This department embraces all instruction in the Old Testament. Students learn the principles of hermeneutics, exegesis, and textual criticism in order to acquire the ability to make sound judgments concerning the translation and interpretation of the Scriptures. The student learns the proper understanding of the covenantal structure of the Scriptures and how that structure determines our interpretation of the Old Testament.
OT11 – Pentateuch (3 Credit Hours)
No Prerequisites
Instructor: Dr. L. Michael Morales
Description: An introduction and overview of the content of the first five books of the Old Testament (the Torah of the Hebrew Scriptures), with particular attention to the literary structure and theme of the Pentateuch as a whole, as well as of each book individually.
OT13 – Hebrew 1 (3 Credit Hours)
No Prerequisites
Instructor: Mr. Roland Mathews
Description: The first in an two-course cycle of inductive study of the basic grammar of biblical Hebrew. Emphasizes the acquisition of vocabulary and a facility in analyzing forms as essential tools for reading Hebrew. Some translation of extended passages is included.
OT14 – Hebrew II (3 Credit Hours)
Prerequisite: OT13
Instructor: Mr. Roland Mathews
Description: The second in an two-course cycle of inductive study of the basic grammar of biblical Hebrew. Emphasizes the acquisition of vocabulary and a facility in analyzing forms as essential tools for reading Hebrew. Some translation of extended passages is included.
OT16 – History & Poets (3)
No Prerequisites
Instructor: Dr. Jonathan L. Master
Description: An overview and study of those books of the Old Testament concerned with the history of the people of God from the conquest of the Land through the exile, and the inspired poetic texts associated with God’s people. This course will familiarize students with the content and argument of each of these books, as well as how their message culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the revelation of the New Testament.
OT21 – Hebrew Exegesis I (3 Credit Hours)
Prerequisite: OT14 | Open to Divinity Students Only
Instructor: Dr. L. Michael Morales
Description: A “discourse analysis” approach to Hebrew narrative, legal content, and ritual material using the book of Ruth and portions of the Pentateuch. Exegetical discussion and assignments focus on the ultimate goal of preaching the text.
OT22 – Hebrew Exegesis II (3 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: AT20, OT21 | Open to Divinity Students Only
Instructor: Mr. Roland Mathews
Description: The student will translate the entire text of Micah, read key commentaries on the book, and prepare a division of the book into preaching sections with a suggested proposition (and basic homiletical outline) for each section. In this way, the student learns to deal with the distinctive difficulties of both Hebrew poetry and Hebrew prophecy.
OT24 – Prophets (3 Credit Hours)
No Prerequisites
Instructor: Dr. L. Michael Morales
Description: An introduction and overview of the content of the prophetic books of the Old Testament (the Latter Prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures), with particular attention to their literary structure and major themes.
OT32 – Old Testament Biblical Theology (2 Credit Hours)
Prerequisite: OT22
Instructor: Dr. L. Michael Morales
Description: An examination of the historical progress of God’s revelation in the Old Testament int he context of the covenants of the Old Testament.
OT55 – Hebrew Summer Reading I (1 Credit Hour)
Prerequisite: OT14
Instructor: Dr. L. Michael Morales
Description: A guided reading through Hebrew texts suited to the student’s acquisition of Biblical Hebrew. This course is offered to serve students who wish either to reinforce or build upon their regular-term language studies.
OT56 – Hebrew Summer Reading II (1 Credit Hour)
Prerequisite: OT22
Instructor: Dr. L. Michael Morales
Description: A guided reading through Hebrew texts suited to the student’s acquisition of Biblical Hebrew. This course is offered to serve students who wish either to reinforce or build upon their regular-term language studies.
OT58 – Septuagint (2 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: NT22, OT14
Instructor: Dr. Sidney Dyer
Description: An introduction to the vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of the Septuagint. Special emphasis is upon the use of the Old Testament by the New Testament writers. Highly recommended for those pursuing ThM and ThD degrees.
