Old Testament Survey

Course Title: Old Testament Survey

Course Description:

The Old Testament Survey course offers an overview of the Old Testament, examining its content, historical background, key themes, and theological significance. The course covers the major sections of the Old Testament: the Law (Pentateuch), Historical Books, Wisdom Literature, and Prophetic Books. Students will explore the narrative of God’s relationship with Israel, the covenantal promises, and the foundational teachings that set the stage for the New Testament. The course aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of the Old Testament as a crucial part of the Christian faith and its relevance for contemporary believers.

• Duration: 12 weeks
• Format: Weekly lectures, readings, discussions, quizzes, essays, and a final exam or project
• Credits: 3 Credits
• Assessment Methods: Quizzes, essays, participation in discussions, and a final project or exam

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will:

1. Understand the Structure and Content of the Old Testament:
   • Identify and explain the major sections of the Old Testament: the Law, Historical Books, Wisdom Literature, and Prophetic Books.
   • Summarize the key events, figures, and narratives within each section.
2. Explore the Historical and Cultural Context of the Old Testament:
   • Gain insight into the historical background of the Old Testament, including the cultural and political contexts of ancient Israel.
   • Understand the significance of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
3. Identify Major Themes and Theological Concepts:
   • Recognize key themes such as covenant, law, prophecy, wisdom, and worship.
   • Analyze the theological significance of these themes and how they relate to the New Testament.
4. Develop Skills for Interpreting and Applying Old Testament Texts:
   • Learn basic principles of biblical interpretation (hermeneutics) as they apply to the Old Testament.
   • Apply Old Testament teachings to contemporary Christian life and practice.
5. Engage with the Relevance of the Old Testament for Today:
   • Reflect on the relevance of the Old Testament for modern faith and ethics.
   • Articulate the continuing significance of the Old Testament in the overall narrative of the Bible.

Course Outline:

Week 1: Introduction to the Old Testament

• Topics:
  • Overview of the Old Testament: Definition, Purpose, and Structure
  • The Old Testament as Sacred Scripture: Inspiration and Authority
  • Key Themes: Covenant, Law, Prophecy, Wisdom
• Assignments: Introductory reading on the Old Testament; reflection paper on the importance of the Old Testament in the Christian faith

Week 2: The Pentateuch: Genesis

• Topics:
  • Overview of Genesis: Creation, Fall, Flood, Patriarchs
  • Key Themes: Creation, Sin, Covenant, Promises to the Patriarchs
  • Theological Significance: God as Creator and Sustainer
• Assignments: Reading on Genesis 1-12; discussion on the significance of the Abrahamic covenant

Week 3: The Pentateuch: Exodus, Leviticus

• Topics:
  • Overview of Exodus: Deliverance from Egypt, the Law, the Tabernacle
  • Key Themes: Redemption, Covenant at Sinai, Law and Worship
  • Overview of Leviticus: Holiness, Sacrifices, Priestly Duties
• Assignments: Essay on the significance of the Ten Commandments; quiz on the key laws in Leviticus

Week 4: The Pentateuch: Numbers, Deuteronomy

• Topics:
  • Overview of Numbers: Wilderness Wanderings, Rebellion, and Faithfulness
  • Key Themes: Faith, Obedience, Consequences of Disobedience
  • Overview of Deuteronomy: Covenant Renewal, Moses’ Speeches, Preparation for the Promised Land
• Assignments: Reflection on the significance of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9); discussion on the challenges of faithfulness in Numbers

Week 5: The Historical Books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth

• Topics:
  • Overview of Joshua: Conquest of Canaan, Division of the Land
  • Overview of Judges: Cycles of Sin, Oppression, and Deliverance
  • Overview of Ruth: Loyalty, Redemption, and God’s Providence
• Assignments: Group presentation on the leadership qualities of Joshua; essay on the role of women in the book of Ruth

Week 6: The Historical Books: 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings

• Topics:
  • Overview of 1 & 2 Samuel: Rise of the Monarchy, Saul, David
  • Overview of 1 & 2 Kings: Solomon, Division of the Kingdom, Prophets and Kings
  • Key Themes: Leadership, Faithfulness, God’s Sovereignty
• Assignments: Quiz on the major kings of Israel and Judah; reflection on David’s relationship with God

Week 7: The Historical Books: 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther

• Topics:
  • Overview of Chronicles: Retelling Israel’s History with a Focus on the Temple
  • Overview of Ezra and Nehemiah: Return from Exile, Rebuilding Jerusalem
  • Overview of Esther: God’s Protection of His People
• Assignments: Discussion on the role of the temple in Chronicles; essay on leadership and perseverance in Nehemiah

Week 8: Wisdom Literature: Job, Psalms

• Topics:
  • Overview of Job: Suffering, God’s Sovereignty, and Human Limitation
  • Overview of Psalms: Worship, Lament, Praise, Messianic Hope
  • Key Themes: Wisdom, Faith, and the Human Experience
• Assignments: Reflection on the message of perseverance in Job; group discussion on the relevance of the Psalms in worship today

Week 9: Wisdom Literature: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon

• Topics:
  • Overview of Proverbs: Wisdom for Everyday Life, Fear of the Lord
  • Overview of Ecclesiastes: The Search for Meaning, Vanity of Life Without God
  • Overview of Song of Solomon: Love, Relationship, Allegorical Interpretations
• Assignments: Quiz on key proverbs and their applications; essay on the theme of purpose in Ecclesiastes

Week 10: The Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel

• Topics:
  • Overview of Isaiah: Prophecies of Judgment and Hope, The Suffering Servant
  • Overview of Jeremiah and Lamentations: Calls to Repentance, Destruction of Jerusalem
  • Overview of Ezekiel and Daniel: Visions of Restoration and God’s Sovereignty
• Assignments: Reflection on the messianic prophecies in Isaiah; group presentation on the relevance of Daniel’s visions today

Week 11: The Minor Prophets: Hosea to Malachi

• Topics:
  • Overview of the Minor Prophets: Calls to Repentance, Social Justice, and Hope for Restoration
  • Key Messages of Selected Prophets (e.g., Hosea’s Message of Faithfulness, Amos’ Call for Justice, Malachi’s Call to Covenant Faithfulness)
• Assignments: Discussion on the role of the prophets in society; essay on the theme of God’s faithfulness in the Minor Prophets

Week 12: Theological Themes and Relevance of the Old Testament

• Topics:
  • Major Theological Themes: Covenant, Law, Prophecy, Wisdom, Worship
  • The Relevance of the Old Testament for Contemporary Faith and Practice
  • The Continuity Between the Old and New Testaments
• Assignments: Final project on a selected Old Testament theme; course review and feedback

Benefits of the Course:

1. Deepen Understanding of the Old Testament: Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Old Testament’s structure, content, and key themes, enhancing their knowledge of the Bible as a whole.
2. Develop Skills for Biblical Interpretation: The course provides foundational skills for interpreting Old Testament texts, equipping students to engage with Scripture thoughtfully and accurately.
3. Explore the Historical and Cultural Context: Understanding the historical background of the Old Testament will help students appreciate the context of biblical events and teachings.
4. Connect Old Testament Teachings to Modern Life: Students will learn how the teachings and themes of the Old Testament continue to be relevant for contemporary faith, providing wisdom and guidance for today’s challenges.
5. Prepare for Further Biblical Studies: This course serves as a foundation for further study in biblical theology, exegesis, and the New Testament, building a solid base for academic or personal growth in understanding Scripture.

This course outline provides a detailed and structured approach to studying the Old Testament, designed to engage students with its rich content and lasting significance.