The Pentateuch
OT420/620 (English) OT430/OT630 (Hebrew)
Learning Outcomes
- To familiarise candidates in some depth with a representative range of Old Testament texts;
- To enable candidates to engage in detailed study of particular aspects of Old Testament thought;
- To provide training in the skills of Old Testament exegesis, employing the various interpretative methods of biblical criticism;
- To help candidates think through the implications of their studies for Old Testament exposition in ministry
Content
- The theology of the Pentateuch with special reference to the Book of Deuteronomy, especially such themes as covenant, law, land, grace, holy war, people of God, blessing and cursing.
- EITHER: Exegesis of the English text of Exodus 1-4, 14-15, 19, 32-33; Deuteronomy 5–8, 12, 16–18,
OR: Translation and exegesis of the Hebrew text of Exodus 3, 14 & 15 and Deuteronomy 5–7.
Workload: One semester, 4 credit points, 36 contact hours
Status: Elective
Pre-requisites / Co-requisites / Exclusions: 16 credit points of core foundation units which include OT301/501 and OT302/502. OT430/630 requires the completion of LA003A and LA003B
When: Semester 1
Who: Lindsay Wilson, Andrew Abernethy
Assessment will be one essay and a final exam.
Reading:
You will need to have the IVP Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch, which will provide good general reading. Some articles from this will be the basis of seminar discussions. You will also need to have at least one suitable commentary on Exodus and at least one on Deuteronomy. On Exodus I recommend Douglas Stuart (NAC) and Peter Enns (NIVAC); on Deuteronomy, Gordon McConville (Apollos) and Chris Wright (NIBC). In each case, the first is more stretching and the second is more accessible.
