OBST 516 Introduction to the Pentateuch and Old Testament Historical Books

An expositional study of the Pentateuch and the Historical Books of the Old Testament. Each book will be examined, as well as the various interpretive components regarding Old Testament law, covenant, and historical texts.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Those responsible for teaching Scripture must be able to understand, explain, and apply the Old Testament in ways that are faithful to the text and meaningful for today’s church. This course helps prepare the student for ministry by engaging in various passages and topics located in the Pentateuch and Historical Books and drawing meaningful implications of these texts for the modern church.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. Each thread must be 400 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. Each thread must be supported with at least 1 scholarly citation in current Turabian format. Any sources cited must have been published within the last 5 years. Acceptable sources include the textbooks, the Bible, etc. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 150 words. (CLO: A, B, D)

The student will write a 800-word exegetical paper in current Turabian format that focuses on the specified topics. These papers must include at least 2 academic references in addition to the Bible. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

In this assignment, the student will select 1 biblical book from the assigned corpus and write an 800-word reflection that engages critically with the text, relevant course readings, and its theological significance for the modern church. The student must also incorporate at least 2 direct quotes from the textbook readings in current Turabian format. The work should move beyond summary to demonstrate personal learning, theological growth, and thoughtful application to ministry. This reflection is designed to help the student integrate biblical interpretation with contemporary church life and discipleship. (CLO: A, B, D)

The Interactive Book Review will require the student to delve into Richard Averbeck’s examination of the Old Testament Law and use his insights to address and evaluate common misconceptions about the Old Testament. This essay will be a minimum of 1200 words and incorporate at least 2 direct quotations from Averbeck for each response in current Turabian format. (CLO: A, B, C, D)