Old Testament Survey
Posted
Sunday, February 04, 2007
by
Charlie Trimm
Categories:
Old Testament
I love the Old Testament and one of my goals in life is to get everyone else to love the OT as well. One of the way I have started doing that recently is to teach an OT survey class at the church where I serve. I have gone through it twice now, once with an adult Bible Study and once with a High School Sunday School class. They each went about 12 weeks, during which we surveyed (briefly) the entire OT. I made notes for each section which included the plot as well as theological themes which I think are relevant today. I am planning on posting these notes, not in the hope of teaching, but in hope of getting input about the themes. I want to make the OT relevant, so any themes I have missed that are important I want to include. But I also do not want to include things that I should not. So if you have anything to add or take out, please comment!
1) Genesis 1-11
a) Background of Genesis
i) Author
The first five books of the OT were apparently written by Moses. Genesis may have been based upon earlier writings which Moses collected.
ii) Time of Writing
While we cannot be certain, a date during the wilderness wanderings is most probable. This would mean sometime between 1440-1400 BC.
iii) Purpose
There were a variety of reasons for writing these books. One reason was to show how God had been faithful in the past. Another reason was to show that the God of Israel was superior to the gods of the nations whom the Israelites were about to attack in Canaan. A third reason was to give a basis for the existence of Israel as a nation. A fourth reason was to show Israel how to love God and follow him.
b) Plot
i) Creation
ii) Fall and Curse
iii) Flood
iv) Scattering of the Nations
c) Theological Themes
i) God is Creator
ii) Image of God
iii) Environment
iv) Work
v) Marriage
vi) Sin
vii) Judgment
viii) Culture and Languages
ix) Need of salvation
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