CURRICULUM

1. Introduction to the Old Testament:
   • Establish a foundational understanding of the Old Testament, its structure, historical context, and its significance as the sacred scriptures of the Hebrew Bible.
2. Pentateuch (Torah):
   • Explore the first five books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy), known as the Torah or Pentateuch, understanding their narrative, legal, and theological significance.
3. Historical Books:
   • Examine the historical books, such as Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings, to gain insights into the history and theology of the Israelite monarchy and the nation’s relationship with God.
4. Poetry and Wisdom Literature:
   • Dive into the poetic and wisdom literature of the Old Testament, including Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job, exploring themes of worship, wisdom, and theodicy.
5. Major Prophets:
   • Study the major prophets—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel—examining their prophetic messages, visions, and their relevance to the historical and theological context.
6. Minor Prophets:
   • Explore the messages of the minor prophets, understanding their unique contributions to issues of social justice, repentance, and restoration.

PREREQUISITES

1. Foundational Biblical Studies:
   • Completion of foundational courses in biblical studies to ensure students have a basic understanding of the structure, themes, and content of the Bible.
2. Introduction to Christian Theology:
   • Proficiency in basic theological concepts to provide a framework for understanding the theological themes presented in the Old Testament.
3. Biblical Hermeneutics:
   • Familiarity with principles of biblical hermeneutics (interpretation) to facilitate a deeper engagement with the texts studied in the Old Testament Survey.
4. Research and Writing Skills:
   • Proficiency in research and writing skills, as students will be required to complete assignments that involve exegetical papers, essays, and other written assessments.
5. Class Participation Skills:
   • Ability to actively engage in class discussions, share insights, and contribute meaningfully to discussions about the Old Testament texts and themes.
6. Basic Knowledge of Ancient Near Eastern History (Recommended):
   • While not mandatory, a basic understanding of the history and culture of the Ancient Near East can enhance the student’s appreciation for the historical context of the Old Testament.
7. Introduction to Christian History (Recommended):
   • Background in Christian history to understand the historical development of the Old Testament canon and its significance within the broader Christian tradition.
8. Basic Hebrew Language (Optional):
   • While not mandatory, a basic understanding of the Hebrew language can enhance the student’s ability to engage with the original language of certain Old Testament texts.

These prerequisites are designed to ensure that students entering the “Old Testament Survey” course have a solid foundation in biblical studies, theology, and related disciplines. This foundational knowledge will enable them to navigate the complex and rich content presented in the Old Testament Survey course effectively.