OT Teacher

[O.T. Survey Teacher Edition, Sample Page 1]

Old Testament Survey

Course Content & Expectations

This course is designed to present knowledge about the Old Testament. The word “Testament” carries with it the idea of contract, covenant, and will. What an appropriate word to describe God’s communication to His creation. The fact that there is both an Old and New Testament simply testifies to the truth that God has spoken to His creation through time and in different ways.

As we follow God’s works and hear His words in the Old Testament we shall endeavor to observe the way the Bible characters responded to God’s intervention and communication. Our desire is that you can gain more than just an appreciation of our great God as we progress through the Bible, but that we will be challenged to personal application and insight in our relationship to the Creator.

Expectations

1. Old Testament Survey will explore four major segments: Pentateuch; Law; History; and Prophets (Pre-Exilic, Exilic, and Post-Prophets).

2. Course content will be related through: lectures; student involvement; reading assignments; video; and guest speakers when available.

3. The recommended course text will be The New International Version of the Bible. This version has been selected for its ease in readability among Bible students at all levels of proficiency. All instruction is keyed to Bible references.

4. Course accountability will include: homework; quizzes; weekly reading assignments; memorization; creative and research writing; and tests. Extra credit work can consist of Bible study worksheets; book reports; scripture topic reports, or (SRS’s #23, pg.77 ) duplicated (see below).

5. Interact sections are “teaching strategies” to facilitate class content. These are designed as prompts and seed thoughts for lectures and discussions. Teachers may also incorporate these sections as part of their lectures, discussions, or small group projects.

6. Student Resource Sheets in the back of the syllabus are provided to enhance specific lessons. Memory assignments are also included in this section. The SRS’s are integrated throughout course work. A parenthesis after any title including (SRS # pg. ) will signal the appropriate time for their use.

[O.T. Survey Teacher Edition, Sample Page 2]

O.T. Survey....Reading Schedule (SRS #1 Pg.55)

SEPTEMBER Scripture Reference

First Reading Genesis 1:1-19:38

Second Reading Genesis 20:1-33:20

Third Reading Genesis 34:1-50:26

OCTOBER

Fourth Reading Exodus 1:1-24:18

Fifth Reading Numbers 9:15-24:25

Sixth Reading Deuteronomy 1:1-18:22

NOVEMBER

Seventh Reading Deuteronomy 26:16-Joshua 8:35

Eighth Reading Joshua 9:1 – Judges 3:6

Ninth Reading Judges 3:7 – 21:24; Ruth 1-4

Tenth Reading 1 Samuel 1:1 – 21:12

DECEMBER

Eleventh Reading 2 Sam.1-2:4; 11:1-12:23;

Selected Psalms

Twelfth Reading Selected Psalms

JANUARY

Thirteenth Reading 1 Kings 2:13 – 9:9; 1 Kings 11:1-40

Fourteenth Reading 1 Kings 12:1-19:21; Jonah 1-4

FEBRUARY

Fifteenth Reading Isaiah 1:1-6:13; Isaiah 24:1-33:24

Sixteenth Reading Isaiah 40:1 - 61:11

Seventeenth Reading Daniel 1- 12

MARCH

Eighteenth Reading Ezra 1-4; Selected Psalms

Nineteenth Reading Haggai; Zechariah; Ezra 6

Twentieth Reading Malachi; Nehemiah

APRIL

Twenty First Reading Proverbs Projects

Twenty Second Reading Proverbs Projects

Twenty Third Reading Proverbs Projects

MAY

Twenty Fourth Reading Proverbs Projects

Twenty Fifth Reading Proverbs Projects

Open

[O.T. Survey Teacher Edition, Sample Page 4]

O.T. Survey... “Highlights”... Genesis 1 - 3

The first five books of the Bible are called the Pentateuch. Moses is recognized as the author of the Pentateuch. These books were written as the Israelites traveled from Mt. Sinai and throughout the forty years of wilderness wandering.

The name “Genesis” means beginnings. This book describes the beginnings of all known space and matter, humanity, sin, the family unit, murder, work, worship, sacrifice, nations, languages, and redemption.

Highlights of Genesis

(1:1-27) God spoke... and all matter (living and non-living) came into existence. In the beginning = the beginning of time. (SRS #3, pg.57)

Interact: Read Genesis 1 aloud and highlight God’s creativity in each 24 hr. Day. Draw students’ attention to the necessity of a 24 hr. day as applied to the needs specific to each entity or thing created [i.e. plants created 3rd day and sun created 4th day... photosynthesis for plants]

(1:26) “...Let Us make man in Our image...” God speaking within the Godhead (Trinity); Image = spirit, self-consciousness, self-determination, and many of the character qualities evidenced in the life of Jesus Christ but are marred in unregenerate man.

How long was man intended to live? Man’s constitution was to be immortal

Interact: What makes “man” different from the rest of creation? If animals were created after their “kind”, what does it mean when man is made in the “image” of God? Discuss qualities and attributes which can be exercised in man but are perfect in God? Make a list of God’s attributes and qualities in Genesis 1. Observe His omnipotence, omniscience, communication, design, creativity, etc.

(2:18-22) God provided a suitable “helper” for Adam as he obediently carried out God’s request for him to name the animals

(3:1-5) Serpent was an instrument for Satan ... Evil is now present after v.31 to tempt mankind. How did evil come into being?

Interact: Discuss who was “behind” the serpent? (Ezekiel 28:12-19; Isaiah 14:12, 14)

Obviously, several unanswered question arise: How did evil intent come into the world? Why was the serpent involved? Where was Adam during this conversation between Eve and the serpent? Why didn’t God intervene to keep Adam and Eve from sinning and the Garden of Eden a place of perfection?

Satan’s strategy: Asking questions and making statements which promote doubt about God!

[O.T. Survey Teacher Edition, Sample Page 9]

O.T. Survey... “Highlights”... Genesis 11 - 12

(11:1 - 9) The “Human Family” finds itself in jeopardy again?

Somewhere around 2500 B.C. the gathered people decide to build a great city with a tower which would “reach to the heavens.” This ambitious and independent act, located in the area known as Babylon, displeased God. He apparently saw through their self-centered motives, interpreting them as defiant, prideful, and rebellious against Him. It is a pity that the character qualities of an ever expanding “family” which could bring success and blessing became their undoing. God, in another act of mercy, redirects mankind. Now, with the emergence of diverse languages and diverse peoples, the covenant relationship with God will be maintained through the “image of God” in all mankind and the future implementation of a chosen people.

Interact Project

Research & Report Questions [3 members/group max. Bible encyclopedias, etc.]

1. What is a ziggurat?

2. Possible time period of the building of the tower at Babylon?

3. What misapplied qualities does God admire in the people? [Possible Answer: Communication and Unity]

4. List observations of how the dispersion was both an act of mercy and judgment

Dispersion of the Mankind’s Community...

What made these people so great?

one common language (v.1)

united in purpose (v.2-4)

Why was their project destined for doom?

City = independence, identity (pride?)

Tower = desire for divinity, power, equality w/God

Make Name = self-glory and self will

Was God being mean in confusing their language?

God recognized the potential power and achievement of a united people with wrong motives. This was an act of mercy to humble mankind and enable them to regain dependence upon God.

(12:1-5) God’s Call To Abram (Abraham)

With the life of Abram, we begin to get a glimpse within the “history of God’s plan for the redemption of mankind.” God chooses Abram for no special or praiseworthy qualities that Abram possess, but simply because he was God’s choice, and that through Abram all mankind could be blessed.

[O.T. Survey Teacher Edition, Sample Page 16]

God’s Power Demonstrated...“Highlights”...Exodus 5 - 11

Why did God use a “slower” means of deliverance like the ten plagues?

** To reveal His power to deliver His people

** To humble any of the people who trusted in the gods of Egypt

1. Nile to blood...Nile was life to Egypt and sacred to the god Osiris.

2. Frogs...Heka was the frog-headed goddess. It was an offense to kill frogs.

3. Gnats...Geb was the earth god. Dust of the earth rose against them.

4. Flies (beetles)...Sacred to Ra the sun god. Gold beetles have been found in tombs.

5. Livestock...Apis was the black bull that was worshipped. Mummified bulls found in pyramids.

6. Boils...Egyptian priest were “spotless”; they couldn’t serve in their temples with boils.

7. Hail...Isis was the goddess of the air. This is a land of less than 1” rainfall per year.

8. Locust...A sign of judgment from God (devastation)

9. Darkness...Ra was the sun god worshipped by the Egyptians.

10. Death of firstborn...Firstborn of Egypt were set aside for the service of the gods.

What does it mean “to harden the heart” of Pharaoh?

First we know that God did not force him to act in an evil way. The word “harden” suggests that Pharaoh was “bound fast; confirmed on a course.” God caused Pharaoh to reveal what was already in his heart- willfulness. Even the godless priest yielded to the “finger of God.” Without God’s mercy or grace to intervene, Pharaoh revealed his unyielding thoughts openly.

Compare this episode of God’s dealings in Egypt with what Paul instructs the Roman believers ...See Romans 9:14-24

[O.T. Survey Teacher Edition, Sample Page 21]

Highlights… Deuteronomy 26 - Joshua 8 (SRS #13, Pg.67)

Covenant Renewed.....( Deut.26:16-19)

Responsibility rests upon both participants:

I. God’s decrees and commands...He said Israel are His people...His treasured possession...He will set them in praise, fame, and honor above all nations...He promised to make them a people “holy” to the LORD their God.

II. Israel must obey with all their heart and with all their soul...They declared that the LORD is their God...They will walk in His ways

Fruitfulness or Unfruitfulness; Prosperity or Curses; Captivity, Disease, or Dispersion all depend upon the choices of Love and Obedience.

Warning Against Forsaking.....(Deut.29:16-29)

Deut.29:29...The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.

Covenant Not Too Difficult.....(Deut.30:11-14)

God never asks us to do anything which is too difficult or beyond our reach! His word is so near—in our mouth and heart—therefore we can obey.

Heaven and earth are witnesses of the covenant and the terms...God tells the Israelites to choose live...The LORD is their/our life!

God Instructs Joshua.....(Josh.1:1-9)

What is God’s counsel and formula for Joshua to be a successful leader?

Be strong and courageous

Be careful to obey the law “straight and true”

Do not let the Book of the Law depart from his mouth

Meditate (on the word) day and night

No Fear, No discouragement for the LORD will “be there” always.

The Sin of Achan.....(Josh.7:1-26)

The consequence of his disobedience affected the entire Israelite community

Achan’s sin is similar in motive both to Eve’s sin and Satan’s temptation of the Lord Jesus Christ (see Gen.3:1-5; Mt. 4:1-11; 1 John 2:15-17): I saw; I coveted; I took

[O.T. Survey Teacher Edition, Sample Page 34]

O.T. Survey...Pre-Exile...Isaiah 1:1 - 6:13 (SRS #18, Pg.72)

The Prophecies of Isaiah

· The greatest evangelistic prophet ever known to God’s people

· Ministry to the southern kingdom: Judah

· Warnings of God’s judgment upon: religious formalism, idolatry, oppression, immorality, pride, and their impending captivity.

· Important prophecies reflect: the coming Messiah and Savior, the “final day of the Lord”, and forward look to spiritual renewal and everlasting peace.

Judah’s Sinful State

Characteristics: (Isaiah 1:2-9)

· “.....Israel does not know or understand?”

· “.... “spurned” the Holy One of Israel”

· Why the metaphor of a body? (i.e. head, heart, sole of foot, etc.)

Parable of Vineyard: (Isaiah 5:1-7)

· Vineyard/choice vines = House of Israel

· Cleared stones = Removed other nations within the Promised Land

· Watchtower = Protection; Supervision; Prophets

· Winepress = Context can be “trials” or the product of matured fruit

· Hedge = God’s protection around Israel

· Trampled = Invaded and destroyed by enemies

Comparison of New Testament Parable: Mark 12:1-12

[O.T. Survey Teacher Edition, Sample Page 48]

O.T. Survey...Nehemiah Rebuilds The Wall

God is the Master Designer. He has the ability to cause all things to work together for His purposes. While Ezra is proceeding with the revitalization of the law in Israel, God is preparing a another exiled man to carry the burden of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. Nehemiah, the king’s cupbearer, hears of a report that the walls around Jerusalem are yet in ruins and that the work has been hindered by local enemies. So deep is Nehemiah's concern, that the godless king Artaxerxes sympathizes and commissions him to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall.

Nehemiah is also a sensitive man who realizes that the predicament his people are in is due to both individual and national disobedience. His prayer in the first chapter sets the tone of a man of conviction, contrition, and action.

Characterization of Nehemiah... (Neh.1-6)

Sensitive for the reputation of his God and his homeland

Trustworthy...as cupbearer to king

A man of prayer...contrite toward his sins and the Israelites’ sins

Organizer and Leader who can motivate the people

Discernment of empty threats from enemies...his strength and confidence was in God

Elements of Nehemiah’s Prayer... (Neh.1:4-11a)

Persistent prayer... “day and night”

Personal confession... “corporate” confession= “my fathers house”

Appeal for God’s mercy based on God’s deliverance in the past

Acknowledgment of the fear of the Lord

Specific request for success with the king when he speaks with him

Dealing With Opposition and Persecution... (Neh.4:1 – 6:14)

Initial contact and submission to the (wicked) governors

When ridiculed, he answered the God of heaven would give them success

Disassociated himself and the building from the enemy governors

Prayed to God concerning the threats and taunts

Discerned the schemes of the enemy and did not weaken with their intimidation

Testimony of a Completed Wall... (Neh.6:15-16)

Evidences the failure of the enemies to succeed

God’s strength and help was clearly demonstrated causing enemies to lose self- confidence

[O.T. Survey Teacher Edition, Sample Page 56]

Student Resource Sheet #2 Name_______________

PERIODS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

PENTATEUCH

Creation >> Nations >> Patriarchs

God spoke: matter appeared Babel: unity misapplied Godly Men: Abraham,

Man made in God’s Image Dispersion Isaac, Jacob, Joseph

Sin of Disobedience; Curse

Worldwide Flood

Captivity >> Wandering >> Promise Land

Egyptian enslavement Doubt and Disobedience New generation led by

forfeit entering God’s Rest Joshua

LAW

Blessing >> Compromise >> Accountability

God’s provision and Imitating the sins of the Plundered and harassed

protection as they follow nations by enemies

His Divine Laws

HISTORY

Conquest >> United Kingdom >> Divided Kingdom >> Exile

Victories by faith Submission of leaders Leaders who took their eyes Enslavement:

and Obedience under God’s theocracy off God and misled the people Assyria, Babylon

GOD’S PROPHETS

Message of Warning >> Message of Support >> Message of Restoration

Pre-Exile Prophets Exile Prophet Post Exile Prophets

[O.T. Survey Teacher Edition, Sample Page 67]

Student Resource Sheet #13 Name_______________

O.T. Survey...“Hiding His Word In Your Heart”

Pentateuch Verses

1. Exodus 20:1-17 7. Deuteronomy 18:15-19

2. Exodus 3:13-13 8. Numbers 6:1-12

3. Numbers 21:4-9 9. Deuteronomy 22:22-24

4. Deuteronomy 4:1-8 10. Leviticus 17:10-14

5. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 11. Deuteronomy 21:18-21

6. Deuteronomy 18:9-14 12. Deuteronomy 30:11-20

Contract Grading:

......4 verses = 79% or C+

......6 verses = 86% or B

......8 verses = 92% or A-

....10+ verses = 100% or A+ (plus bonus points)

Memory Project Due:__________________________

[O.T. Survey Teacher Edition, Sample Test, Page 78]

O.T. Survey...Pentateuch... (Genesis 1:1 – 19:38)

1. The first five books of the Old Testament are called the ______.

2. Genesis means ________.

3. The first five books of the Old Testament were written by _____.

4. _ Satan's strategy includes asking questions and making statements which would promote ________ about God.

5. Four things that could be listed as "Firsts" in the book of Genesis are:

a. b.

c. d.

6. Place the following words in the correct order which describe sin's progression: Rationalization; Doubt; Consequences; Command; Restoration; Guilt

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th

7. T or F "In the beginning" is a phrase used to describe God before the creation account.

8. T or F God spoke and used the non-living particles in the universe to create all the living matter.

9. T or F The phrase, "...Let Us make man in Our image," helps us to understand that God was speaking within the Trinity.

10. T or F Since God created all things, including evil, it was not a surprise to Him when Lucifer corrupted his wisdom and beauty.

11. T or F After the violent catastrophe of 40 days and nights of rain the Ark came to rest on Mt. Ararat.

12. T or F The tower of Babel marks a real step forward for mankind after the Flood since they pleased God with their unity of purpose and common language.

13. T or F Abram was an honest and faithful protector of his wife Sari when they went down into Egypt.

14. T or F The Bible was written over a 1600 year period by 36 to 40 authors.

15. Write out the Theme of the Bible in one sentence.........

16. Explain how the offerings of Cain and Abel are or are not in character with God's plan to redeem mankind.

[O.T. Survey Teacher Edition, Sample Test, Page 83]

O.T. Survey... Judges, Ruth, & 1 Samuel 1 - 12

Match the following words with the correct statement:

1._____ Sin [A] They cried unto the Lord

2._____ Oppression [B] The Lord raised up a judge

3._____ Repentance [C] Israel fell into idolatry

4._____ Deliverance [D] God let enemies overcome Israel

5.__________ Biblical tradition attributes the writing of _____ and _____ to Samuel.

__________

6.__________ The _____ left Israel vulnerable to the pagan influences around them.

__________

7.__________ The story of Ruth is a great example of the _____ in the Old Testament.

8. T or F Ruth was shown special favor by Boaz since she had no legal right to glean.

9. T or F From Mt. Sinai to the Promised Land, God was teaching Israel to have rulers as the primary focus for their leadership and government.

10. T or F The story of Ruth can best be summarized by the verse, "In those days there was no king in Israel, everyone did as he saw fit."

11. T or F Morally, the period of the Judges was a time of glowing progress.

12. T or F Most of the Judges were very spiritual and therefore a good example to their people as well as easily used by God to deliver Israel.

13. T or F Gideon was "a coward at heart" even though a Judge of Israel.

14. T or F Deborah was called by God to Judge Israel because no man was willing to take the lead.

15. T or F Gideon made a foolish vow when he asked God about the fleece.

16. T or F Theocracy means God wants spiritual leaders to govern Israel.

17. T or F "Backsliding" is probably the best term to describe the Israelites during the period of the Judges.

18. _________Samson was to be a ______ from ______ to _______.

19. T or F Samuel was born to a once barren woman named Hannah, who wept bitterly because of her barrenness, until the Lord answered her prayer.

20. T or F Eli the priest had two sons who were spiritual examples to Samuel as he grew.

21. T or F In the temple of Dagon, the idol Dagon kept ending up face down in front of the ark of God.

22. _________Compare the story of Ruth and the story of Samson. What lessons are learned from each?

23.__________Explain the meaning of the word "apostasy."

[O.T. Survey Teacher Edition, Sample Test, Page 87]

O.T. Survey...Isaiah (Isaiah 1:1 – 6:13)

1.__________ Isaiah was the greatest _____ prophet ever known to God’s people.

2.__________ The _____ kingdom was ministered to by Isaiah.

3.__________ One important prophecy Isaiah wrote was concerning the coming _____.

4. T or F Israel knew and understood their sinful state.

5. T or F Having “spurned” God, the Israelites continued in a state of obedience.

6. T or F The metaphor of a “body” could help the Israelites visualize their unity as a nation.

7. T or F The “sole of the foot” to the “top of the head” are metaphors representing the entire northern and southern kingdoms.

8. T or F The metaphors of “head” and “heart” refer to both the authority and soul of the children of Israel.

9. T or F The “final day of the Lord” is speaking of the judgment day.

Define the following illustrations in the parable of the vineyard:

10. Vineyard=

11. Cleared Stones=

12. Watchtower=

13. Vinepress=

14. Hedge=

15. Trampled=

Of the following sins which God exposed, place the correct observation with the particular sin:

evil good and good evil.....live alone in the land.....complacent.....arrogant.....work of their hands .....bribes.....trampling of my courts.....wise in their own eyes.....inflamed with wine.....outstretched necks.....lofty.....superstitions from the East.....meaningless offerings .....murderers

16. RELIGIOUS FORMALISM 17. INJUSTICE 18. IDOLATRY 19. PRIDE

20. SIN OF WOMEN 21. REVELRY & GREED 22. SIN OF RATIONALIZATION