Goal
The goal of this course is for students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Old Testament. Students will develop the necessary skills to read, interpret, and understand the Bible in its historical, cultural, and literary contexts.
Aims
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Describe the historical and cultural context of the Old Testament.
- Analyze major themes and events in the Old Testament.
- Interpret the literary style and structure of the Old Testament.
- Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate the relevance of the Old Testament to contemporary issues.
Lesson 1: Introduction to the Old Testament
- Overview of the Old Testament canon
- Historical and cultural context of the Old Testament
Lesson 2: Creation and Fall
- Genesis 1-3
- Understanding the literary genre of Genesis 1-3
Lesson 3: The Patriarchs
- Genesis 12-50
- Themes of covenant and promise
Lesson 4: The Exodus
- Exodus 1-15
- Themes of liberation and covenant
Lesson 5: The Law
- Exodus 19-24; Leviticus
- Understanding the purpose and structure of the Law
Lesson 6: The Conquest and Judges
- Joshua; Judges 1-21
- Themes of conquest and leadership
Lesson 7: The United Monarchy
- 1 Samuel; 2 Samuel; 1 Kings 1-11
- Themes of kingship and covenant
Lesson 8: The Divided Monarchy
- 1 Kings 12-22; 2 Kings 1-17; 2 Chronicles 10-28
- Themes of idolatry and prophecy
Lesson 9: The Exile
- 2 Kings 18-25; Jeremiah 1-24
- Themes of judgment and hope
Lesson 10: The Return
- Ezra 1-10; Nehemiah 1-13
- Themes of restoration and community
Lesson 11: The Wisdom Literature
- Job; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes
- Understanding the literary genre of wisdom literature
Lesson 12: The Prophets
- Isaiah; Jeremiah 25-52; Ezekiel; Daniel
- Themes of prophecy and eschatology
Conclusion
The course will conclude with a review of the major themes and events in the Old Testament. Students will be encouraged to reflect on how their understanding of the Old Testament can inform their perspectives and actions in contemporary contexts.