Free online courseOld testament

Course Description

The course titled "Old Testament" takes you on a detailed journey through one of the foundational texts of Western civilization. With a duration of 19 hours and 10 minutes, this course delves deep into the rich narratives and complex religious, historical, and literary dimensions of the Hebrew Bible.

Rated an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars, this course situates itself within the broad category of "Others," with a specific focus on the subcategory of Theology. It stands as an invaluable resource for anyone interested in exploring the multifaceted layers of the Old Testament, whether for academic, spiritual, or personal enrichment.

The introductory lectures set the stage by explaining the composition and structure of the Hebrew Bible in "The Parts of the Whole" and "The Hebrew Bible in Its Ancient Near Eastern Setting: Biblical Religion in Context." These foundational sessions provide crucial context, situating the texts within their historical and cultural milieu. The analysis of "Genesis 1-4 in Context" further enriches this perspective, inviting you to understand these ancient scriptures in relation to surrounding civilizations and their mythologies.

The course then moves into deeper textual analysis, exploring the layers of narrative and source criticism in "Doublets and Contradictions, Seams and Sources" and "Critical Approaches to the Bible: Introduction to Genesis 12-50." These sessions equip participants with the tools to critically engage with the texts, unraveling the stories of the patriarchs and the origins of Yahwism in "Israel in Egypt: Moses and the Beginning of Yahwism (Genesis 37-Exodus 4)." Subsequent lectures guide you through the pivotal events and laws described in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, meticulously dissecting the "Priestly Legacy" and "Biblical Law."

As the course progresses, it delves into the historical narratives and religious developments chronicled in Deuteronomy, Joshua, and Judges. The exploration of the "Deuteronomistic History" provides a thorough understanding of the Early Israelites' life, leadership, and sociopolitical challenges. Analyzing the lives of prophets and kings in 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings, the course offers a nuanced perspective on the biblical response to national catastrophes.

The sessions on prophecy, both non-literary and literary, bring to focus the intricate messages and distinct viewpoints of prophetic books such as Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Micah, and others. These lectures emphasize the enduring relevance and intellectual vigor of the prophetic tradition, culminating in an examination of the exilic and post-exilic visions found in Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and 2nd Isaiah.

The subsequent discussions address some of the profound existential queries and poetic expressions captured in "Responses to Suffering and Evil: Lamentations and Wisdom Literature" and "Biblical Poetry: Psalms and Song of Songs." With these lectures, the course illustrates the Old Testament’s breadth in addressing human suffering, divine justice, and the celebration of life and love.

Wrapping up the course, lectures on "The Restoration: 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah," "Visions of the End: Daniel and Apocalyptic Literature," and "Alternative Visions: Esther, Ruth, and Jonah" celebrate the resilience and renewal of religious and community life. These final sessions encapsulate the diversity of thought and theology that characterizes the Old Testament, providing a comprehensive and enriching conclusion to this academic journey.