Survey of the Old Testament
Discover the literature, history, theology, and enduring significance of the Old Testament through a rigorous introduction designed for serious independent learners.
Course Overview
Read the Old Testament Well
Survey of the Old Testament introduces learners to the major books, themes, historical settings, and theological claims of the Old Testament. The course explores the Old Testament not as a random collection of ancient writings, but as a richly varied body of literature that has shaped Jewish and Christian thought for centuries. Students will examine the broad movement of the Old Testament story, from creation and covenant to kingdom, exile, wisdom, worship, prophecy, and hope, while learning how each major section contributes to the whole.
Designed for serious independent learners, this course pays close attention to literary form, historical context, and theological meaning. Learners will encounter the Law, the Historical Books, Wisdom Literature, and the Prophets, considering how these writings emerged within the life of Israel and how they continue to inform Christian reading of Scripture. Attention is given to major figures, central events, covenant themes, and the enduring questions raised by the text concerning God, humanity, sin, justice, worship, holiness, and redemption.
What You Will Study
Literature, History, and Theology
Students will explore the literary diversity of the Old Testament, including narrative, law, poetry, wisdom sayings, prophecy, lament, and apocalyptic expectation. The course shows how genre shapes interpretation and why careful reading matters for understanding the message of each book.
Historical study also plays a central role. Learners will examine the world of ancient Israel, the significance of covenant, monarchy, temple worship, exile, and restoration, and the ways these historical realities shaped the writing and reception of the biblical texts. Rather than reducing the Old Testament to background material for the New Testament, the course treats it as a foundational witness to the character of God and the identity of the people of God.
Theologically, Survey of the Old Testament helps learners trace enduring themes such as creation, blessing, judgment, holiness, sacrifice, kingship, wisdom, justice, mercy, and promise. By the end of the course, students will be better equipped to read the Old Testament with greater confidence, recognize its internal unity and diversity, and understand its continuing significance for biblical studies, Christian theology, and faithful interpretation today.
Continue Your Study
Strengthen your understanding of Scripture with rigorous, master’s-level study designed for independent learners.