Our Old Testament courses introduce students to the languages, literature, ethics, and archaeology of the text and its ancient context. Students encounter Old Testament studies through a systematic study of God's progressive revelation through verbal and plenary inspiration and as originally written as truth without any mixture or error. These studies underscore the many ways of appreciating its message and power. Any study of the Old Testament contributes to an essential foundation for identifying the person and work of Jesus Christ and for understanding the mission of the people of God today. Advanced courses bring academic rigor and serious reflection in order to prepare students for further research in the linguistic, literary, historical, theological, and moral concerns of this sacred text.

OT 501 – Old Testament Studies I (3 hours)
The first half of a comprehensive introduction to the Old Testament. Combines the two disciplines of OT introduction and OT survey. Introduces the importance of and problems involved with studying the OT in traditional and contemporary scholarship. Explores issues relevant to authorship, literary structure, purpose and content of each OT book covered. Covers Genesis through Esther.

OT 502 – Old Testament Studies II (3 hours)
The continuation of OT 501. Covers Job through Malachi.

OT 503 – History of Israel (3 hours)
A study of the history of Israel within the context of the Ancient Near East.

OT 504 – Biblical Archaeology (3 hours)
A study of archaeological methods and excavations in the Near East. Emphasizes the contributions that artifactual data have made for understanding the history and culture of both the Old and New Testament periods.

OT 550 – Biblical Hebrew I (3 hours)
An introduction to the basic vocabulary and grammar of biblical Hebrew.

OT 551 – Biblical Hebrew II (3 hours)
A continuation of OT 550. Expands an understanding of the verb system. Develops skills necessary to read the Hebrew text and to use it efficiently in Bible study and sermon preparation. Prerequisite: OT 550

OT 580 – Master of Arts Thesis I (2 hours)
The first half of the preparation and writing of an M.A. thesis in Old Testament.

OT 601 – Old Testament Prophetical Books (2 hours)
An intense study of OT prophecy. Prepares the student to read, interpret and apply the prophetical books of the OT. Introduces the genre and literary techniques of prophetic literature. Surveys each prophetic book within the context of the biblical history of Israel. Discusses the NT use of OT prophetical books.

OT 602 – Old Testament Poetical Books (2 hours)
An intense study of OT poetry. Prepares the student to read, interpret and apply the poetical books of the OT. Introduces the genre and literary techniques used by OT writers. Surveys pertinent books and passages. Explains the devotional aspects of the poetic books and their use in ministry.

OT 603 – Exposition of Daniel and Revelation (2 hours)
An in-depth study of Daniel and Revelation. Surveys the history of interpretation and the prophetic significance of the books. Discusses pertinent hermeneutical issues involved in interpretation of these books. Reading is done in the English text.

OT 604 – Exposition of Psalms (2 hours)
A study of the Psalter with special reference to the book’s arrangement, literary features, and contributions to theology. Surveys the history of interpretation. Discusses the use of psalms in the preaching and teaching ministry as well as the corporate worship of the church. Reading is done in the English text.

OT 605 – Exposition of Isaiah (2 hours)
An in-depth study of the book of Isaiah. Surveys the history of interpretation and the prophetic significance of the book. Discusses the impact of the book upon the NT understanding of Christ as Messiah. Reading is done in the English text.

OT 650 – Biblical Hebrew Exegesis (3 hours)
An introduction to intermediate Hebrew grammar, the syntax of Hebrew texts and the exegetical method used in reading the Old Testament text. Prerequisite: OT 551

OT 680 – Master of Arts Thesis II (2 hours)
The second half of the preparation and writing of an M.A. thesis in Old Testament.

OT 690 – Independent Directed Study I (2 hours)
A course of study developed between student and professor. The purpose, goals, scope and requirements are described in a syllabus created for the course.

OT 691 – Independent Directed Study II (3 hours)
A course of study developed between student and professor. The purpose, goals, scope and requirements are described in a syllabus created for the course.

OT 701 – Old Testament Theology (2 hours)
A study of the methodology of studying OT theology and a general overview of the theology developed in the OT.

OT 750 – Exegesis of Genesis 1–11 (2 hours)
A study of the Hebrew text of Genesis 1–11. Assumes knowledge of Hebrew grammar and syntax. Surveys the history of interpretation and contemporary issues involved in the study of these important chapters. Reading is done in the Hebrew text. Prerequisite: OT 650

OT 751 – Exegesis of Psalms (2 hours)
A study of selected portions of the book of Psalms. Assumes knowledge of Hebrew grammar and syntax. Surveys the history of interpretation and contemporary issues involved in the study of the Psalter. Reading is done in the Hebrew text. Prerequisite: OT 650

OT 752 – Exegesis of Isaiah (2 hours)
A study of selected portions of the book of Isaiah. Assumes knowledge of Hebrew grammar and syntax. Surveys the history of interpretation and contemporary issues involved in the study of the Isaiah. Reading is done in the Hebrew text. Prerequisite: OT 650

OT 780 – Master of Divinity Thesis (2 hours)
The preparation and writing of an M.Div. thesis in Old Testament.