NIPAWIN BIBLE COLLEGE
BT115 PENTATEUCH
COURSE SYLLABUS: FALL 2015
Instructor: David J. Smith, M.A.
Email: dsmith@nipawin.org
Dates/time: Wed. Oct. 14 thru Thur. Dec. 17 (8:30-10:15 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 me, a twenty-first century disciple of
Jesus Christ, to better live the life that God calls me 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 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.
A course packet of introductory articles will be provided for extra-biblical reading.
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: Thurs., Oct. 29.
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,
• 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%)
For this assignment you are required to read all five (5) books of the Pentateuch in their
entirety. Your reading is to be done thoughtfully and carefully, allowing yourself
adequate time to understand and contemplate what is there for you. Please take note of
the reading schedule.
Genesis – Thursday, October 22
Exodus – Thursday, November 5
Leviticus – Thursday, November 12
Numbers – Wednesday, December 2
Deuteronomy – Wednesday, December 9
2 On the morning of the assigned day (beginning of class), you will be asked to indicate
whether or not you have read the biblical text in its entirety. Be aware, partial grades for
partial reading will not be given.
3. Course Packet Reading (25%)
In addition to the biblical text, it is expected that you will read the course packet in its
entirety according to the schedule given you in assignment #2. These short articles are
general introductions to the five books in the Pentateuch. Similarly, as in assignment #2,
you will indicate the completed reading on the morning of the day assigned. Again,
partial grades for partial reading will not be given.
4. Midterm Exam (15%) Due: Wed., Nov. 18??
The midterm exam will be based on the material pertaining to the book of Genesis. It will
come from primarily from the lecture material covered in class. The exam will be given
once the material from Genesis has been completed.
5. Final Exam (20%) Due: Thurs., Dec. 17.
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. 360 pages of required 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, email, 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.
COURSE OUTLINE [Changes to this outline may be made due to time constraints]
I. Introduction: A Broad Overview of the Pentateuch
3 II. Genesis
A. The Book of Genesis: An Introduction
B. Creation
C. The Fall of Humanity
D. The Flood
E. Abraham
III. Exodus
A. The Book of Exodus: An Introduction
B. The Exodus
C. The Passover
D. Mt. Sinai and the Law
IV. Leviticus
A. The Book of Leviticus: An Introduction
B. Holiness and Uncleanness
C. The Sacrificial System
V. Numbers
A. The Book of Numbers: An Introduction
B. Preparations for the Promised Land
VI. 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; all articles are available in hard copy in the NBC library]
Old Testament
Anderson, Bernhard W. and Steven Bishop. Understanding the Old Testament. Upper
Saddle, NJ: Pearson Publishing Group, 2007.
Archer, Gleason L. and Gregory Chirichigno. Old Testament Quotations in the New
Testament. Chicago: Moody Press, 1983.
Archer, Gleason L. A Survey of the Old Testament Introduction. Chicago: Moody Press,
1974.
Armerding, Carl E. The Old Testament and Criticism. Grand Rapids: William B.
Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1983.
Arnold, Bill T. and Bryan E. Beyer. Encountering the Old Testament. Grand Rapids:
Baker Book House, 1999.
Beckwith, Roger T. and Martin J. Selman, eds. Sacrifice in the Bible. Grand Rapids:
Baker Book House, 1995.
Beitzel, Barry J., ed. The Moody Atlas of Bible Lands. Chicago: Moody Press, 1985.
4 Benware, Paul N. Survey of the Old Testament. Chicago: Moody Press, 1988.
Bright, John. A History of Israel, 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1981.
Corcos, Georgette. The Glory of the Old Testament. Jerusalem, Israel: The Jerusalem
Press, 1983.
Dempster, Stephen G. Dominion and Dynasty: A Theology of the Hebrew Bible. Downers
Grove, Leicester: IVP, Apollos, 2003.
Dillard, Raymond B. and Tremper Longman III. An Introduction to the Old Testament.
Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994.
Edersheim, Alfred. Old Testament Bible History. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1977.
Ellison, H. I. The Message of the Old Testament. Devon, England: The Paternoster, 1969.
Harrison, R. K. An Introduction to the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: William B.
Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1969.
Hasel, Gerhard. Old Testament Theology: Basic Issues in Current Debate. Grand Rapids:
William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1972.
Hayes, John H. An Introduction to the Old Testament. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press,
1979.
Hays, J. Daniel. “Applying the Old Testament Law Today.” Bibliotheca Sacra 158 (Jan.Mar. 2001): 21-35.
Hill, Andrew E. and John H. Walton. The Old Testament Today. Grand Rapids:
Zondervan Publishing Company, 2004.
Hoerth, Alfred J., Gerald L. Mattingly and Edwin M. Yamauchi, eds. People of the Old
Testament World. Cambridge: The Lutterworth Press, 1994.
House, Paul R. Old Testament Survey. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1992.
House, Paul R. and Eric Mitchell. Old Testament Survey, 2nd ed. Nashville: B & H
Academic, 2007.
Hubbard, David Allan, and William Frederick Bush. Old Testament Survey. Grand
Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1982.
Jamieson, Robert. Commentary on the Whole Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1962.
5 Jensen, Irving Lester. Jensen’s Survey of the Old Testament. Chicago: Moody Press,
1978.
Kaiser Jr., Walter C. Classical Evangelical Essays in Old Testament Interpretation.
Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1972.
________. Hard Sayings of the Old Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press,
1988.
Kurtz, J. H. Sacrificial Worship of the Old Testament. Translated by James Martin.
Minneapolis: Klock & Klock, [1863] 1980.
Martens, Elmer A. God’s Design: A Focus on Old Testament Theology. Grand Rapids:
Baker Books, 1981.
Merrill, Eugene H. “Royal Priesthood: An Old Testament Messianic Motif.” Bibliotheca
Sacra 150 (Jan.-Mar. 1993): 50-61.
________. An Historical Survey of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House,
1966.
________. Kingdom of Priests: A History of Old Testament Israel. Grand Rapids: Baker
Book House, 1987.
Packer, J. I. and Merrill C. Tenney. The World of the Old Testament. Nashville, TN:
Thomas Nelson, 1982.
Pfeiffer, Charles F. An Outline of Old Testament History. Chicago: Moody Press, 1960.
________. Old Testament History. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1973.
Pfeiffer, Robert H. Introduction to the Old Testament. New York: Harper and Row, 1948.
Raven, John Howard. Old Testament Introduction. New York: Revell Books, 1910.
Robinson, H. Wheeler. The Cross in the Old Testament. Philadelphia: The
Westminster/John Knox Press, 1955.
Schult, Samuel J. The Old Testament Speaks. New York: Harper and Row, 1970.
Schultz, Samuel J. and Gary V. Smith. Exploring the Old Testament. Wheaton, IL:
Crossway Books, 2001.
Snaith, Norman H. The Distinctive Ideas of the Old Testament. New York: Schocken
Books, 1975.
6 Trawick, Buckner B. The Bible as Literature. New York: Harper and Row, 1970.
Tullock, John H. The Old Testament Story. Upper Saddle, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2001.
________. The Old Testament Story, 7th ed. Upper Saddle, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2006.
Unger, Merrill F. Introductory Guide to the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan,
1951.
Van Dooren, L. A. T. Introducing the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1967.
Wegner, Paul D. The Journey From Texts to Translations. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Academic, 1999.
Wood, Leon J. A Survey of Israel’s History. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House,
1986.
________. The Prophets of Israel. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1979.
Young, Edward J. An Introduction to the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: William B.
Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1964.
Zuck, Roy B. A Biblical Theology of the Old Testament. Chicago: Moody Press, 1991.
Pentateuch
Alexander, T. Desmond. From Paradise to Promised Land: An Introduction to the
Pentateuch, 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2012.
Alexander, T. Desmond and David W. Baker, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament
Pentateuch. Downers Grove: IVP, 2003.
Anders, Max ed. Holman Old Testament Commentary: Genesis. Nashville, TN:
Broadman and Holman Publishers, 2002.
Arnold, Bill T. Encountering the Book of Genesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1998.
Baldwin, Joyce G. The Message of Genesis 12-50. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1986.
Briggs, Richard S. and Joel N. Lohr eds. A Theological Introduction to the Pentateuch:
Interpreting the Torah as Christian Scripture. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic,
2012.
Bonar, Andrew. Leviticus. London: Banner of Truth Trust, [1846] 1972.
Bruckner, James K. Exodus. (NIBC) Peabody: Hendrickson Publishing, 2008.
7 Cole, R. Alan. Exodus. (TOTC) Downers Grove: IVP, 1973.
Craigie, Peter C. The Book of Deuteronomy. (NICOT) Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1976.
Davis, John J. Paradise to Prison: Studies in Genesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1975.
Exell, Joseph S. The Biblical Illustrator of Genesis, Vol. 1. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Books, 1963.
________. The Biblical Illustrator of Genesis, Vol. 2. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books,
1963.
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, 1990.
Garrett, Duane. Rethinking Genesis. Ross-Shire, Great Britain: Christian Focus
Productions, 2000.
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):
36-51.
Greidanus, Sidney. Preaching Christ in the Old Testament: A Contemporary
Hermeneutical Method. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing, 1999.
________. Preaching Christ from Genesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing
Company, 2007.
Hamilton, Victor P. Handbook on the Pentateuch. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2005.
Harrison, R. K. Numbers. (WEC) Chicago: Moody Press, 1990.
________. Leviticus. (TOTC) Downers Grove: IVP, 1980.
Holdcroft, Thomas. The Pentateuch. Abbotsford, BC: CeeTeC Publishing, 1996.
Hoogsteen, Ted. God Meant it For Good: The Covenant and the Church Today.
Burlington, ON: Welch Publishing Company Inc., 1989.
Hopkins, Ezekiel. “Understanding the Ten Commandments,” in Classical Evangelical
Essays in Old Testament Interpretation, ed. Walter C. Kaiser Jr., 41-58. Grand
Rapids: Baker Book House, 1972.
8 Keil, C.F. and F. Delitzch. Commentary on the Old Testament: The Pentateuch. Grand
Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1980.
Kidner, Derek. Genesis: An Introduction and Commentary. Downers Grove, IL: IVP,
1967.
Lange, John Peter. Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Genesis. Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan Publishing House, n.d.
Leupold, H. C. Exposition of Genesis, Vol. 2. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House,
1942.
Livingston, G. Herbert. The Pentateuch in its Cultural Environment. Grand Rapids:
Baker, 1974.
Mackintosh, C. H. Notes on the Book of Genesis. New York, NY: Loizeau Brothers,
1879.
________. Notes on the Book of Leviticus. New York, NY: Loizeau Brothers, 1880.
Matthews, Kenneth A. Genesis 1-11:26. Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman
Publishers, 1996.
Matthews, Victor H. and Don C. Benjamin. Social World of Ancient Israel: 1250-587
BC. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1993.
Morris, Henry M. The Genesis Record. San Diego, CA: Creation Life, 1976.
Oden, Thomas, ed. Genesis 1-11. (ACCS) Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2001.
________, ed. Genesis 12-50. (ACCS) Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2001.
________, ed. Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. (ACCS) Downers Grove: IVP,
2001.
Pink, Arthur. Gleanings in Genesis, Vol. 1-2. Chicago, IL: Moody, 1922.
Riley, W. B. The Bible of the Expositor and Evangelist. Cleveland, OH. Union Gospel
Press, 1926.
Sauer, Erich. The Dawn of World Redemption: A Survey of the History of Salvation in the
Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1955.
Sprinkle, Joe M. “Law and Narrative in Exodus 19-24.” Journal of the Evangelical
Theological Society 49 (June 2004): 235-252.
9 Wenham, Gordon J. Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Pentateuch. Downers
Grove, IL: IVP, 2003.
________. Numbers. (TOTC) Downers Grove: IVP, 1981.
________. The Book of Leviticus. (NICOT) Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979.
Wolf, Herbert. An Introduction to the Old Testament Pentateuch. Chicago: Moody
Publishers, 1991.
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