The Mission of God’s Covenant Nation:
Historical and Poetic Books
(Joshua – 1 Kings 10; Job – Ecclesiastes)
Guide: Dr. Tim Laniak
Online option:
For groups or individuals who want to access BibleJourney online, the syllabus will be available
at www.gordonconwell.edu/resources/Syllabi.cfm. For online course questions, please contact
Doug Price at dprice1@gordonconwell.edu or (855) 211-2474.
Dates and Times:
Classes will be held at the Gordon-Conwell Seminary campus, 14542 Choate Circle, Charlotte,
NC, 28273 on Tuesday evenings (6:45-8:45) from January 5 through March 8, 2016 (with the
exception of Feb 2). This course is Part 2 of a 3-part sequence that will tour the entire Old
Testament. (The first course on the Five Books of Moses is available online.) The third course
on the Prophetic and Restoration books will be held in the spring term 3/15/16 - 5/10/16.
Those interested may register for some or all of the courses; there are no prerequisites.
However, it is strongly recommended that they engage in the whole journey through the Old
Testament and then continue through the New Testament next year.
Registration:
Registration for courses is required. Please visit our web site or contact Michelle Littlejohn at
dlittlejohn@gcts.edu or 704-527-9909, for more information. Those interested may sign up
either as participants (those who sit in the class for personal enrichment only) or as credit
students (those who turn in weekly assignments and may receive credit toward a seminary
certificate). Students are required to join in break-out groups for a ½ hour either before or
after class each evening. These sessions are led by Gordon-Conwell graduates.
Certification:
Credit students who meet all of the requirements for the complete 6-course sequence in Old
and New Testaments are eligible to receive a Certificate in Biblical Literacy. This certificate will
exempt those interested in any masters or other certificate program at the seminary from OT
and NT Survey courses.
Note: The cost of the 6-course sequence is about the cost of one graduate level course.
Therefore, students completing the Certificate in Biblical Literacy will have taken two courses
for the price of one.
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BibleJourney also offers two courses to supplement the training of Bible teachers. Interpreting
the Bible equips students with practical skills for interpreting every genre of the Bible. Teaching
the Transforming Word equips students with the tools to be effective Bible teachers. Watch
the BibleJourney website for these offerings for which there are separate certificates.
Program Objectives:
1. To provide students and participants with a comprehensive grasp of the main figures,
events, and themes in the Old Testament, their relationship to the New Testament, and
their ongoing significance for our lives.
2. To enlighten students and participants with background information and resources that
clarify God’s revelation in its original setting.
3. To equip students and participants to interpret the Bible correctly by introducing
appropriate tools and methods.
4. To raise up competent teachers who can communicate biblical truth effectively.
Format:
Classroom sessions will include presentations on each book of the Bible, featuring “in the text”
summaries, “behind the text” background, and “in front of the text” interpretation and
implications. Ideally, the assigned readings for each week should be done before class.
Text books:
1. The Bible (The NIV Archaeology Study Bible or the new NIV Study Bible)
2. The Story of Israel (Pate, Duvall, et al; InterVarsity Press, 2004)
3. The Heart of the Old Testament (R. Youngblood; Baker, 1998)
Note: These textbooks will be used throughout the BibleJourney course sequence.
Assignments:
1. Weekly 1-2 page assignments will be expected of those who take the class for credit.
Assignments (provided in the syllabus below) will be submitted to the teaching assistant
and discussed during the weeknight sessions.
2. Students will also complete a reading log for the assigned texts.
3. For each of the biblical books in this course, you will answer five “Guiding Questions”
(see course outline for details and due dates). You will discuss these in breakout groups
during the term and then write up your final essays as Assignment #9.
4. A final test will be taken at the end of the course.
** Plan on 5-10 hours each week for reading and assignments.
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Grading Scale
Weekly Assignments (5 points each)
Guiding Questions Final Essay
Reading Log
Final Test
40
20
20
20
100
Attendance and Missed Classes:
Credit students will need to be in attendance during all classes. Alternative assignments will be
given to those who miss a class.
Discounts and Refunds:
Gordon-Conwell has significantly reduced the tuition for these courses to make them
affordable to our community. We assume that churches will further subsidize this outreach for
their members if hardship exists. Full refunds will be provided only through the second week of
the course for any reason.
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Course Outline
1. (1/5) Joshua
Readings for next week: Joshua; The Story of Israel, pp. 50-56
2. (1/12) Judges, Ruth; Assignment 1 Due
Readings for next week: Judges; The Story of Israel, pp. 56-60
3. (1/19) 1&2 Samuel; Assignment 2 Due
Readings for next week: 1&2 Samuel; Youngblood chp 6; The Story of Israel, pp. 60-63
4. (1/26) 1&2 Kings; Assignment 3 Due
Readings for next week: 1&2 Kings; The Story of Israel, pp. 63-67
2/2 – No class
5. (2/9) 1&2 Chronicles; Assignment 4 Due
Readings for next week: 1&2 Chronicles; The Story of Israel, pp. 67-70
6. (2/16) Psalms; Assignment 5 Due
Readings for next week: Psalms; Youngblood chp 2; The Story of Israel, pp. 71-75
7. (2/23) Job; Assignment 6 Due
Readings for next week: Job
8. (3/1) Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs; Assignment 7 Due
Readings for next class: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs; The Story of Israel, 75-87
9. (3/8) Pulling the pieces together; Assignment 8 Due
March 22
Guiding Questions on the Historical and Poetic Books Due
March 29
Final Test (25-35 question multiple choice) taken with a proctor due
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Suggested Summaries of the Whole Bible
Bartholomew, Craig G. and Michael W. Goheen. The Drama of Scripture: Finding Our Place in
the Biblical Story (Baker Academic, 2004).
Bartholomew, Craig G. and Michael W. Goheen. The True Story of the Whole World: Finding
Your Place in the Biblical Drama (Faith Alive, 2009).
Evans, Craig A. God Speaks: What He Says, What He Means (Worthy Books, 2015).
Fee, Gordon D. and Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible Book by Book (Zondervan, 2014).
Fee, Gordon D. and Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Zondervan, 2014).
Kaminski, Carol. CASKET EMPTY: God’s Plan of Redemption through History (CaketEmpty Media,
2012)
Richter, Sandra L. The Epic of Eden (InterVarsity, 2008).
Williams, H. H. Drake. Making Sense of the Bible (Kregel, 2006).
Williams, Michael D. Far As the Curse is Found (P&R Publishing, 2005).
Wright, Christopher J.H. The Mission of God (InterVarsity Press, 2006).
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Assignment 1 – Joshua
Name:
Date:
Focus: “Behind the Text”
Objectives: To become familiar with the major campaigns and sites of the Conquest and to visualize
the subsequent tribal allotments. To become more aware of geographical realities in Scripture and the
value of atlases in Bible study.
Directions:
1) On the first map provided, (a) draw three arrows to locate the central campaign (Joshua 1
through 8), the southern campaign (Joshua 9 and 10), and the northern campaign (Joshua 11);
(b) Circle in red the three cities that were burned (Josh. 6:24; 8:28; 11:11) and (c) highlight the
two mountains where the covenant was renewed (Josh.8:30-35 ).
2) On the second map provided, (a) write in the names of each tribe in its appropriate
allotment/division and (b) list the cities and towns in the tribe of Benjamin on the right side of
the page (Josh. 18:21-27).
Please use the maps provided. (Submitted work consisting of internet maps with campaigns, sites, and
tribal allotments already marked will not be accepted.)
It is recommended that you utilize, along with your Bible, at least one of the resources below,
familiarizing yourself with the reference section in the Charlotte campus library. Please note which
resources you use. If you choose instead to work with internet sites, please compare at least two to
verify your site identifications and note the website addresses.
Recommended Bible Atlases
Beitzel, Barry J. The New Moody Atlas of the Bible. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2009.
Currid, John D., and David P. Barret. ESV Bible Atlas. Wheaton: Crossway, 2010.
Lawrence, Paul. The IVP Atlas of Bible History. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2006.
Pritchard, James B. and Nick Page. HarperCollins Atlas of Bible History. New York:
HarperCollins, 2008.
Rasmussen, Carl G. NIV Atlas of the Bible. Rev. Ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010.
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Assignment 2 – Judges and Ruth
Name:
Date:
Focus: “In Front of the Text”
Objective: To recognize patterns of human and divine behavior in the Bible, especially those that
correspond to our own experience.
Directions:
In the book of Judges, there is a recurring four-part cycle that serves as the primary literary and
historical pattern for the central section of the book (2:6-16:31). The cycle is: sin/rebellion, judgment
(via enemies), repentance (“crying out to the Lord”), and deliverance, with the emphasis on a specific
deliverer (“judge”). The book of Ruth provides an epilogue, illustrating that even in such times of
faithlessness, God uses the faithfulness of a few to bring about his good purposes. This little book ends
with an ancestor in the line of King David, the next major figure anticipating the Messiah.
In a brief, one page essay, describe a situation or relationship that fell apart because of sin but later
benefited from God’s restoring grace. Note links to the four-part cycle where appropriate.
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Assignment 3 – 1 & 2 Samuel
Name:
Date:
Focus: “In the Text”
Objective: To recognize the progressive and diverse ways that the Bible characterizes key figures.
Directions:
On the surface, 1 Samuel is primarily about Israel’s great prophet, Samuel, and Israel’s first king, Saul.
However, the book anticipates the coming of King David, the leading figure of 2 Samuel. Describe how
the author “sets the stage” for God’s chosen arrival as specifically as you can (e.g., beginning with
Hannah’s prayer). Then summarize how the two books characterize David. In what ways is he portrayed
as an ideal king and in what ways is he portrayed as a man under judgment? Use specific references
where possible.
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Assignment 4 – 1 Kings
Name:
Date:
Focus: “In the Text”
Objective: To take the Interpretive Journey through an OT narrative text in order to discover important
literary themes and theological principles.
Directions:
Your assignment is to examine the demise of Solomon in 1 Kings 11. To complete the assignment, you
will need to do the following:
1) Read chapter 18 in Grasping God’s Word (pp. 305-325). You can find the chapter in its
entirety at the following link: http://www.gordonconwell.edu/resources/ClassAssignments.cfm. In the OT assignment area, click on the PDF file entitled: Grasping God’s
Word, Ch. 18. The password for opening the document is: OT.
2) Make a photocopy of 1 Kings 11. As you study the text, mark your observations directly on
the copy of the text. Limit your marks to major observations.
3) Explain how the narrative fits into the overall story/theology of the book, specifically
identifying links to Deuteronomic themes and passages as found in Deuteronomy and
Joshua-Kings. You will want to include the Davidic covenant and the covenant with Israel
(including blessings and curses for both), as well as the rise and role of prophets/prophecy
in assessing the faithfulness of Israel and the monarchy to covenant stipulations. For this
step, you will need to consult a concordance for key Deuteronomic terms (i.e., covenant,
blessing, curse, etc.), a reference Bible for key passages, and a Bible Dictionary or Bible
Encyclopedia (searching for articles and listings under Deuteronomic/Deuteronomistic). For
a list of recommended dictionaries and encyclopedias, see the following bibliography:
http://www.gordonconwell.edu/resources/documents/annotated-survey-ot.pdf .
A good resource to begin one’s research is:
Hays, J. Daniel, and J. Scott Duvall, eds. The Baker Illustrated Bible Handbook.
Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2011, pp. 184-209.
4) Take Grasping God’s Word’s Interpretive Journey by completing all 5 steps as summarized in
pp. 304 and 323-325. Write out one or more statements for each step.
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Assignment 5 – 2 Kings
Name:
Date:
Focus: “Behind the Text”
Objective: To understand the political background of the fall of Judah by researching historical and
archaeological sources.
Directions:
The fall of Judah and, particularly, Jerusalem was perhaps the most cataclysmic event in Old Testament
history. All of God’s promises for a “promised land” and eternal dwelling place were long in coming to
fruition. Yet within a few centuries Israel and its capital were lost. Knowing what was going on
internationally at the time will better help us understand the context in which Judah’s kings made their
political and theological choices.
Using a Bible atlas, dictionary, and/or illustrated Bible background commentary, write a 1-2 page
summary of the political background of Hezekiah’s resistance to Assyrian King Sennacherib in 701 B.C.
Specifically, name key events, alliances, building projects, and battles. In your summary, briefly explain
the significance of Hezekiah’s decision to show the Babylonian envoy the temple treasures. Finally, list
the key biblical and extra-biblical sources and archaeological remains that help us put these pieces
together.
Required Resources (on reserve or available for copy at the library desk):
Zondervan Atlas of the Bible (2010 edn) pp. 165-168.
Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary (@ 2 Kings 18-20)
Optional Resources for those interested in doing more in-depth research:
Go to the following link:
http://www.gordonconwell.edu/lifelong_learners/bibliographies_old_testament_research At this
link, there are two important bibliographies that will help you in researching the topic: 1)
“Bibliographic Handbook for the World of the Bible: Old Testament” and 2) “Annotated Survey of Old
Testament Reference Tools.” From the Bibliographic Handbook choose a recommended Bible atlas to
understand the geography of 2 Kings 18-20. From the Old Testament Reference Tools, choose a
commentary to write your essay. These resources are available in the library reference section.
To go deeper still: at www.gordonconwell.edu/biblejourney click on “Research Tools,” then click on
“Bibliographies,” then click on “Bibliographic Handbook for the World of the Bible: Old Testament.”
Choose one or two resources from the sections entitled “Socio-Political World of Israel” or “Urban
Society, Monarchical Politics, and Warfare.”
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Assignment 6 – Psalms
Name:
Date:
Focus: “In the Text”
Objective: To understand how structural literary elements and biblical imagery are featured in God’s
Word, particularly in its poetry.
Directions:
Interpreting biblical poetry requires attention both to structure and images. These are described on
pages 352-360 in “Grasping God’s Word” (the larger text which “Journey into God’s Word” condenses)
and in chapters 19 and 21 of “Encountering the Old Testament.” Structure at the verse level is often
called parallelism. This term has to do with how the second line relates in predictable ways to the first
line. Psalms also typically follow formal conventions of structure at the macro level. They may be songs
of lament, trust, hymns of praise, etc. All psalms use imagery to convey their meaning. A variety of
figures of speech create verbal images that are often packed with emotion.
Your assignment is to 1) read carefully Psalm 102, along with the texts mentioned above, 2) identify
the type of psalm it is, 3) provide one example each of synonymous, antithetic, and synthetic
parallelism, and 4) provide one example each of any figures of speech listed in “Grasping God’s Word.”
Required Resources:
Encountering the Old Testament, chapters 19 and 21 (textbook)
Grasping God’s Word. Duvall and Hays (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005) 2nd ed.
(available on the reserve shelf and pp. 349-360 are available to copy at the circulation desk)
Supplementary Resources:
Dictionary of Biblical Imagery. Ryken, Wilhoit, and Longman, eds. (Downers Grove:
IVP Academic, 1998)
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Assignment 7 – Job
Name:
Date:
Focus: “In Front of the Text”
Objective: To personally engage the theological questions posed by the book of Job.
Directions:
The book of Job is a classic story of the seemingly unjust suffering of an innocent person. It explores
various theological responses to suffering, ranging from “curse God and die” (Job’s wife) to “you
deserve it” (Job’s friends). Job himself persists in seeking an audience with God, and in chapters 38-41
God overwhelms him with questions and revelations. Having seen God, Job “repents in dust and ashes”
(42:6). He is then restored to a new kind of ministry with his friends.
Your assignment is to write a 1-2 page essay explaining a form of suffering in your own life or in the life
of someone else that seemed completely unjustified. Identify the theological responses of the person
suffering and of those around you/them. Describe how the book of Job provides light on this suffering
and how you counsel those who suffer “innocently.”
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Assignment 8 – Proverbs
Name:
Date:
Focus: “Behind the Text”
Objective: To more fully appreciate the nature of biblical revelation by comparing Proverbs with
wisdom literature from Egypt.
Directions:
On page 319 in “Encountering the Old Testament” you will find “Excerpts from the Teachings of
Amenemope.” Compare and contrast these instructions with Proverbs 22:17 – 23:11. List what is similar
and different. Focus on content (themes, topics, and phrases) and structure. Then write a paragraph
describing how this comparison impacts your understanding of the nature of biblical revelation.
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Assignment 9: Guiding Questions
Name:
Date:
Focus: “In, Behind and In Front of the Text”
Objective: To begin to appreciate the main themes and interrelatedness of the Bible, the
relevance of its ancient Near Eastern context, and the contemporary implications of each of its
parts.
Directions:
You will be taking notes on each of the following questions as you read the Bible and do your
assignments. You will discuss these questions in your break-out groups as you discuss the
content of each module. The final assignment of this course is to write an essay on each
question, synthesizing what you have learned from the Historical, Poetic and Wisdom books.
Note: in answering the fourth question, pay close attention to each lecture.
1. What has this book revealed about God? Include metaphors, characteristics and the
mission of God as it unfolds
2. What has this book revealed about God’s people, their relationship with God and each
other, and their role and mission in the world? Include metaphors, mission, ethics,
worship, “living by faith,” etc.
3. How does this Old Testament book anticipate the New Testament? Include typology,
promises, predictions, and the overall history of redemption.
4. How would you describe the uniqueness of this book in its ancient Near Eastern literary
and cultural context? Take into account the genres of Scripture and comparisons with
extra-biblical parallels. Consider the divine and human dimensions of God’s Word. (This
essay will take some time over the three Old Testament courses to fully understand.)
5. In what ways has God spoken to you in your journey through this book?
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