Old Testament Survey:LCCF1320-01, 80CIV, 87CIV Fall 2021 (221)
Cory Barnes Frost Building
Associate Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew [email protected]
Cell: 504-330-1074
Office hours by appointment
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College prepare servants to walk with
Christ, proclaim His truth, and fulfill His mission.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Students will be introduced to the background and literature of the Old Testament. After a
background study of the historical and cultural factors of ancient Israel within the context of the
ancient Near East, students will explore the metanarrative of the Old Testament. Emphasis will
be given to introductory matters for each book and a content summary. This course is a
prerequisite to all Old Testament Interpretation courses.Prerequisite: None
COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the conclusion of the semester, the student will:
Develop an appreciation for and enjoyment of the Old Testament.
Identify the key issues in the critical study of the Old Testament.
Identify the purpose and message of each book of the Old Testament.
Demonstrate the significance of Old Testament as Christian Scripture.
Understand the metanarrative developed by the Old Testament and the continuation of
that narrative in the New Testament and the contemporary church.
COURSE TEXTS
The following textbooks are required:
Hill, Andrew E. and John Walton. A Survey of the Old Testament, 3
rd
edition. Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 2009.
One of the following translations of the Bible: Christian Standard Bible, English Standard
Version, New International Version, New Revised Standard Version, New American Standard
Bible.
Old Testament Survey: LCCF1320.01,80CIV,87CIV, Fall 2021 p.1
The following textbook is optional:
Brisco, Thomas V. Holman Bible Atlas: A Complete Guide to the Expansive Geography of the
Bible. Nashville: Broadman and Holman, 1998.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Reading Reflections (25%) - Students will complete weekly reflections on the readings
from the textbook and from the Old Testament source material. Each week’s reading
reflection will cover the reading material assigned for the week on the course schedule
included in the syllabus. Reading reflections are due each week by Sunday at 11:59pm
and are submitted on Blackboard.
2. Essay (25%) - Students will write a 4–6 page doublespaced essay on “Why the Old
Testament matters.” Address the following questions: Why is the OT important for
Christians? What is the overarching story told by the OT? What does the OT teach
Christians about Jesus? What role should the OT play in the teaching/preaching ministry
of the local church? The essay does not have to be in official Turabian form, though it
must be consistent and presentable. Students are to use 12 point Times New Roman
font with 1” margins at top and bottom of the page.
3. Sectional Exams (30%) - Two sectional exams will be given on the dates indicated on the
course schedule below. The exams will consist of a combination of multiple choice,
matching, map, and essay questions. Each exam is self-contained and will cover the
material presented in class lectures.
4. Final Exam (20%) - The final exam will be a cumulative exam, which focuses on the
material from the entire term. The exam will consist of a combination of multiple choice,
matching, map, and essay questions. In addition, students will be given a list of 40 Bible
verses—one verse from each book of the OT with one book having two verses listed.
Students must identify the biblical book in which each verse is located.
GRADING SCALE
A: 93 - 100
B: 85 - 92
C: 77 – 84
D: 70 – 76
F: below 70
COURSE OUTLINE
Week
Date of Class
Meeting
Topic/OT Reading
Reading and Assignments
1
August 16
Introduction to the Course
Approaching OT study
Old Testament Survey: LCCF1320.01,80CIV,87CIV, Fall 2021 p.2
The formation of the OT
Scriptures.
2
August 23
(Dr. Barnes in
North Georgia)
Introduction to the Pentateuch
Genesis
Bible Reading*; H&W 77–99;
Reading Reflection
3
August 30
Exodus–Leviticus
Bible Reading; H&W 100–141;
Reading Reflection
4
September 6
(Labor Day, No
Class)
Numbers–Deuteronomy (Watch
Lecture on Blackboard)
Bible Reading; H&W 142–179,
Reading and Lecture
Reflection
5
September 13
Introduction to the former
prophets
Joshua
Sectional Exam #1
(Approaching OT, Formation
of OT Scriptures, OT
Geography, Gen–Deut)
6
September 20
(Dr. Barnes in
North Georgia)
Judges–1 Samuel
Bible Reading; H&W 216–233,
234–247, 256–277; Reading
Reflection
7
September 27
2 Samuel–Kings
Bible Reading; H&W 278–307;
Essay Due on Blackboard by
11:59 on Oct. 3.
8
October 4
No Class, Fall Break
Enjoy your Break!
9
October 11
Introduction to the latter
prophets
Isaiah–Jeremiah
Bible Reading; H&W 518–541;
Reading Reflection
10
October 18
Ezekiel–Daniel
Bible Reading; H&W 552–579;
Reading Reflection
11
October 25
Book of the 12
Bible Reading; H&W 566–713;
Reading Reflection
12
November 1
Sectional Exam #2
Sectional Exam # 2
(Introduction to the former
prophets, introduction to the
latter prophets, Jos–Book of
the 12)
13
November 8
(Dr. Barnes in
North Georgia)
Psalms, Job, Proverbs,
Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs
Bible Reading; H&W 400–479;
Reading Reflection
14
November 15
Introduction to the Writings
Lamentations, Chronicles,
Ezra–Nehemiah, Esther,
Lamentations
Bible Reading; H&W 308–355;
542–551; Reading Reflection
15
November 22
Thanksgiving Break
Enjoy Your Break!
Old Testament Survey: LCCF1320.01,80CIV,87CIV, Fall 2021 p.3
16
November 29
(Dr. Barnes in
North Georgia)
Ruth
How the OT prepares us for the
NT
Jesus in the OT
Bible Reading; H&W 248–54;
Reading Reflection
Finals
December 6
Final Exam
Monday, December 6
* - See Old Testament Reading Schedule on page 6 of syllabus.
ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION
1. Attendance Policy: Leavell College follows the attendance policy as stated in the Leavell
College catalog.
2. Policy for Late Submissions: Students will not receive credit on assignments submitted
after the due date listed on the course schedule
3. Plagiarism Policy: A high standard of personal integrity is expected of all Leavell College
students. Copying another person’s work, submitting downloaded material without
proper references, submitting material without properly citing the source, submitting the
same material for credit in more than one course, and committing other such forms of
dishonesty are strictly forbidden. Although anything cited in three sources is considered
public domain, we require that all sources be cited. Any infraction may result in failing the
assignment and the course. Any infraction will be reported to the Dean of Leavell
College for further action.
4. Classroom and Online Decorum: Each student is expected to demonstrate appropriate
Christian behavior. The student is expected to interact with other students in a fashion
that will promote learning and respect for the opinions of the others in the course. A
spirit of Christian charity is expected at all times. Electronic devices should be used only
for classroom purposes as indicated by the professor.
5. Special Needs: If you need accommodations for a disability, please set up a meeting
with the professor for consideration of any modifications you may need.
6. Emergency Plan: In the event the NOBTS schedule is impacted due to a natural event,
go to the seminary’s website for pertinent information. Class will continue as scheduled
through the Blackboard site. Please note announcements and assignments on the
course’s Blackboard site.
7. Technical Assistance: For general NOBTS technical help, go to www.NOBTS.edu/itc/
8. Style Guide: A copy of the approved NOBTS Style Guide can be found in the course
Blackboard shell, or it can be located online at the Writing Center’s page on the
seminary website at: https://www.nobts.edu/_resources/pdf/writing/StyleGuide.pdf
Old Testament Survey: LCCF1320.01,80CIV,87CIV, Fall 2021 p.4
9. COVID-19: During the COVID-19 pandemic Leavell College is abiding by all New
Orleans governmental guidelines and CDC safety guidelines. This includes practicing social
distancing, washing hands frequently, and wearing face masks. Students are expected to
abide by such policies while on campus.
SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Audirsch, Jeffrey G. The Legislative Themes of Centralization: From Mandate to Demise. Eugene,
OR: Pickwick, 2014.
Berry, Donald K. An Introduction to the Wisdom and Poetry of the Old Testament. Nashville:
Broadman & Holman, 1999.
Bill T. Arnold, and Bryan E. Beyer. Readings from the Ancient Near East: Primary Sources for Old
Testament Study. Encountering Biblical Studies. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2002.
Blenkinsopp, Joseph. The Pentateuch: An Introduction to the First Five Books of the Bible. The
Anchor Bible Reference Library. New York: Doubleday, 2000.
Brisco, Thomas V. Holman Bible Atlas: A Complete Guide to the Expansive Geography of the
Bible. Nashville: Broadman and Holman, 1998.
Coogan, Michael David. The Old Testament: A Historical and Literary Introduction to the
Hebrew Scriptures. 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2014.
Goldingay, John. An Introduction to the Old Testament: Exploring Text, Approaches and Issues.
Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2015.
Hasel, Gerhard. Old Testament Theology: Basic Issues in the Current Debate. 4. ed. Grand Rapids:
Eerdmans, 1998.
Hill, Andrew E., and John H. Walton. A Survey of the Old Testament. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 2009.
Imes, Carmen Joy. Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity
Press, 2019.
Merrill, Eugene H. Kingdom of Priests: A History of Old Testament Israel. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids:
Baker, 2008.
Moberly, R. W. L. Old Testament Theology: Reading the Hebrew Bible as Christian Scripture. Grand
Rapids: Baker, 2013.
Richter, Sandra L. The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament. Downer’s Grove:
InterVarsity Press, 2008.
Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: A Biblical-Theological Commentary. Library of
Biblical Interpretation. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995.
Old Testament Survey: LCCF1320.01,80CIV,87CIV, Fall 2021 p.5
VanGemeren, Willem. Interpreting the Prophetic Word. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1990.
Walton, John H. Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker,
2006.
Yamauchi, Edwin M. Persia and the Bible. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1996.
Old Testament Survey: LCCF1320.01,80CIV,87CIV, Fall 2021 p.6
OT Reading Assignments for OT Survey
Week 2 – Gen 1–50
Week 3 – Ex 1–12; 14; 17; 20:1–18; 21:1–11; 32–33, Lev 1–5; 9–10; 16–17; 25–27
Week 4 – Num 1–2; 6; 9; 11; 13–14; 22–24; 33–36, Deut 1–8; 17; 20; 27–28; 34
Week 5 – Sectional Exam No reading assignment
Week 6 – Joshua 1 – 12; 23–24, Judges 2–9; 11; 17–21, 1 Sam 1–6; 8–11; 15–21; 24; 31
Week 7 – 2 Sam 1–7; 9; 11–15; 18–19; 23–24, 1Kgs 1–22; 2 Kgs 1–25
Week 8 – Fall Break
Week 9 – Isa 1–9; 20; 22; 30; 36–40; 42; 46; 49; 50; 52–53; 66, Jer 1 – 2; 7; 11–12; 16–20; 21;
23; 25; 29; 31; 32; 37; 39; 40 – 43; 52
Week 10 – Ezekiel 1 – 2; 4; 10; 12; 15 – 17; 24; 33–34; 37; 40–48, Dan 1–7; 12
Week 11 – Hosea–Malachi (Read all the minor prophets)
Week 12 – Sectional Exam No reading assignment
Week 13 – Psalms 1 – 6; 22–23; 88–89; 90–92; 119; 146–150, Job 1 – 9; 32–34; 38–42,
Proverbs 1–4; 26; 31, Song of Songs 1–8, Ecclesiastes 1–12
Week 14 – Thanksgiving Break
Week 15 – Ruth; Lamentations 1–5; Esther 1–10; Ezra 1; 4–6; 9–10, Nehemiah 1 – 4; 6; 8; 13, 1
Chron 29–34, 2 Chron 36;
Old Testament Survey: LCCF1320.01,80CIV,87CIV, Fall 2021 p.7
