Old Testament II: Life & Literature of Israel
Overview
[Begin Transcript] Join me as we have and opportunity to have an overview of the Scriptures from the Book of Joshua all the way through the Book of Esther. It’s amazing how this short, seemingly, section of Scriptures contains most of what happens in the Old Testament. You’ll see the minor prophets pop up. You’ll be able to investigate the kings of Israel and be able to understand better what God is doing through the lives of the Israelite nation. We begin with Joshua as he takes over the reigns from Moses and end with Esther as she seeks to save her people from the anger and wrath of the enemies of the Jews. I hope you’ll enjoy this journey as we dig into these amazing Scriptures. [End Transcript]
Course Description: This course surveys the historical books of the Old Testament from Joshua to Esther. Visibility is given to the poetic and prophetic books as they intersect Israel’s history. Attention is given to background matters and critical and theological issues.
Learning Outcomes: The learner will:
- Recall the major events, characters, themes and structures of the text.
- Explain how the narrative of the text informs their theology.
- Integrate background material in the interpretation of the text.
- Assess critical approaches to the text.
- Demonstrate an ability to evaluate and synthesize appropriate scholarly resources.
- Employ the text in their spiritual and biblical growth.
Course Outline
Unit 1: Faith, Failure, & Love. This unit takes us through the early conquest and division of the Promised Land, with a love story out of ashes
| View: | Introduction |
| View: | Joshua: Faith Is the Victory |
| Read: | Bible Introductions - Joshua by John MacArthur |
| Activity: | Journal Assignment 1 |
| Activity: | Create a Devotional: Joshua |
| View: | Judges: Failure Through Compromise |
| Read: | Bible Introductions - Judges by John MacArthur |
| Activity: | Journal Assignment 2 |
| Activity: | Create a Devotional: Judges |
| Submit: | Quiz |
Unit 2: The Rise and Fall of Saul and David. This unit will uncover the ups and downs of the rule of Israel's first and second king.
| View: | Introduction |
| View: | 1 Samuel: From Anarchy to Monarchy |
| Read: | Bible Introductions - 1 Samuel by John MacArthur |
| Activity: | Journal Assignment 3 |
| View: | 2 Samuel: From Triumph to Trouble Through Sin |
| Read: | Bible Introductions - 2 Samuel by John MacArthur |
| Activity: | Journal Assignment 4 |
| Activity: | Create a Devotional: 1 and 2 Samuel |
| Submit: | Quiz |
Unit 3: The Demise of Israel. In this unit special attention will be given to the demise of Israel through disobedience.
| View: | Introduction |
| View: | 1 Kings: Division Through Disobedience (Part 1) |
| Read: | Bible Introductions - 1 Kings by John MacArthur |
| Activity: | Journal Assignment 5 |
| View: | 2 Kings: Division Through Disobedience (Part 2) |
| Read: | Bible Introductions - 2 Kings by John MacArthur |
| Activity: | Journal Assignment 6 |
| Activity: | Create a Devotional: 1 and 2 Kings |
| Submit: | Quiz |
Unit 4: Obedience Produces Hope. The special focus of this unit will be on the genealogies and reigns of David, Solomon, and Kings of Judah.
| View: | Introduction |
| View: | 1 Chronicles: Hope Through Obedience (Part 1) |
| Read: | Bible Introductions - 1 Chronicles by John MacArthur |
| Activity: | Journal Assignment 7 |
| View: | 2 Chronicles: Hope Through Obedience (Part 2) |
| Read: | Bible Introductions - 2 Chronicles by John MacArthur |
| Activity: | Journal Assignment 8 |
| Activity: | Create a Devotional: 1 and 2 Chronicles |
| Submit: | Quiz |
Unit 5: The God of Restoration. This unit will look at the remnant of Israel and how God restored His people.
| View: | Introduction |
| View: | Ezra: Return of the Remnant |
| Read: | Bible Introductions - Ezra by John MacArthur |
| Activity: | Journal Assignment 9 |
| Activity: | Create a Devotional: Ezra |
| View: | Nehemiah: Reconstruction with Shovel and Scroll |
| Read: | Bible Introductions - Nehemiah by John MacArthur |
| Activity: | Journal Assignment 10 |
| Activity: | Create a Devotional: Nehemiah |
| Submit: | Quiz |
Unit 6: The Providential God. This unit will look at the providential God in the life of Esther.
| View: | Introduction |
| View: | Esther: Preservation Through Providence |
| Read: | Bible Introductions - Esther by John MacArthur |
| Activity: | Journal Assignment 11 |
| Activity: | Create a Devotional: Esther |
| View: | Ruth: Rest Through Redeeming Love |
| Read: | Bible Introductions - Ruth by John MacArthur |
| Activity: | Journal Assignment 12 |
| Activity: | Create a Devotional: Ruth |
| Submit: | Quiz |
| Submit: | Course Final Examination |
The courses available through the Blue Letter Bible Institute are taught from a range of evangelical traditions. Therefore every idea and principal conveyed in each course may not necessarily be held in total by the ministry of Blue Letter Bible or the Blue Letter Bible Institute. For more information please visit our site at www.BlueLetterBible.org.
Note: All Scripture references are taken from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise indicated.