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Old Testament Survey

This Old Testament Survey course offers a deep exploration of the Old Testament's literary structure, divine covenants, and historical context.
Number of lessons: 41
Total length: 23 hours and 58 minutes
format: Video and Audio
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About This Class

This Old Testament Survey course offers a deep exploration of the Old Testament's literary structure, divine covenants, and historical context. Lessons cover the Pentateuch, emphasizing its narrative over legalistic interpretations, and extend through key biblical figures like Abraham and Moses. Topics such as the covenant at Sinai, the concept of imago Dei, and the tabernacle rituals highlight the continuity of God's grace and the ethical implications of divine laws. The course critically addresses common misconceptions, the role of the Torah as instruction, and the portrayal of God’s plan, underscoring the relevance and complexity of these ancient texts.

About the Professor

Daniel Block

Dr. Daniel Block is a scholar and theologian who has devoted his life to the study of the Hebrew Bible and sharing its message with others. He believes in studying the text of the Hebrew Bible to understand what it says, why it says it that way, what it meant to the original audience, and what it has to say to modern readers today. He has taught and preached in a variety of churches around the world, including in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. In addition to his scholarly pursuits, he also enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren and engaging in home improvement and gardening projects.
Daniel Block

Lessons

  • 1. Form and Message of the Old Testament
    Learning about the First Testament's language, geographical, and cultural contexts, and how these factors contribute to its frequent misinterpretation and underappreciation in modern times.
  • 2. Literary and Cosmic Foundations of the Old Testament
    Gain insights into the literary and cosmic foundations of grace and glory in the Torah, understanding its role as more than law.
  • 3. Image of God
    Learn that to be made in God's image entails embodying divine qualities and functioning as His representative on Earth, which extends a universal dignity upon all humans and shapes a theological ethic that influences how you treat others.
  • 4. Human Response to Divine Creation
    Genesis 1-3 frames human response to divine creation, emphasizing human dignity, work's moral role, free will's consequences, and the persistent grace amid sin.
  • 5. Israelite Covenant
    This lesson reviews the Israelite covenant, understanding its stages, implications, and its role in God's redemptive plan.
  • 6. Covenant with Abraham
    Gain insights into Abraham's covenant with God, exploring his faith and God's promises.
  • 7. Exodus from Egypt
    Learn how the Exodus from Egypt marked Israel's transformation from a family to a nation under Yahweh.
  • 8. Ratification of the Covenant
    Understand how the covenant at Sinai transforms Israel from slaves into a treasured nation destined for a divine mission, fulfilling God's ancient promises.
  • 9. Covenant Stipulations
    This lesson covers the covenantal expectations at Sinai. The covenantal agreement provided a constitutional and ethical framework for societal living, focusing on community rights and responsibilities.
  • 10. Responding in Life and Ritual
    In this lesson, you gain insight into how the tabernacle was both a physical manifestation of God's presence and a profound symbol of His grace, emphasizing the holiness and detailed guidance He provided to the Israelites for worship and daily life.
  • 11. Deuteronomy: The Covenant Renewed
    Gain insights into Deuteronomy, recognizing its focus on teaching rather than legislation, and understanding Moses' role as an instructor of Yahweh's will.
  • 12. Historiographic Writings
    In this lesson, you explore how to interpret the First Testament's historiographic writings, emphasizing the divine inspiration and literary artistry that guide the selective storytelling and theological themes.
  • 13. Joshua and Judges
    Learn how the books of Joshua and Judges illustrate the fulfillment and failure of Israel's covenant with Yahweh, highlighting divine promise, cultural assimilation, and the cyclical nature of faith and apostasy.
  • 14. Ruth
    The Book of Ruth, highlights divine providence, social justice, and personal righteousness while exploring the role of Boaz as a pivotal figure in maintaining the lineage of King David.
  • 15. Samuel
    Samuel had a significant yet complex role in Israel's history; judge, priest, prophet, and crucial figure in establishing monarchy.
  • 16. Reign of King David
    Learn of David's central role in the Bible, understanding his unique portrayal and the extensive attention he receives compared to other figures.
  • 17. Davidic Covenant
    Learn about the Davidic covenant's role in shaping biblical history and theology, emphasizing its eternal impact on Israel and beyond.
  • 18. 1 and 2 Kings (Part 1)
    The books of Kings and Chronicles use historical events to underline theological themes, highlighting the role of scribes in documenting Israel’s history.
  • 19. 1 and 2 Kings (Part 2)
    In this lesson on 1 and 2 Kings, review the downfall of Israel through kings' forgetfulness of God's covenants.
  • 20. The Temple and the Division of David’s Kingdom
    Learn about Solomon's temple's historical and theological significance, its divine design and purpose, and its role in Israelite worship and communal life.
  • 21. Fall of Jerusalem to Babylon
    Gain insights into the transformation and resilience of the Judean people during their exile in Babylon from 586-539 BC, exploring their struggles and adaptations in a new socio-political and religious context.
  • 22. Daniel
    Learn about Daniel's exemplary life in Babylon, his integrity, and his prophetic visions, which highlight divine sovereignty and the vindication of the faithful amidst calamities.
  • 23. The Persian World and Esther
    Review the Persian period's impact on the Jewish diaspora, analyze the Book of Esther's literary and theological significance, and reflect on divine providence and cultural identity.
  • 24. Ezra and Nehemiah
    Explore the crucial roles of Ezra and Nehemiah in reconstructing the Jewish community and faith post-exile, understanding their historical significance, source materials, and theological insights.
  • 25. Prophecy and Hebrew Prophets
    Gain insight into the roles and significance of prophets in ancient Israel, learning about their historical context, and their critical function in guiding and correcting the nation through direct communication from Yahweh.
  • 26. Amos and Hosea
    Learn about the lives and ministries of prophets Amos and Hosea, their calls for justice and return to divine covenant amidst Israel's political and spiritual turmoil, through prophetic books that blend personal biography with national prophecy.
  • 27. Jonah and Micah
    This lesson reviews Jonah's struggle with divine grace and Micah's advocacy for justice and the messianic hope.
  • 28. Isaiah's Vision of the Messiah
    In this lesson, you learn how Isaiah's vision portrays the Messiah as king, servant, and conqueror, emphasizing his divine roles and global mission.
  • 29. Jeremiah and Ezekiel
    Learn of the political and social contexts of Jeremiah and Ezekiel's exile, including Babylon's rise, Jerusalem's fall, and the crisis of faith portrayed in Lamentations, emphasizing hope amid despair through God's faithfulness.
  • 30. Jeremiah's Historical Context
    Learn about Jeremiah's life and prophetic ministry, navigating challenges with kings, themes in the Book of Jeremiah, and profound passages on true religion and a future covenant, offering lessons on prophetic burdens, God's faithfulness, and spiritual transformation.
  • 31. Ezekiel's Historical Context
    Explore Ezekiel's life as a priest in exile, his bizarre actions, and profound messages revealing Yahweh's passion and eternal promises of judgment and restoration.
  • 32. Nahum and Joel
    Learn about Nahum and Joel's prophecies on judgment, hope, and Yahweh's character. Explore the day of the Lord and the expansion of the covenant community.
  • 33. Obadiah, Habakkuk and Zephaniah
    Explore Obadiah, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah's prophecies. Discover themes of judgment, faith, and restoration in God's plan.
  • 34. Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi
    Gain insight into Haggai's role in motivating temple rebuilding during the Persian rule. His brief yet impactful ministry fosters hope and action amid community disillusionment, recoginizing God's presence and reign.
  • 35. Hebrew Poetry
    Gain deep insight into Hebrew poetry: its forms, parallelism, acrostics, and emotional depth. Explore its celebration and lamentation of Yahweh's glory.
  • 36. Psalms
    Gain insight into Psalms which reflect diverse emotions and experiences. Structured into five divisions, attributed to various authors, their interpretation involves understanding Torah context, literary devices, and applying timeless principles to life.
  • 37. Biblical Wisdom
    Explore biblical wisdom's depth: from practical skill to moral insight, rooted in the fear of Yahweh. It contrasts with secular knowledge, emphasizing God's order and universal application.
  • 38. Proverbs
    Engage with Proverbs to unravel its diverse wisdom, from aphorisms to discourses. Understand its practical guidance for righteous living and leadership.
  • 39. Song of Songs
    Discover the Song of Songs, a rich exploration of love's nature. From its allegorical interpretations to its celebration of covenantal love, it examines human relationships with wisdom and depth.
  • 40. Job
    The book of Job offers insights into faith and suffering, exploring theological themes and character dynamics. It emphasizes trust in God amid life's most difficult trials.
  • 41. Ecclesiastes
    Uncover Ecclesiastes' profound journey from despair to hope. Koheleth's existential ponderings contrast with the narrator's faith, urging a shift from worldly pursuits to finding fulfillment in God's sovereignty.

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