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Old Testament Overview

This outline provides a survey of the Old Testament, covering its major books, themes, and theological concepts while addressing historical context, literary features, and their significance for contemporary faith. While reviewing these elements, self-reflection is applied to personally connect to the biblical narraratives for your discovery of a purpose-driven life.


Module 1: Introduction to the Old Testament


Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the historical and cultural context of the Old Testament

  2. Identify the major divisions of the Old Testament (Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim)

  3. Recognize the overarching narrative of the Old Testament

  4. Gain an overview of the formation and canonization of the Old Testament


Module 2: The Pentateuch (Genesis to Deuteronomy)


Learning Objectives:

  1. Explore the key themes and narratives of Genesis, including creation, fall, and covenant

  2. Understand the significance of the Exodus event in Israel's history

  3. Analyze the giving of the Law at Sinai and its implications for Israel

  4. Identify the structure and purpose of Deuteronomy as a covenant renewal document


Module 3: Historical Books I (Joshua to 2 Samuel)


Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the conquest and settlement of Canaan as depicted in Joshua

  2. Analyze the cyclical pattern of sin, judgment, and deliverance in Judges

  3. Explore the establishment of the monarchy in 1 Samuel

  4. Study the reign of King David and its theological significance in 2 Samuel


Module 4: Historical Books II (1 Kings to Nehemiah)


Learning Objectives:

  1. Trace the division of the kingdom and the history of Israel and Judah in 1 and 2 Kings

  2. Understand the role of the prophets in the historical books

  3. Explore the themes of exile and return in Ezra and Nehemiah

  4. Analyze the restoration of the Jewish community in the post-exilic period


Module 5: Wisdom Literature (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes)


Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the nature and purpose of biblical wisdom literature

  2. Explore the themes of suffering and divine justice in Job

  3. Analyze the practical wisdom and ethical teachings in Proverbs

  4. Reflect on the philosophical and existential questions raised in Ecclesiastes


Module 6: Psalms


Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the structure and types of Psalms (lament, praise, thanksgiving, etc.)

  2. Explore the theological themes and motifs in the Psalms

  3. Analyze the role of the Psalms in Israelite worship and prayer

  4. Reflect on the use of Psalms in contemporary Christian worship


Module 7: Major Prophets I (Isaiah)


Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the historical context of Isaiah's ministry

  2. Explore the themes of judgment and salvation in Isaiah

  3. Analyze the messianic prophecies and their fulfillment in the New Testament

  4. Reflect on the theological significance of the "Servant Songs" in Isaiah


Module 8: Major Prophets II (Jeremiah and Lamentations)


Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the historical context of Jeremiah's ministry

  2. Explore the themes of covenant, judgment, and restoration in Jeremiah

  3. Analyze the structure and themes of Lamentations

  4. Reflect on the theological implications of the fall of Jerusalem


Module 9: Major Prophets III (Ezekiel)


Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the historical context of Ezekiel's ministry

  2. Explore the themes of judgment, restoration, and the new covenant in Ezekiel

  3. Analyze the symbolic actions and visions in Ezekiel

  4. Reflect on the theological significance of the vision of the dry bones


Module 10: Minor Prophets I (Hosea to Micah)


Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the historical context and key themes of Hosea

  2. Explore the themes of social justice and divine judgment in Amos

  3. Analyze the message of hope and restoration in Micah

  4. Reflect on the relevance of the Minor Prophets for contemporary faith and practice


Module 11: Minor Prophets II (Nahum to Malachi)


Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the historical context and key themes of Nahum and Habakkuk

  2. Explore the themes of divine justice and mercy in Zephaniah and Zechariah

  3. Analyze the message of covenant faithfulness in Malachi

  4. Reflect on the eschatological themes in the Minor Prophets


Module 12: Theological Themes in the Old Testament


Learning Objectives:

  1. Synthesize major theological themes across the Old Testament (covenant, law, prophecy, etc.)

  2. Understand the continuity and discontinuity between the Old and New Testaments

  3. Explore the role of the Old Testament in Christian theology and practice

  4. Reflect on the relevance of Old Testament teachings for contemporary faith

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