Old Testament Survey

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Old Testament, guiding students through its major divisions, historical context, literary styles, and theological themes. Learners will explore the unfolding narrative of God’s covenant relationship with Israel and its significance for understanding the entire biblical story.

Course Description

Students will journey through the thirty-nine books of the Old Testament, examining their historical settings, authorship, structure, and enduring messages. Emphasis is placed on understanding the Old Testament as a unified narrative that points toward God’s redemptive plan fulfilled in Christ.

Learning Objectives

• Identify the major divisions of the Old Testament: Law, History, Wisdom, and Prophets
• Understand the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel
• Trace the covenant relationship between God and His people throughout the biblical narrative
• Analyze key literary genres including narrative, poetry, and prophecy
• Recognize major theological themes such as creation, sin, redemption, and covenant
• Connect Old Testament prophecies and types to their New Testament fulfillment

Module 1: The Pentateuch (Genesis–Deuteronomy)

An introduction to creation, the fall, the flood, and God’s covenant with Abraham. This module covers the exodus from Egypt, the giving of the Law at Sinai, and Israel’s wilderness journey toward the Promised Land.

Module 2: Historical Books (Joshua–Esther)

Explore the conquest of Canaan, the period of the Judges, the rise of the monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon, the kingdom’s division, and the eventual exile and return of God’s people.

Module 3: Wisdom and Poetic Literature (Job–Song of Solomon)

A study of Hebrew poetry and wisdom literature, including the problem of suffering in Job, worship through the Psalms, practical wisdom in Proverbs, life’s meaning in Ecclesiastes, and covenant love in the Song of Solomon.

Module 4: Major Prophets (Isaiah–Daniel)

Examine the messages of judgment, hope, and restoration delivered by Israel’s major prophets. Special attention is given to messianic prophecies and apocalyptic literature found in Daniel.

Module 5: Minor Prophets (Hosea–Malachi)

A survey of the twelve minor prophets, addressing themes of covenant unfaithfulness, social justice, divine judgment, and future restoration for Israel and the nations.

Module 6: Theological Themes and New Testament Connections

Synthesize key Old Testament themes—covenant, kingdom, sacrifice, and promise—and explore how these themes find fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Course Activities

• Weekly reading assignments covering assigned Old Testament books
• Interactive timeline mapping major historical events
• Discussion forums exploring theological themes and applications
• Book summary quizzes to reinforce content retention
• Final research paper connecting an Old Testament theme to New Testament fulfillment

Recommended Resources

• A study Bible (ESV, NIV, or NASB recommended)
• Old Testament survey textbook (provided in course materials)
• Historical maps of the Ancient Near East
• Supplementary video lectures for each module

Assessment

Students will be evaluated through module quizzes, participation in discussion forums, a midterm exam covering Modules 1–3, and a final exam covering Modules 4–6. A capstone paper will assess students’ ability to synthesize course themes.

By the end of this course