Content

This unit examines the literary structure and themes of the Pentateuch, with a special emphasis on the world from which these five books originate. The unit will address the interpretation of the text, and theological issues, such as covenant, law, grace, land, people of God, Holiness and worship. Students will learn the influence of these books on the rest of the Old Testament and on the Christian Church.

Unit code: BA2200A

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 2

Unit discipline: Old Testament

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: St Athanasius College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Describe the world of the Pentateuch, including its composition, themes, content, message, and characters

2.

Explain the narrative and legal techniques used in the Pentateuch

3.

Discuss the influence of the Pentateuch on the rest of the Old Testament

4.

Explore the relationship between the theological issues of the Pentateuch and Christian theology

5.

Exegete passages from the books of the Pentateuch

Pedagogy

12 weekly classes with lectures and class discussion

Indicative Bibliography

  • Alexander, T.D. From Paradise to the Promised Land: An Introduction to the Pentateuch. 2nd ed. Grand * Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002. (Recommended for purchase)
  • ________., and David W. Baker, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2003.
  • Baden, Joel S. The Composition of the Pentateuch: Renewing the Documentary Hypothesis. Yale University Press, 2012.
  • Briggs, Richard S. and Joel Lohr, eds. A Theological Introduction to the Pentateuch: Interpreting the Torah as Christian Scripture*. Baker, 2012.
  • Clines, David J.A. The Theme of the Pentateuch. JSOTSup 10. 2nd ed. Edited by David J.A Clines and Philip R. Davies. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1997.
  • Huddleston, Jonathan. Eschatology in Genesis. Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2013.
  • Roskop, Angela R. The Wilderness Itineraries: Genre, Geography, and the Growth of Torah. Winona Lake, Ind.: Eisenbrauns, 2011.
  • Sailhamer, John H. The Meaning of the Pentateuch: Revelation, Composition, and Interpretation. Downers Grove: IVP Academic 2009.
  • Ska, Jean-Louis. The Exegesis of the Pentateuch: Exegesis Studies and Basic Questions. FAT 66. Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2009.
  • Smoak, Jeremy D. The Priestly Blessing in Inscription and Scripture: The Early History of Numbers 6:24-26. Oxford University Press, 2015.
  • Vogt, Peter T. Interpreting the Pentateuch: An Exegetical Handbook. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2009.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Exegesis

Written Assessment Task Exegetical Essay - 2000 words.

0 50.0
Multiple Choice Quizzes or Tests

Quizzes (four Quizzes across the semester Equivalent to 500 words)

0 13.0
Written Examination

Final exam - end of semester (1 hour)

0 25.0
Reflection

Fortnightly Synopsis (Class based) equivalent to 500 words

0 12.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 1 Nov, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-31 18:10:14 +1100