History of Israel from Conquest to Exile (BA8309A)

Content

This unit will examine the Old Testament Historical Books (Joshua-Esther) that provide a window to Israel’s history; from the conquest of Canaan to the exile of the Southern kingdom of Judah. The unit will pay specific attention to the ways in which these major events were interpreted by the Deuteronomistic historians. The unit will address how to read and interpret Old Testament historiographical writings today with consideration of Biblical Archeology.

Learning outcomes

Pedagogy

The unit will engage students in analysis and theological reflection through the presentation of lectures, readings and engaging discussion. Online students will engage with audio or video lectures and readings and in online forum discussions.

Indicative Bibliography

• Arnold, Bill T., Beyer, Brian E. Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1999.
• Arnold, Bill T., Williamson, H.G.M. Dictionary of the Old Testament Historical Books. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 2005
• Boadt, Lawrence. Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction. 2nd ed. New York: Paulist Press, 2012.
• Chisholm Jr, Robert B. Interpreting the Historical Books: An Exegetical Handbook. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2006.
• Davies, Philip R., In search of 'Ancient Israel': A study in biblical origins. Series: Cornerstones (London, England): Publisher: London : Bloomsbury, 2015.
• Dever, William G., Who were the early Israelites and where did they come from? Grand Rapids, Mich.; Cambridge : William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 2003.
• Finkelstein, Israel, and Neil Asher Silberman. The Bible Unearthed: Archaeology’s New Vision of Ancient Israel and the Origin of Its Sacred Texts, New York: Simon and Schuster, 2002.
• Finkelstein, Israel, and Amihai Mazar. The Quest for the Historical Israel: Debating Archeology and the History of Early Israel, Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2007.
• * Howard Jr, David M. An Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 1993.
• Loken, Israel. The Old Testament Historical Books: An Introduction. Maitland, FL: Xulon Press, 2008.

Assessment