Details for The Pentateuch

At the beginning of the bible, we find the Pentateuch. From Genesis to Deuteronomy, these books are essential for understanding our faith today. For ancient Israel it described their origins, creation stories, ancestors, exodus from Egypt, covenant with Yahweh, the journey to the Promised Land and their worship of Yahweh. Similarly for us as Christians, our salvation-story is framed by the people, images and stories found in the Pentateuch. Together in this unit we will explore these foundational themes of creation, faith, salvation, covenant, worship, land and journeying present in the Pentateuch. We will particularly discover the wonder of the Pentateuch’s literary structure and techniques as well as the world it constructs. It will also survey how the Pentateuch sets the stage for what follows in the rest of the biblical canon.

The unit The Pentateuch is part of the subject area Biblical Studies and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Bachelor of Applied Theology (Korean) (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)), Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This course unit examines the literary and ideological themes and structures evident in the Pentateuch, with particular focus on the world it constructs and the influences it exerts on the remainder of the OT and modern culture

Subject Content

1. Introduction to the formation, development and themes of the Pentateuch
2. Genesis
3. Exodus
4. Leviticus 
5. Numbers
6. Deuteronomy
7. Exegesis of selected passages

This course may be offered in the following formats

Lectures, tutorials, small group work, student presentation, dramatic reading, web-based interaction

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis College.

Assessment Methods

Major essay (50%, 2500 words); Exegetical Essay (25%, 1250 words); Exam (25%, 1 hour)

Prescribed Text

None

Recommended:

Alexander, T.D, & Baker, D.W. (eds), Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch, Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP, 2003.

Clines, D.J.A., The Theme of the Pentateuch, SAP, 2nd edn, 1997

Representative References

• Alexander, T.D. and Baker D.W (eds.). Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch. Downers Grove: IVP, 2003.
• Blenkinsopp, J.The Pentateuch.New York: Doubleday, 1992.
• Brenner, Athalya (eds.).A Feminist Companion to Genesis. Sheffield: SAP, 1993.
• Brueggemann, Walter.The Land: Place as Gift, Promise, and Challenge in Biblical Faith. OBT, Philadelphia: Fortress, 1989.
• Childs, B.S.The Book of Exodus. OTL, Louisville: Westminster, 1974.
• Clines, D.J.A.The Theme of the Pentateuch. 2^nd ed. Sheffield: SAP, 1997.
• Fishbane, M.Biblical Interpretation in Ancient Israel. 2^nd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999.
• Moberly, R.W.L.The Old Testament of the Old Testament. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1992.
• Whybray, R.N.Introduction to the Pentateuch. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995.
• Whybray, R.N.The Making of the Pentateuch: A Methodological Study. JSOT Supp 53. Sheffield: SAP, 1999.