Introduction to the Old Testament
Introduction
This Diploma Certificate Course covers every major theme in the Holy Bible. You will be expected to submit a
20,000 word thesis on completion of the course. Please contact your tutor regarding the proposed subject of the thesis. Also, three of these modules will be examined under surveillance, your tutor will advise.
As you complete each module please mail it to your tutor for inspection and marking, which will be returned to you as soon as possible. You will find you tutor's details on the front of this booklet. Do not hesitate to contact him if you need assistance or have questions relating to this course.
Please relax and work on this course in your own time, as there is no requirement for you to rush through it. It is our prayer that it will bless, encourage and edify you as you seek to know more of God's Word.
Module 1
Introduction to the Old Testament
Compulsory Questions.
1. Give some thought on the meaning of the inspiration and authority of Holy Scripture. What observations can you make also regarding the influence of the Bible on the world?
2. What is the root meaning of the word "Canon" and what is the significance when applied to the books of Scripture? In what divisions are the books of the Hebrew Bible to be found?
3. Did Moses actually write the Pentateuch, or is it of composite origin? If you accept the Mosaic authorship of the first five books of the Old Testament, state your reasons for this.
You may choose any seven of the following questions:
4. Give a comprehensive analysis of any three of the five books of Moses.
5. Estimate the work of Moses as Statesman, Prophet and Lawgiver.
6. Discuss the explanations which have been given to account to either, "The Ten Plagues" or "The Crossing of the Red Sea".
7. Describe the main features of the Religion of the Patriarchs, with particular reference to Abraham.
8. Describe the features of the Leaders we know as "The Judges", and provide a detailed survey of two of these figures, together with any criticisms that you feel reasonable to make in the light of your readings.
9. Give a brief account of the events which led up to the foundation of the Monarchy and indicate the part played by the prophet Samuel.
10. Summarise the achievements and describe the character of either Saul or David
11. Describe the architecture and religious significance of Solomon's Temple.
12. Show clearly how the teaching of Amos and Hosea is related to the conditions of life prevailing in Israel at their particular time in ministry.
13. State your reasons for the decline and fall of the Northern Kingdom and show why the Southern Kingdom outlived its neighbour by so many years.
14. What do you know about the Reformation begun by either Hezekiah or Josiah?
15. Why is Jeremiah described as the most spiritual of the Old Testament prophets? Would you agree with this statement yourself? How would you compare him with Isaiah?
16. Describe the conditions under which the exiles lived after they had been taken to Babylon. Do you see this in any way as a period of preparation for the coming of the Messiah?
17. Construct a life of Ezekiel, as far as you are able, and indicate the lines along which he developed his message.
18. Discuss the meaning of the "Servant" passages in Isaiah 40-66
19. Describe the parts played by Ezra and Nehemiah in the return from the Exile.
20. Outline a short lecture to demonstrate the message of the author Jonah.