Course Description:
In order to understand and apply any passage of Scripture faithfully, one must begin with the foundational concepts and theology that precede and inform it. In biblical theology, the foundation is laid in the Pentateuch and Former Prophets (Genesis-Kings) and is picked up and further developed in the Latter Prophets and Writings (Job-Malachi). The history, poetry, wisdom, and prophecy of these books are essential for fully grasping the meaning and message of Jesus' teaching and our mission in the world today. In this course, Dr. Richard E. Averbeck introduces the content and theology of J0b-Malachi, not merely surveying but rather working through the books section-by-section, focusing on major passages and their theological connections throughout all Scripture (Old and New Testament).
Note: There is no prerequisite for this course. However, this is the second of a two-part series by Dr. Averbeck, and students are referred to part one, Old Testament Theology I: Pentateuch and Former Prophets.
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
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Understand how the Latter Prophets and Writings fit into the Old Testament Canon, and how they contribute to our understanding of faith experience in ancient Israel.
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Identify the principles and patterns of biblical Hebrew poetry in order to interpret it well.
- Articulate the nature and principles of biblical worship “in spirit and truth” as illustrated in the Psalms and understand the foundation this lays for Christian worship in the Church today.
- Explain how the prophetic institution and the prophetic books lay a foundation for the prophetic work of Jesus Christ and how this then lays a foundation for the Church’s mission.
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Describe the relationship between the Holy Spirit’s work in the Old and New Testaments and understand its significance for the Church as a body of prophets in the world.
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Value all of the above as crucial to an ongoing study of the whole canon of Scripture as well as foundational to the way we live our Christian lives and pursue our ministries.
Course Texts:
Required Texts
Chisholm, Robert B. Jr. Handbook on the Prophets. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002.
Longman, Tremper III. How to Read the Psalms. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1988.
Murphy, Roland E. The Tree of Life: An Exploration of Biblical Wisdom Literature. Third edition. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002.
Walton, John H. Chronological and Background Charts of the Old Testament. Revised and Expanded. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.
Recommended Texts
Dyrness, William. Themes in Old Testament Theology. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1979.
Sandy, D. Brent & Ronald L. Giese, Jr., eds., Cracking Old Testament Codes: A Guide to Interpreting the Literary Genres of the Old Testament. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1995.
VanGemeren, Willem A. "Psalms." In The Expositor's Bible Commentary: Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. Edited by Frank E. Gaebelein. Volume5. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1991.
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