30
Lessons
30
Videos
5
QUIZ
6 Weeks
Duration
English
Language
Overview
This course focuses on exploring the theological message of the Old Testament from a biblical theology perspective highlighting the diversity of related and necessary themes that formulate the ultimate divine revelation of God’s redemptive plan. It addresses the various key elements and issues such as canonical analysis, intertextual connections, and historical context in interpreting the biblical text of the Old Testament.
Course Objectives
Knowledge: In this course, the students will learn to diachronically trace major theological themes in the Old Testament through their development in the corpus. The course also helps the participants identify the dynamic interrelationship of ideas that connect various blocks of scriptural texts, their continuities and discontinuities, various aspects of progressive revelation, and their part in the unitary witness to the ultimate theological truth.
Skills: Upon completing this course, the student will demonstrate a clear understanding of the terminologies, methods, and issues in the biblical theology of each book of the Old Testament. This course will enable the students to develop research skills that effectively utilize the historical, grammatical, and canonical aspects of biblical texts.
Attitude: The student is challenged to read and teach the Old Testament as the revelation of God in His redemptive plan for humanity. The course will encourage the students to appreciate the timeless spiritual message of divine intervention in the history of Israel.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Required Reading
House, Paul R. 2012. Old Testament Theology. InterVarsity Press.
Waltke, Bruce K. 2008. An Old Testament Theology: An Exegetical, Canonical, and Thematic Approach. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan.
Recommended Reading
Bellinger Jr., W. H. 2022. Introducing Old Testament Theology. Baker Books.
Brueggemann, Walter. 2012. Theology of the Old Testament: Testimony, Dispute, Advocacy. Fortress Press.
Sailhamer, John H. 2010. Introduction to Old Testament Theology. Zondervan.
Walton, John H. 2017. Old Testament Theology for Christians. InterVarsity Press.
Assignment Instructions
Discussion Post:. For this assignment, submit an original post of 300 to 500 words in the discussion forum explaining your rationale for choosing this passage (Due on or before Wednesday of Week 1-5). Then post a reply to a colleague’s post offering constructive criticism and helpful additional pointers (Reply must be at least 200 words and is due on or before the Sunday of the corresponding week).
Reading Assessment: Using no fewer than 300 words, summarize and interact with the reading material for the week
Research Paper: Write a research paper on one of the Minor Prophets. The paper must have a thesis statement proven with thorough documentation from established scholars. It must focus on biblical theology with special attention to historical context, intertextual relationships, and NT implications. It must be 2500–3000 words, excluding the cover page, table of contents, footnotes, and bibliography, and contain at least 12 sources (excluding the Bible and course textbooks). The bibliography should have a mix of monologues, single-book academic commentaries, and peer-reviewed journal articles. No more than 30% of the sources should be older than 30 years. Submit the paper on or before the last day of the course.
Evaluation
- Class Participation: 10%
- Reading Assessment: 20%
- Discussion Post: 30%
- Research Paper: 40%
