Details for Narrative of the First Testament

This paper introduces the First Testament with particular focus on issues of the historical, social and religious background(s) of the books, on the one hand, and more contemporary questions of theological themes and ethics on the other. The paper will include an overview of many of the books of the First Testament and the distinctive elements they contain.

Awards offering Narrative of the First Testament

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

• Diploma in Chaplaincy (Level 5)
• Diploma in Christian Leadership (Level 5)
• Diploma in Theological Studies (Level 5)

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This paper introduces the First Testament with particular focus on issues of the historical, social and religious background(s) of the books, on the one hand, and more contemporary questions of theological themes and ethics on the other. The paper will include an overview of many of the books of the First Testament and the distinctive elements they contain.

Outcomes

Students should be able to:

1. 1Summarise the overall themes and books of the First Testament, as one of the two primary documents of biblical studies and Christian Ministry             
2. Interpret the text of the First Testament in the light of the overall historical framework
3. Describe the appropriate Ancient Near East background (cultural, religious and   archaeological) and its significance for First Testament History.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of major theological themes of the First Testament and their significance for Christian Theology
5. Use appropriate academic tools to begin a more detailed exploration of some aspects of First Testament Studies.
6. Apply the First Testament for Christian life and thought.

Subject Content

• Introduction to the Canon
• The Pentateuch and the Ancient Near East context
• Politics and Religion in the Land: From Conquest to Monarchy
• Political and Religious Crisis: A Divided Kingdom, a Corrupt Cult and the prophetic critique
• Exile and Restoration
• Recovering Hope: Apocalyptic
• Hebrew Poetry and Wisdom Literature
• Exploring indigenous/Māori readings of the First Testament

Prescribed Text

Walton, John H. and Andrew E. Hill. Old Testament Today: A Journey from Original Meaning to Contemporary Significance. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004. 

It is further recommended that students read:

Grey, Jacqueline.  Them, Us & Me: How the Old Testament Speaks to People Today. Sydney: APSS & SCD Press. 2007.

Representative References

Achtemeier, P. & Achtemeier, E. The Old Testament Roots of our Faith. London: Abingdon, 1962.

Anderson, B. W.  The Living World of the Old Testament. 4th ed.  Singapore: Longman, 1988.

Birch, Bruce C., Walter Brueggemann, Terrence E Fretheim, & David L Petersen. A Theological Introduction to the Old Testament. 2nd Ed. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2005.

Borgman, Paul. Genesis: the story we haven't heard. Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity Press, 2001.

Bright, J. A History of Israel. 3rd Ed. London: SCM Press, 1980.

Brueggemann, W. Old Testament Theology: Testimony, Dispute, Advocacy. Grand Rapids: Fortress, 1999.

Brueggemann, W. An Introduction to the Old Testament: The Canon and Christian Imagination. Louiseville: Westminster/John Knox, 2003.

Brueggemann, W. The Covenanted Self. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1999.

Brueggemann, W. in The Psalms and the Life of Faith, Patrick D. Miller, ed. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1995.

Childs, B.S.  Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments: Theological Reflection on the Christian Bible. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1993.

Craigie, P.C.  The Old Testament: Its Background, Growth, & Content. Nashville: Abingdon, 1992.

Dillard, Raymond B. and Tremper Longman III. An Introduction to the Old Testament.  Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.

Dumbrell, W. J. The Faith of Israel. Leicester: Apollos, 1988.

Dyrness, W.  Themes in Old Testament Theology.  Carlisle: Paternoster, 1979.

Evans, M. Prophets of the Lord. Guernsey: Paternoster, 1992.

Fretheim, T.  The Pentateuch. IBT, Nashville: Abingdon, 1996.

Gottwald, N. K.  The Tribes of Yahweh: A Sociology of the Religion of Liberated Israel 1250-1050 BCE. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1985.

Grey, Jacqueline.  Them, Us & Me: How the Old Testament Speaks to People Today. Sydney: APSS & SCD Press. 2007.

King P. J. and L. E. Stager. Life in Biblical Israel. Library of Ancient Israel. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2001.

LaSor, W. S et al.  Old Testament Survey: The Message, Form, and Background of the Old Testament. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996.

Longman, T.  Making Sense of the Old Testament: Three Crucial Questions. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2001.

Murphy, R. E.  The Tree of Life: An Exploration of Biblical Wisdom Literature. 2nd ed.  Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996.

Petersen, D. L. The Prophetic Literature: An Introduction. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 2002.

Van Seters, J. ‘The Origins of the Hebrew Bible: Some New Answers to Old Questions’. Journal of Ancient Near Eastern Religions. 17: 1 (Sept 2007): 87-108

Walton, J. H. Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament: Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible. Grand Rapids, MI.: Baker Books, 2006.

Journals:

Journal for the Study of the Old Testament

Currents in Biblical Research

Interpretation