An overview of the historical, literary, and cultural context of the Old Testament with special emphasis on the Pentateuch.

The following learning objectives will be achieved by this course:

1. Appreciate the significance of God's revelation in the Bible and the importance of the inspiration of the Scriptures.
2. Recognize the literary divisions of the Old Testament, and the major historical periods and geographical features reflected in the writings of the Old Testament.
3. Understand the overall structure, major themes, and messages reflected in the Pentateuch.
4. Appreciate the history of the study of the Pentateuch, including the development of the Documentary Hypothesis.
5. Identify the major events which make up the history of Israel as reflected in the Old Testament.
6. Explain the conquest of Canaan and the period of the early monarchy in ancient Israel as reflected in the Old Testament.
7. Know the general forms and use of the Psalms in relation to worship.
8. Understand the character and function of Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament.
9. Recognize the main messages of the Hebrew Prophets in relation to the historical circumstances which they address.

There are no prerequisites for this course.