NIPAWIN BIBLE COLLEGE BT115 PENTATEUCH COURSE SYLLABUS: FALL 2017

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1 NIPAWIN BIBLE COLLEGE BT115 PENTATEUCH COURSE SYLLABUS: FALL 2017 Instructor: David J. Smith, M.A. Dates/time: Wed. Oct. 11 thru Wed. Dec. 20 (8:25-10:10 AM) Credit Hours: 3 RATIONALE The Pentateuch (based on the Greek meaning five books ), also referred to as the Torah, is an ancient collection of instructions that headline the sacred Scriptures for both Judaism and Christianity. They have captured our imaginations; and they have challenged our understanding of God and His dealings with humanity. They are cherished texts. They are frequently difficult texts. These five books were the writings most read, most studied and most quoted by the New Testament writers, as well as those who opposed Christ. The Apostle Paul argued that the Pentateuch explained the human problem of sin and pointed to its remedy in Messiah. Jesus claimed that Moses had written about Him (Lk 24: 44). Thus, the Pentateuch was (and remains) crucial for explaining the meaning of God, religion, life, death, hope and every aspect of the human phenomenon. (Briggs & Lohr, A Theological Introduction to the Pentateuch) COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is a survey of Genesis through Deuteronomy with a focus on the birth of the nation of Israel and the covenant relationship between God and His people. LEARNING OUTCOMES In what way do these ancient texts inform and assist us, twenty-first century disciples of Jesus Christ, to better live the life that God calls us to live? With successful completion of this course students should: 1. Grasp the overall account of God s involvement in human affairs beginning in Eden and extending through to Israel s encampment on the borders of Canaan; 2. Understand and appreciate the roots of Judaism as the religion and culture that birthed Christianity; 3. Demonstrate the relevance of these ancient texts to contemporary issues and concerns by living the life the Pentateuch calls Christians to live; 4. Argue for the importance of these books in relation to the entire canon of Scripture; 5. Critique various issues presented in the Pentateuch, such as Creation, Sin, Redemption and Holiness, with increased confidence and skill. 1

2 REQUIRED TEXT The Bible (a respected translation is required, not a paraphrase). We desire as literal a rendering of the biblical text as possible. Please bring this to class. Wenham, Gordon J. Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Pentateuch. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, REQUIREMENTS All written assignments are to be word-processed on a computer in accordance with the prescribed requirements in the NBC Student Handbook. Assignments will be graded on the basis of content, clarity, grammar, spelling and the student s ability to follow instructions. Times New Roman font is required. Pagination is a must. Unless otherwise indicated, all assignments are due by 5:00 PM on the day specified. 1. Map/Timeline (15%) Due: Tues., Oct. 24. Draw (avoid tracing) a map detailing the journey(s) of one major character in the Pentateuch. You may chose from one of the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph) or Moses. Your map must include: Topographical information (eg. mountains, valleys, rivers, major bodies of water, deserts/wilderness), Major cities and roads, Various neighbouring people groups, NOTE: The above features must be clearly identified by name, Small, but adequate, summaries of significant/major events in that character s life (Scripture references included) numbered chronologically on the outside of the map. These summaries must correspond to numbered locations on the map. This assignment is intended to be a handy reference for further study of the Pentateuch. Therefore, creativity is encouraged where the use of colour, arrows, legends and similar cartographic aids will help make your map more memorable, understandable and useful. All required and relevant information (your name, class name, assignment title) and a bibliography citing any sources used (other than the Bible) are necessary and must appear on a separate sheet attached to the back of the assignment. 2. Bible Reading (25%) Final Report Due: Thurs., Nov. 30. For this assignment you are required to read all five (5) books of the Pentateuch in their entirety. For your convenience a reading report with schedule is provided in this syllabus. The completed report will be due at the beginning of class (8:30 AM). Your reading is best done thoughtfully and carefully, with each book being read in one sitting. 3. Textbook Reading (20%) Due: Tues., Dec. 5. Each student is expected to read the course text, A Guide to the Pentateuch, by Wenham in its entirety (pp. xi 197) Having done so, in 3 full pages identify and discuss components of the text that you found particularly helpful/insightful as well as problematic/troublesome. Be aware that your analysis is not concerned with the author s 2

3 style, or whether you found it a difficult read. Rather, you are being asked to recognize, pinpoint and comment on significant details in content. This may focus on, for example, cultural issues, theological concerns, linguistic difficulties, historical matters, or hermeneutical problems. Students are expected to exercise a good measure of Christian and academic charity and respect when disagreeing with scholars. How to proceed? Begin by providing the basic bibliographic data (in proper format) as well as the total number of pages (not percentage) you have read. Next, identify and discuss 3 helpful/insightful aspects of Wenham s work. Then, identify and discuss 3 problematic/troublesome aspects of Wenham s work. Include a proper title page. 4. Midterm Exam (20%) Due: Fri., Nov. 17?? The midterm exam will be based on the material pertaining to the book of Genesis. It will come primarily from the lecture material covered in class. The exam will be given once the class material from Genesis has been completed. 5. Final Exam (20%) Due: Wed., Dec. 20. The final exam will be based on the material pertaining to the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Like the midterm, the exam will concern itself with the material covered primarily in the class lectures. These assignments represent approx. 210 pages of textbook reading. EXTENSION/ATTENDANCE/CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE POLICIES For an explanation of these important policies please refer to the NBC Student Handbook. Be aware that classroom etiquette involves the responsible use of technology. Therefore, electronics (laptops, tablets, cell phones etc.) are not to be used to play games, web browse, , or text messages during class time. Since technology can be used to enhance learning, discretion is left to the individual faculty whether they allow devices in the classroom. If such devices become a distraction the student may be marked absent from class and/or no longer permitted to bring their device to class. The expectation of this class is that each student will consider the well being of others through courtesy, good manners and attentive participation. One further important word. If you are hindered in any way because of a learning disability please speak with the course instructor as soon as possible. It is their desire to develop strategies that accommodate your need and make your learning experience as rewarding as possible. 3

4 COURSE OUTLINE [Changes to this outline may be made due to time constraints] I. Genesis A. The Book of Genesis: An Introduction B. Creation C. The Fall of Humanity D. The Flood E. Abraham II. Exodus A. The Book of Exodus: An Introduction B. The Exodus C. The Passover D. Mt. Sinai and the Law III. Leviticus A. The Book of Leviticus: An Introduction B. The Sacrificial System C. Holiness and Uncleanness IV. Numbers A. The Book of Numbers: An Introduction B. Preparations for the Promised Land V. Deuteronomy A. The Book of Deuteronomy: An Introduction B. The Election of Israel SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY [Please note that not all the books listed are available in the NBC library] Old Testament Anderson, Bernhard W. and Steven Bishop. Understanding the Old Testament. Upper Saddle, NJ: Pearson Publishing Group, Archer, Gleason L. and Gregory Chirichigno. Old Testament Quotations in the New Testament. Chicago: Moody Press, Archer, Gleason L. A Survey of the Old Testament Introduction. Chicago: Moody Press, Armerding, Carl E. The Old Testament and Criticism. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Arnold, Bill T. and Bryan E. Beyer. Encountering the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, Beckwith, Roger T. and Martin J. Selman, eds. Sacrifice in the Bible. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House,

5 Beitzel, Barry J., ed. The Moody Atlas of Bible Lands. Chicago: Moody Press, Benware, Paul N. Survey of the Old Testament. Chicago: Moody Press, Bright, John. A History of Israel, 3 rd ed. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, Corcos, Georgette. The Glory of the Old Testament. Jerusalem, Israel: The Jerusalem Press, Dempster, Stephen G. Dominion and Dynasty: A Theology of the Hebrew Bible. Downers Grove, Leicester: IVP, Apollos, Dillard, Raymond B. and Tremper Longman III. An Introduction to the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, Edersheim, Alfred. Old Testament Bible History. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Ellison, H. I. The Message of the Old Testament. Devon, England: The Paternoster, Harrison, R. K. An Introduction to the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Hasel, Gerhard. Old Testament Theology: Basic Issues in Current Debate. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Hayes, John H. An Introduction to the Old Testament. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, Hays, J. Daniel. Applying the Old Testament Law Today. Bibliotheca Sacra 158 (Jan.- Mar. 2001): Hill, Andrew E. and John H. Walton. The Old Testament Today. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing Company, Hoerth, Alfred J., Gerald L. Mattingly and Edwin M. Yamauchi, eds. People of the Old Testament World. Cambridge: The Lutterworth Press, House, Paul R. Old Testament Survey. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, House, Paul R. and Eric Mitchell. Old Testament Survey, 2 nd ed. Nashville: B & H Academic, Hubbard, David Allan, and William Frederick Bush. Old Testament Survey. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Jamieson, Robert. Commentary on the Whole Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan,

6 Jensen, Irving Lester. Jensen s Survey of the Old Testament. Chicago: Moody Press, Kaiser Jr., Walter C. Classical Evangelical Essays in Old Testament Interpretation. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, Hard Sayings of the Old Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, Kurtz, J. H. Sacrificial Worship of the Old Testament. Translated by James Martin. Minneapolis: Klock & Klock, [1863] Martens, Elmer A. God s Design: A Focus on Old Testament Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, Merrill, Eugene H. Royal Priesthood: An Old Testament Messianic Motif. Bibliotheca Sacra 150 (Jan.-Mar. 1993): An Historical Survey of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, Kingdom of Priests: A History of Old Testament Israel. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, Packer, J. I. and Merrill C. Tenney. The World of the Old Testament. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Pfeiffer, Charles F. An Outline of Old Testament History. Chicago: Moody Press, Old Testament History. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, Pfeiffer, Robert H. Introduction to the Old Testament. New York: Harper and Row, Raven, John Howard. Old Testament Introduction. New York: Revell Books, Robinson, H. Wheeler. The Cross in the Old Testament. Philadelphia: The Westminster/John Knox Press, Schult, Samuel J. The Old Testament Speaks. New York: Harper and Row, Schultz, Samuel J. and Gary V. Smith. Exploring the Old Testament. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, Snaith, Norman H. The Distinctive Ideas of the Old Testament. New York: Schocken Books,

7 Trawick, Buckner B. The Bible as Literature. New York: Harper and Row, Tullock, John H. The Old Testament Story. Upper Saddle, NJ: Prentice Hall, The Old Testament Story, 7 th ed. Upper Saddle, NJ: Prentice Hall, Unger, Merrill F. Introductory Guide to the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Van Dooren, L. A. T. Introducing the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Wegner, Paul D. The Journey From Texts to Translations. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, Wood, Leon J. A Survey of Israel s History. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, The Prophets of Israel. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, Young, Edward J. An Introduction to the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Zuck, Roy B. A Biblical Theology of the Old Testament. Chicago: Moody Press, Pentateuch Alexander, T. Desmond. From Paradise to Promised Land: An Introduction to the Pentateuch, 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, Alexander, T. Desmond and David W. Baker, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament Pentateuch. Downers Grove: IVP, Anders, Max ed. Holman Old Testament Commentary: Genesis. Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman Publishers, Arnold, Bill T. Encountering the Book of Genesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, Baldwin, Joyce G. The Message of Genesis Downers Grove, IL: IVP, Briggs, Richard S. and Joel N. Lohr eds. A Theological Introduction to the Pentateuch: Interpreting the Torah as Christian Scripture. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, Bonar, Andrew. Leviticus. London: Banner of Truth Trust, [1846] Bruckner, James K. Exodus. (NIBC) Peabody: Hendrickson Publishing,

8 Calvin, John. Genesis. Calvin s Commentaries Vol. 1. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, Harmony of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. Calvin s Commentaries Vol. 3. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, Cole, R. Alan. Exodus. (TOTC) Downers Grove: IVP, Craigie, Peter C. The Book of Deuteronomy. (NICOT) Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Davis, John J. Paradise to Prison: Studies in Genesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, Exell, Joseph S. The Biblical Illustrator of Genesis, Vol. 1. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, The Biblical Illustrator of Genesis, Vol. 2. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, Gaebelein, Frank E., ed. The Expositors Bible Commentary, Vol. 2. Grand Rapids, MI: Regency Reference Library, 1990., ed. The Expositors Bible Commentary, Vol. 3. Grand Rapids, MI: Regency Reference Library, Garrett, Duane. Rethinking Genesis. Ross-Shire, Great Britain: Christian Focus Productions, Gilchrest, Eric. For the Wages of Sin is Banishment: An Unexplored Motif in Leviticus 16 and the Ritual of the Scapegoat. Evangelical Quarterly 85:1 (2013): Greidanus, Sidney. Preaching Christ in the Old Testament: A Contemporary Hermeneutical Method. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing, Preaching Christ from Genesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, Hamilton, Victor P. Handbook on the Pentateuch. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, Harrison, R. K. Numbers. (WEC) Chicago: Moody Press, Leviticus. (TOTC) Downers Grove: IVP, Holdcroft, Thomas. The Pentateuch. Abbotsford, BC: CeeTeC Publishing,

9 Hoogsteen, Ted. God Meant it For Good: The Covenant and the Church Today. Burlington, ON: Welch Publishing Company Inc., Hopkins, Ezekiel. Understanding the Ten Commandments, in Classical Evangelical Essays in Old Testament Interpretation, ed. Walter C. Kaiser Jr., Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, Keil, C.F. and F. Delitzch. Commentary on the Old Testament: The Pentateuch. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, Kidner, Derek. Genesis: An Introduction and Commentary. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, Lange, John Peter. Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Genesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, n.d. Leupold, H. C. Exposition of Genesis, Vol Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, Livingston, G. Herbert. The Pentateuch in its Cultural Environment. Grand Rapids: Baker, Mackintosh, C. H. Notes on the Book of Genesis. New York, NY: Loizeau Brothers, Notes on the Book of Leviticus. New York, NY: Loizeau Brothers, Matthews, Kenneth A. Genesis 1-11:26. Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman Publishers, Matthews, Victor H. and Don C. Benjamin. Social World of Ancient Israel: BC. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, Morris, Henry M. The Genesis Record. San Diego, CA: Creation Life, Oden, Thomas, ed. Genesis (ACCS) Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2001., ed. Genesis (ACCS) Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2001., ed. Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. (ACCS) Downers Grove: IVP, Pink, Arthur. Gleanings in Genesis, Vol Chicago, IL: Moody, Riley, W. B. The Bible of the Expositor and Evangelist. Cleveland, OH. Union Gospel Press,

10 Sauer, Erich. The Dawn of World Redemption: A Survey of the History of Salvation in the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing Company, Schaeffer, Francis A. Genesis in Space and Time. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, Sprinkle, Joe M. Law and Narrative in Exodus Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 49 (June 2004): Wenham, Gordon J. Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Pentateuch. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, Numbers. (TOTC) Downers Grove: IVP, The Book of Leviticus. (NICOT) Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Wolf, Herbert. An Introduction to the Old Testament Pentateuch. Chicago: Moody Publishers,