Religion 9
History of the Old Testament
Part 1: Creation through King David

Prof. John K. Pfeiffer

Primary Purpose of the Course

The primary purpose of this course is to lead the students into a better understanding for and greater appreciation of the grace of God in Christ Jesus, as this is manifested in their lives.

Primary Objective

By this very same grace the purpose will be accomplished through the study of Old Testament history from the moment of creation to the end of the reign of King David. Throughout this study, the students will examine role of the promise of the Savior in workings of God prior to the birth of Abraham and afterwards in the developing history of Israel. They will also consider how the behavior of Biblical characters is reflected in their own lives and, also, how the concomitant reactions of God can be seen in their lives.

Methodology

The study of this portion of Old Testament history will be accomplished through the reading of the Bible, the taking of notes, the completion of worksheets given on a regular basis, the memorization of key passages, and the taking of a number of quizzes and tests.

The Bible: Genesis through II Samuel

First Semester:

The course will begin with an overview of the history of the Old Testament based on the Messianic prophecies that appear throughout. The purpose of this will be to place emphasis on the role of the Promise in all of history and especially that of Israel. This is expected to take two to three weeks.

Genesis will be covered in depth (one to two chapters at a time), since the origin of many of the basic principles of human life and death are found therein, as well as the foundation for the establishment of the nation of Israel, whose history fills the remainder of this course

Second Semester:

Exodus and Numbers will be covered in larger sections.

Leviticus and Deuteronomy will be addressed during the study of Exodus and Numbers

Joshua through II Samuel will be addressed in a topical rather than expository manner.

(e.g., Judges: topic #1 - the character of Israel during the period; topic #2 - the manifest love of God during this period.)

Notes: at the beginning of the course, the students will be coached on the proper manner of taking notes during the lectures. The key to this will be the daily questions addressed to the students, as well as specific information noted on the chalkboard. Additional information will be given to the students in the form of handouts, as well as maps, charts, and graphs displayed on the overhead projector.

Worksheets: the questions asked in class will be based on the worksheets, which are handed out whenever a section of the Bible is finished.

The purpose of the worksheets is to help the student review material covered in class.

A secondary purpose is to give the students a basis on which they can prepare for tests.

Each student is expected to return a completed worksheet at the next, scheduled class period following that in which the worksheet was handed out. Each student will be expected to turn in the worksheets, even if he is late. However, failure to return a worksheet at the scheduled time will result in a reduction in the student's grade on that worksheet, unless he has a legitimate excuse (e.g. for each class period in arrears, the grade will be reduced by one-third (when one period late: B+ is reduced to B).

Memorization: key passages will be chosen for memory work. These passages may be taken from the section under study or from another location in the Bible where the material under discussion is being addressed.

Quizzes and tests: quizzes may be given periodically, depending on the approach that the teacher is using at a given time. Tests will be given at the end of each major section.

Other methods will be used throughout the year: e.g. A mock newspaper by the students, covering the history of Israel from the exodus to the entry into the Promised Land.

Grading

A+ (not given)

B+ (91-92)

C+ (83-84)

D+ (75-76)

A (96-100)

B (87-90)

C (79-82)

D (72-74)

F (50-69)

A- (93-95)

B- (85-86)

C- (77-78)

D- (70-71)

The following grading system is used for assignments, which have 17 or less answers.

0x = A

1x = A-

1.5x = B+

2x = B

2.5x = B-

3x = C+

3.5x = C

4x = C-

4.5x = D+

5 = D

5.5 = D-

F (6>)

Discipline

The students will remain quiet during the class period, unless they are called on by the teacher. When a student violates this rule, he will receive a mark. If he accumulates 6 marks over any two-week period, he will be given 45 minutes of detention.

Absences and Tardiness (Student Handbook, pp.15-17)

Faithful attendance is considered part of the required work of every student. Repeated absences, especially unexcused absences, will have an impact on the student's grade.

Re: Absences

All absences will be reported to the office. This applies even if the student has received prior permission to be absent. It will be the duty of the student to present his excuses to the principal.

Re: Tardiness

There are no reasons for tardiness that are automatically excused. The tardy student will see the professor immediately after that class in order to be excused. The validity of the excuse will be judged by the professor.

Visits to the lavatory should be made between classes. While it is understood that on rare occasions a student may have to leave the classroom to visit the lavatory, any abuse of this privilege will be noted and may result in a lowering of the student's grade.

Any tests, quizzes, homework, or recitations missed because of an absence or tardiness must be made up or they will receive a grade of "F".

A Summary Outline of the Course

Genesis

The beginning of all things

The beginnings of sin and salvation

The beginning of a divided world

A new beginning: the Flood

The beginning of nations and languages

The beginning of the chosen people of God

The Abrahamic Covenant

The Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph (Israel in Egypt)

Exodus

Moses

The exodus from Egypt

The giving of the Law

The Old Covenant

A comparison of the covenants

The rebellion of the children of Israel

The wandering in the wilderness

Joshua

Entrance into Canaan

Conquest of Canaan

Judges

The book of Judges

Ruth

The book of Ruth

I Samuel

The early life of Samuel

Saul's kingdom

Young David

II Samuel

David the king - Parts 1-5

David's psalms

Back to Prof. Pfeiffer’s Home Page