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Old Testament Studies
Old Testament Studies
- Old Testament Studies
OT101 Introducing the Old Testament: Its Structure and Story
OT102 Introducing the Old Testament: Its Poetry and Prophecy
OT291 The Jewish Trinity: How the Old Testament Reveals the Christian Godhead
OT355 Book Study: Isaiah: God’s Salvation for Israel and the Ends of the Earth
OT366 Book Study: Daniel and Its Literary and Historical Contexts
What is the message of the Old Testament and the story of Israel? This course provides the answer by tracing the epic history of God’s activity with humanity through the OT people of God—Israel. Dr. Mark Futato takes students through the major themes of the OT books that narrate Israel’s history from the call of the patriarch Abraham through the return from exile. He shows how each book contributes to the OT’s presentation of God’s goal of establishing a people and kingdom on earth.
The result of over a decade of study and teaching, this course from Dr. Mark Futato gives the big picture of the Old Testament, then dives into the details.
This course provides a practical foundation for reading the poetry and prophecy of the Old Testament. Dr. David Baker begins by discussing poetic writing in general, then the elements specific to both Hebrew and English poetry. Applying these elements to the text, he examines the content, structure, and themes of the Psalms, Proverbs, Lamentations, Job, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs. Dr. Baker then turns to the prophetic books, providing historical background, theological motifs, and the structure and content of specific books. He shows that these ancient messages remain relevant in modern life.
Dr. John Walton guides students through the types of literature in the Old Testament. Beginning with narrative and continuing through prophecy, apocalyptic literature, wisdom literature, and the Psalms, this course explains how to best read and understand the Old Testament. Students should walk away with a strong interpretive framework through which they can grapple with the Old Testament. The course guides students into asking broader questions about the overall purpose of the Old Testament and God’s revelations throughout it.
In Introducing the Pentateuch Dr. David Baker provides a broad overview of the background, structure, content, themes, and literary styles of the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. He traces the continuous story line from creation to Israel’s arrival in the promised land with a bird’s-eye view, while exploring key stories, topics, and theological messages in greater detail along the way. Throughout the course, Dr. Baker draws out and discusses the implications of this portion of the Old Testament for the Christian’s life and ministry.
Join David W. Baker on a whirlwind tour, looking at the Old Testament from many different angles and at how it relates to ancient Near Eastern literature. From creation accounts and stories of destruction to Wisdom literature, discover different biblical literary genres that have parallels in ancient Near Eastern literature. Explore extrabiblical historical texts that mention key events and figures from the Old Testament. Understand how Israel fits into and is impacted by its ancient Near Eastern environment, but also how it is separate and unique, mainly on a theological level, but also by its distinct worldview.
In an age of international travel and migration, we’re familiar with people who look, sound, eat, and believe differently than we do. In order to become friends, it’s helpful to understand where they come from and how they do things differently, or the same, as we do. In the same way it is necessary to understand someone who comes from a different place than we do, how much more necessary is it to understand someone who is from not only a different geographical place, but also a different time than we are? The Old Testament starts at the beginning of the world. This course will undertake the task of crossing the bridges of geography, climate, time, and a landscape unknown to us: ancient Israel. Throughout the course, David W. Baker will address aspects of life from our own culture and time, as well as family structure and societal systems from ancient Israelite life. As we learn more about the social world of the Old Testament, we will be struck not only by our differences, but also by our common humanity, sharing the same dreams, hopes, and fears as they did.
Journey through the cycles and psychology of sin in the book of Judges, and recognize God as the deliverer of sinful people—as you explore the themes of rebellion, Canaanization, and syncretism, you will discover the heroic role God plays in this narrative. Dr. Way applies literary and theological analysis to the text to ultimately derive the core message from the book. Through this study you will also gain insight into the crucial task that Scripture has of filling hearts and minds with the words of God so that we can be transformed today and break the cycles of sin in our own culture.
Introductory Issues in Psalms (OT221) presents an overview of important interpretive elements of the book of Psalms, challenging traditional views in the process. It considers the book of Psalms as a whole, surveys and illustrates the various categories of particular psalms, and suggests christological implications of the book. The course provides a robust understanding of how the psalms are organized and how they lead to successful living.
The prophets of the Old Testament conveyed the words of God to ancient Israel, promised the advent of Jesus the Messiah, and are still relevant to our modern setting. Paul Ferris educates viewers on the office of prophet, provides detailed character studies of prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah, and outlines his methodology for teaching powerful lessons drawn from their lives and teaching. This course allows modern students and teachers of the Bible to identify themes in the ministries of Old Testament prophets and to relate them to their church, their classroom, and in a devotional sense.
Continuing where his previous course left off, Dr. David Baker starts his discussion of the background, themes, and structures of the Minor Prophets with Amos. By highlighting specific poetic devices, he illuminates the prophet’s message and its relevance for today. Dr. Baker also surveys the books of Obadiah, Joel, and Malachi—always emphasizing how you can apply the prophetic wisdom of God’s Word to modern life. Through the prophets God teaches us to build community, maintain covenant relationships, handle hardships, and more.
In this course, ancient-language expert Dr. Michael Heiser gives a thorough background of the Hebrew Bible’s writing, composition, canonicity, and transmission through the ages. This course also surveys text criticism—what are Hebrew scholars today doing with these ancient manuscripts? How does their work affect English translations of the Bible? By understanding criticism, your personal Bible study will be richer, even with little knowledge of the Hebrew language.
In Introducing Torah Dr. Rebekah Josberger provides important insights into the first five books of the Old Testament. The course begins with a look at the historical context of the Torah and why it inspired love in the hearts of the psalmists. Designed to teach students how to read and appreciate this section of Scripture, the course will walk you through multiple passages of the Torah, with emphasis on the Sabbath, the Ten Commandments, and two difficult marriage/divorce laws in Deuteronomy. You will come away with a better understanding and appreciation of this important portion of the Bible.
In this revealing course, Dr. Michael Heiser illuminates the Old Testament basis for the Christian Godhead. Dr. Heiser, academic editor at Logos Bible Software, reveals how God was cast as more than one person in the Old Testament, and how New Testament writers applied those descriptions to Jesus. Dive into Old Testament theology and powerful descriptions of God, and discover foundational truths for apologetics and Jewish evangelism. Dr. Heiser holds a PhD in Hebrew Bible and Semitic languages, making him an excellent Old Testament guide.
Survey the themes and purpose of the Old Testament with renowned Old Testament scholar Bruce Waltke. You’ll get a clearer understanding of how the different books of the Old Testament fit together to tell the grand story of God’s plan of salvation. The course covers creation, the fall, God’s covenants with His people, and God’s great acts of redemption and deliverance in the Old Testament. Dr. Waltke explores how the different genres of literature in the Old Testament explain and expand on the story of the Old Testament and how this story is relevant to you. As he says in the course:
“Through biblical theology I hope you will know God personally—not only learn about Him, but you will come to know Him personally. And also through this course, you will know who you are and where you fit into the scheme of things—that you are a part of a great story of salvation history. You are part of the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth.”
Take an in-depth look at the first three chapters of Genesis with Old Testament expert Dr. John H. Walton. In this follow-up course to OT201, Dr. Walton focuses closely on the ancient Near Eastern context of the text, helping you see how the claims of Genesis 1–3 would have been understood by the book’s original audience. He also examines the function of the creation story and contentious issues between science and the biblical text.
With a passion for getting people excited about the Old Testament, Dr. John Walton provides an in-depth study of the first book of the Bible. OT302 begins with an introduction to the composition of Genesis, oral and literary traditions in the ancient world, and how this text reached its canonical form.
Dr. Walton provides an overarching study of the entire book of Genesis, taking time for an introduction to biblical studies methods; an analysis of Genesis’ theological themes; examples of how to exegete important passages; and a discussion of several key themes and personalities: Sabbath, gender, and Satan. This course concludes by showing how Genesis introduces the long story of God’s redemptive work for humanity, which culminates in the Christ event of the New Testament.
David W. Baker brings his interest in pedagogy and the Pentateuch to this Mobile Ed course on the theology of Genesis. In OT303 you will be introduced to the meaning and work of biblical theology, how it differs from systematic theology, and how to approach Scripture in a way that affects the reader for God’s glory. In addition, you will participate in a broad study on key theological themes found in the first book of the Bible, including an in-depth look at the picture Genesis paints of God; what it means for humanity to be created in God’s image; the impact of the fall and sin on both humanity and the rest of creation; and God’s plan of restoration and redemption—all informed directly by Scripture. This practical approach to biblical theology will show you how the book of Genesis shapes discipleship today.
In Human Discovery in Genesis 2–3 Dr. Dru Johnson unpacks the stories of Genesis 2 and 3 as interpretive keys for understanding all of Scripture. His analysis of these passages draws on literary aspects of the Hebrew text that he explains in simple, non-technical language to open the meaning of the biblical stories to modern readers. From Johnson’s literary analysis emerges a key paradigm for how to understand the Bible: Whose voice you listen to determines the kinds of actions you’re going to embody, which determine the kinds of things you can know and the kind of people you will become; therefore, it is imperative for the salvation and preservation of humanity to hear and heed the voice of God.
Explore the themes of salvation, law, and God’s presence in the book of Exodus with award-winning Old Testament scholar Dr. Tremper Longman. This course takes you step by step through Israel’s salvation from Egyptian bondage, their receiving of God’s law, and His command to build the tabernacle. Dr. Longman then connects these events to the New Testament. Learn how Jesus is the fulfillment of the exodus and how specific events mirror Jesus’ life and ministry.
Get answers to questions such as, who wrote the Torah? How do we read the law from a Christian perspective? Why is there so much violence in the Old Testament? You’ll learn why this ancient text is so important, and just how culturally relevant it is today.
In this course, Book Study: Leviticus (OT308), Dr. Jay Sklar walks you through the challenging details of the book of Leviticus. In this section of Scripture that often feels detached and foreign to the Christian life, Dr. Sklar will act as a helpful guide as you tackle this book. Focusing on the offerings, the laws, and the more perplexing areas of Leviticus, this study helps you understand the implications of the text for Israel and for Christians today.
In Book Study: Numbers Dr. Dale Brueggemann examines the history of Israel’s wilderness wanderings from Egypt to the Promised Land, as recounted in the book of Numbers. He covers iconic events such as the spies’ report of Canaan, Moses’ striking the rock, Balaam’s blessing Israel, and the bronze serpent in detail and also reflects on the major theological themes behind such events—themes such as rebellion and sin, intercession, divine mercy, covenant promises, and purification/expiation. You will come away from the course with a better understanding of, not only the content book of the book, but also its lasting message for New Covenant believers today.
The book of Deuteronomy is one of the most significant books in the Bible. Its content helped shape the theology of both the Old and New Testaments. In Book Study: Deuteronomy distinguished Old Testament scholar Dr. Daniel Block provides an in-depth look at look at this important book. Dr. Block walks through the text of what he calls “the Gospel according to Moses.” You’ll gain a better understanding of Deuteronomy and a fresh appreciation of how the book reveals the brilliance of God’s grace.
Explore the book of Joshua with Dr. L. Daniel Hawk. As Dr. Hawk surveys the book, he highlights the artistry of the narrative in the telling of the story of Israel’s conquest of Canaan. You’ll explore the characters and themes of the book and gain an appreciation for biblical narrative in general. As you study the history described in Joshua, you will discover how it speaks the truth about God and what we can learn from it about who we are as God’s people and how we are to live in the world today.
View background information and a clear exposition of Judges demonstrating its relevance to a modern setting. Pastors and teachers will benefit from lessons on the consequence of apostasy, deliverance, and the character of each Judge. Professors and students will appreciate a scholarly focus on the literary context in which Israel’s spiritual and moral disintegration took place. God rescuing Israel through the Judges is presented in an intellectually enriching and a highly accessible format that will transform your study and deepen understanding.
Set in the dark days of the judges, the book of Ruth tells the story of a family in crisis that experienced and extended the grace and kindness of God. Dr. Daniel I. Block brings to life the cast of characters in this narrative as he moves through each chapter, artfully bringing together exegesis and application. Through this course you will explore key themes of living out godliness and righteousness, covenant commitment, and what it means to respond to the greatest commandments through loving and blessing God and your neighbors. You will discover that this book is not only about God saving one particular family but also about his salvation of all of humanity through the provision of the Messiah.
Explore the book of Samuel with Dr. David Lamb. Learn more about the book’s complex narrative and its role in the canon. Dig into the poetry within Samuel, as well as key themes, including wisdom, folly, obedience, the consequences of sin, and leadership.
Learn how various literary, historical, and theological issues shape 1 & 2 Kings with Dr. David Lamb. Uncover the key themes of spiritual truth, obedience, idolatry, God’s promises, and prayer.
Tremper Longman opens up the book of Proverbs with this comprehensive study. Longman gives a big picture view of Proverbs, discussing critical ANE background texts, the nature of wisdom, the identification of Woman Wisdom, how to read proverbs Christologically, and the different types of proverbs and teaching found in the book. He includes a helpful comparison with two other Old Testament Wisdom books, Job and Ecclesiastes.
This course explores the main themes presented in the book of the prophet Isaiah. Israel’s unfaithfulness to her faithful God in the areas of worship, idolatry, and covenant obedience is central in Isaiah, and this theme is explored reflectively for self-examination of our own obedience in these areas. Another key theme is the supremacy of God not only over Israel, but also over every other nation of the world and any other presumed god; Israel’s God, Yahweh, is presented by Isaiah as being greater than anything else anyone can conceive of. The course also explores God’s redemptive program and his ability to carry it out in light of his supremacy and undoubtable power. This redemptive program includes God’s description of the character of, and future hope for, his people.
Join Old Testament scholar Daniel Block as he helps recover the message of an enigmatic prophet. Book Study: Ezekiel (OT362) begins with an introduction to the book and its author. Dr. Block then explores the text according to its genres including the different roles—the visionary, watchman, dramatist, debater, spinner of parables and fanciful tales, prosecutor, and herald of both bad and good news—Ezekiel plays. Dr. Block examines well-known passages like the valley of the dry bones or the Gog and Magog oracle, as well as the confusing imagery found in the book. He concludes the course by looking at the outpouring of the Spirit in the Old and New Testaments focusing on what the outpouring of the Spirit signifies and differentiating between the meaning of the spirit being put into a people and being poured out on them.
OT366 Book Study: Daniel and Its Literary and Historical Contexts introduces you to the content and structure of the book of Daniel, as well as its literary and historical contexts. Dr. Wendy Widder navigates the many interpretive issues and complexities of critical scholarship in Daniel and presents them in a fair, concise, and accessible way, providing much clarity to what can often be a mystifying book. You’ll learn how the original audience would have understood the book in light of the historical events of the time period in which it was written and see how its theological message—originally intended for the Israelites—is extended to believers today, providing hope amid the brokenness of life and highlighting God’s sovereign rule over His eternal and indestructible kingdom.
Explore the depths of the Shema (Deut 6:4–9) and learn why this text is sacred not only to Jews but to Christians as well. Discover why Jesus quoted the Shema when asked what the greatest commandment is. Gain insight into the covenantal, volitional, and emotional aspects of love and what it means to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.” Dr. Mark Futato guides you through the text, shedding light on the Hebrew language and its various interpretations. He then identifies the Shema’s relevance today and how these commands can point us toward Jesus each and every day.
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