Historical Books of the Old Testament
Many of the OT books are dedicated to the history of Israel fron the time of conquest through to exile. This subject will examine the books of Joshua, Juges, 1& 2 Samuel, 1& 2 Kings, Ezra & Nehemiah - a vast array of books and times! But it will specifically investigate what are the major events and people in OT history, plus discuss how do we read OT history today?
Quick Info
- Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
- Course code: BIB523
- Credit points: 10
- Subject coordinator: Emma Austin
Prerequisites
The following courses are prerequisites:
- BIB401—Introduction to the Bible OR BIB402 Introduction to Israel's Scriptures (Old Testament) OR BIB403 Introduction to the New Testament OR BIB404 Old Testament Foundations OR BIB405 New Testament Foundations
Awards offering Historical Books of the Old Testament
This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:
- Graduate Certificate in Arts
- Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies
- Graduate Diploma in Arts
- Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies
- Master of Arts
- Master of Divinity
- Master of Leadership
- Master of Theological Studies
- Master of Theology
Unit Content
Outcomes
- Critically analyse the message, content, and composition of the OT Historical Books (specifically, Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, Ezra & Nehemiah);
- Explain and evaluate key concepts in biblical historiography;
- Assess and explain the literary aspects of biblical narrative;
- Critically analyse the construction of characters in the OT Historical Books;
- Explain and exegete both the primary biblical materials and secondary literature of the OT Historical Books from a range of perspectives. Include application to the contemporary church and world.
Subject Content
- Introduction to the OT Historical Books
- Reading Hebrew narrative & character analysis
- Historiography: issues in reading Old Testament history
- Cultural Background to Old Testament historical narratives, including the post-exilic context of Ezra-Nehemiah
- Major themes of the OT Historical Books
- Kings and prophets in the OT Historical Books
- Selected analysis and exegesis
- Contemporary relevance of the OT Historical Books for Christian spirituality today
This course may be offered in the following formats
- Face to Face (onsite)
- Distance/E-learning (online)
- Intensive (One week: 7 hours per day for 5 days = 35 class hours + approx 85 hours out of class time for research, writing, exam preparation and execution, ancillary activities associated with completion of assigned tasks)
Assessment Methods
- Reading Responses (20%)
- Contemporary Presentation (30%)
- Major Exegesis (50%)
Prescribed Text
- Primary readings provided