An introductory survey of Old Testament studies, emphasizing the use of the Old Testament in Christian ministry, with attention to Old Testament backgrounds, canon, textual transmission, and special introductory problems of selected Old Testament books. Prerequisite OTBL 731. A study of the book of Genesis. Emphasis is given to introductory matters, as well as the development of the message of the book and the key issues, especially the creation account in Genesis 1 and 2, the Genesis Flood, and the Abrahamic Covenant. Attention is also given to the theological content of the book.
Emphasis is placed upon an in-depth study of representative types of psalmic materials.
Attention is given to questions of historical setting and literary form as they relate to major religious ideas and teachings. An expositional study of selected portions of the book of Proverbs in its cultural and historical setting, with attention to its critical problems, theological content, literary features, and modern exposition. A verse by verse exposition of the Book of Ecclesiastes with a view to understanding its basic meaning and theological significance. The course gives attention to authorship, the nature of wisdom literature, and the different schools of thought regarding its interpretation. An intensive study of the book of Daniel.