The Old Testament

This course leads students toward a deeper understanding of the Old Testament and the history of our salvation presented within it. The students begin by examining the nature of Scripture as inspired by Revelation and by developing the basic interpretive and exegetical skills necessary to navigate Scripture. The course then proceeds with a systematic study of the 46 books of the Old Testament, introducing students to the early leaders of Israel, the judges and kings, and the prophets.

Unit 1: What is the Bible?
This unit considers the origins of the Bible as the inspired Word of God. It explores the role of the Bible in the life of the Church and how we should approach the study of Scripture.

Unit 2: Creation and Fall
This unit begins the narrative of Scripture with the first and second stories of creation. It examines the nature of covenants and specifically the covenant with Adam. This unit sees humanity’s fall through Original Sin, followed by the widespread corruption of personal sin. Finally, this unit considers the covenant with Noah and his eventual fall.

Unit 3: The Patriarchs
This unit begins with the call of Abram to leave Ur and become the patriarch of God’s chosen people. It considers the forming of the covenant with Abraham and its renewal through his descendants. This unit ends with the sons of Israel taking up residence in Egypt at the end of the Book of Genesis.

Unit 4: The Exodus
This unit witnesses the Israelites’ slavery in Egypt and their release following the Ten Plagues. This unit considers the inauguration of the Passover meal and the covenant with Moses. Finally, it follows the Israelites throughout the desert and to the borders of the Promised Land.

Unit 5: Judges and Kings
This unit continues the story of Israel after the Crossing of the Jordan River. It follows the conquest of the Promised Land and the evolution from a system of judges to a kingdom. This unit watches the kingdom expand to an empire before breaking in two.

Unit 6: Exile and Return
This unit watches the devastating effects of idolatry as the Northern Kingdom is captured by the Assyrian Empire and, shortly thereafter, the Southern Kingdom is captured by Babylon. It examines the words of comfort and exhortation given by the prophets, and follows Judah as they return from exile. This unit ends with the revolt of Judas Maccabeus in the centuries immediately preceding Christ.