Dr. Charles E. McLain, Chair

OT501/502 ELEMENTARY HEBREW (four credits). An introduction to the study of the elements of biblical Hebrew grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. No auditing allowed.

OT503/504 HEBREW SYNTAX & EXEGESIS (four credits). A study of word relationships and functions and the formation of sentences in biblical Hebrew. The translation and interpretation of selected passages in the Hebrew Old Testament with a view to analysis and homiletical application. The exegesis portion of this course comprises a study and application of exegetical principles to selected Old Testament passages with an emphasis on proper interpretation and application to theological understanding and sermon preparation. No auditing allowed. Prerequisite: OT501/502; TH500.

OT510 OLD TESTAMENT BACKGROUNDS (two credits). An introduction to and study of the linguistic, literary, and cultural background of the Old Testament. Areas of interest include the history of God's chosen nation, Old Testament chronology, neighboring ANE societies and cultures, and Old Testament social and religious institutions (e.g. priesthood). Biblical archaeological and historical records are utilized.

OT520 OLD TESTAMENT INTRODUCTION (two credits). This course involves a ‘general introduction' study of the OT assuming the student has completed a ‘special introduction' study (frequently called ‘OT SURVEY' on the college level). As a ‘general introduction' this course focuses on the areas of canonization, text criticism, and critical methodologies. Course objectives include basic knowledge of the process and principles of canonization; a basic knowledge of the manuscript and versional evidence of the OT text; a basic knowledge of text critical issues and procedures; and a basic knowledge of critical methods, their characteristics, techniques, strengths, and weaknesses.

OT526 DANIEL (two credits). An analytical and expository study of the book with a focus on the prophetic-apocalyptic sections. This study provides an introduction and foundation for ‘prophetic' studies which are continued in Revelation and Eschatology. Prerequisites: TH500.

OT601 GENESIS (two credits). An expository study of the first eleven chapters of this foundational book. Various critical theories concerning creation, the flood, and other points in Genesis are considered in light of the biblical text.

OT605 DEUTERONOMY (two credits). A survey of the structure of the book (a treaty document) along with an analytical and expository study of its content (a series of sermons by Moses). Major themes are examined in light of Israel's spiritual preparation for the conquest of the land and Deuteronomy's central role as the ‘theology book' of the Old Testament.

OT618 JOB (two credits). An English book study with particular attention given to exposition in light of the book's literary structure. Additional considerations include basic critical issues, contemporary application, and homiletical concerns.

OT620 PROVERBS (two credits). An analytical and expository study which gives special attention to the interpretation of the book of Proverbs. Included is an introduction to the literary genre of Wisdom, careful analysis of chapters one through nine, and an endeavor to aid understanding and appreciation of the entire book. Careful attention is given to practical application and preaching value.

OT622 MAJOR PROPHETS (two credits). An analytical and expository study of the major prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel within the original historical, theological, and literary contexts. Special attention is given to understanding the nature of prophetic genre for resolving difficulties connected with its comprehension by modern readers. Additional consideration is given to contemporary relevance and application, as well as to homiletical concerns.

OT623 ISAIAH (two credits). An English book study with particular attention given to exposition in light of the book's literary structure and metaphorical imagery. Additional considerations include basic critical issues, contemporary setting and audience, as well as the book's messianic orientation.

OT627 MINOR PROPHETS (two credits). An analytical and expository study of the twelve minor prophets, with special emphasis on their respective messages within their historical, theological, and literary contexts. This course is concerned with understanding the message of the prophet to his contemporary audience and with its theological relevance within that framework. As the prophets were OT preachers, particular emphasis is placed on the original historical setting of the ancient preacher and his audience as well as the literary genres with which he communicated God's message. Consideration will also be given to application of the prophetic message for today.

OT643 CONQUEST & SETTLEMENT (two credits). A survey of chronology, setting, and content of the books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth along with historically, archaeologically, and theologically significant points.

OT645 UNITED MONARCHY (two credits). A course covering the biblical record of 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 Kings 1-11. Special attention is given to leading personalities such as Samuel, Saul, David, and Solomon.

OT647 DIVIDED MONARCHY (two credits). A study of Old Testament history from the death of Solomon to the Babylonian exile, covering the kings of the northern and southern kingdoms in Israel. The material of Kings and Chronicles as well as archaeological matters are studied.

OT649 EXILE AND RESTORATION (two credits). Israel's history is examined in light of its apostasy, the collapse of the Judean monarchy, the Babylonian captivity, and the subsequent reestablishment of Israel in the land. Particular attention is given to the exposition of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther, as well as to select portions from the prophetic corpus dealing with this particular time period.

OT650 OLD TESTAMENT BIBLICAL THEOLOGY (A History of Old Testament Revelation) (two credits). A survey of the history and unity of God's self-revelation throughout the Old Testament period. The course contains a comparison of the nature of this discipline with other theological approaches to the study of the Old Testament and considerations of the revelation in the various periods.

OT660 HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY (two credits). See also NT660. This course provides a study of the historical and geographical setting for the events of the Bible. Consideration will be given to the strategic location of the Holy Land, its climate and topography, archaeological evidences, and the location of important biblical events and place names.

OT670-OT673 HOLY LAND STUDIES SEMINAR (one to four credits). This course is designed to give the student an in-depth exposure to the Bible with illustrations not seen anywhere else on earth. The locations where the Bible events took place become a graphic laboratory in which the student can do first-hand study. Emphasis is placed on the historical, geographical, and cultural background of the Bible along with ample discussion on the role of archaeology in the light of God's revelation. There are requirements prior to the trip. Coursework is evaluated by the Director of Holy Land Studies of Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary.

OT670 HOLY LAND STUDIES SEMINAR (one credit).

OT671 HOLY LAND STUDIES SEMINAR (two credits).

OT672 HOLY LAND STUDIES SEMINAR (three credits).

OT673 HOLY LAND STUDIES SEMINAR (four credits).

OT701-708 HEBREW EXEGETICAL STUDIES. In the following exegesis courses, special attention will be given to specific books or selected genre. There will be both intensive and extensive coverage of assigned passages. The goal is to acquaint the student with different genres of literature for theological understanding and sermonic preparations.

OT701 HEBREW EXEGESIS IN HEBREW TEXTS (two credits). Prerequisite: OT503/504.

OT702 HEBREW EXEGESIS IN NARRATIVE (two credits). Prerequisite: OT503/504.

OT703 HEBREW EXEGESIS IN LEGAL TEXTS (two credits). Prerequisite: OT503/504.

OT704 HEBREW EXEGESIS IN POETRY (two credits). Prerequisite: OT503/504.

OT705 HEBREW EXEGESIS IN WISDOM LITERATURE (two credits). Prerequisite: OT503/504.

OT706 HEBREW EXEGESIS IN PSALMS (two credits). Prerequisite: OT503/504.

OT707 HEBREW EXEGESIS IN PROPHETS (two credits). Prerequisite: OT503/504.

OT708 HEBREW EXEGESIS IN HISTORY (two credits). Prerequisite: OT503/504.

OT710TM ADVANCED HEBREW GRAMMAR (three credits). This course is designed to review and expand the student's comprehension of Hebrew syntax. The course is to increase the student's knowledge of technical Hebrew language tools and to promote research using Hebrew syntax.

OT751TM BIBLICAL ARAMAIC (three credits). An introduction to biblical Aramaic including a survey of Aramaic grammar, syntax, and vocabulary with extensive translation in Daniel and Ezra. Prerequisite: OT503.

OT764TM SOCIAL JUSTICE AND OLD TESTAMENT ETHICS (three credits). A study of social justice and Old Testament ethics, with particular focus upon its negative aspect-social injustice-and upon related ethical issues.

OT780TM CURRENT ISSUES IN OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES (three credits).

OT800 OLD TESTAMENT SEMINAR (one credit). Guided individual research to enable the student to develop skills in problem solving, procedures of research, and logical presentation of material.

OT810 OLD TESTAMENT SEMINAR (two credits). See OT800 for description.

OT820 INTERDEPARTMENTAL SEMINAR (two credits). Guided individual research to enable the student to develop skills in problem solving, procedures of research and logical presentation of material.