Core Modules:
OT101: The Pentateuch: This course is designed to help the students acquire a thorough grasp of each book of the Book of Moses. It covers the events and their significance, the theological value and critical questions. The books included in this study are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. (2 credits)
OT102: The Historical Books: This course will enable students to understand the significance of the events described in the books of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, and 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. It also covers the theological values and critical questions concerning the Old Testament Historical books. (2 credits)
OT103: The Poetic Books: This course covers both a study of the Hebrew poetry in general as well as the contents of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon. These 5 books, which take up one-fifth of the Old Testament, contain some of the most beautiful and powerful literature of human history and deal with some of the most basic and universal questions asked by men. (2 credits)
OT104: The Prophetic Books: This course is designed to introduce the students to the seventeen OT Prophetic books – the five Major and the twelve Minor Prophets. The student will also learn to see when these prophets fit into the timeline of the nation of Israel in the OT, giving them a harmony of the kings and the prophets of Israel. (2 credits)
OT106-107: Basic Biblical Hebrew I & II: This course will introduce the student to the basic grammar and vocabulary of OT Hebrew. The central goal of the course is to help the student acquire a working knowledge of basic principles of Hebrew language, and providing a foundation for biblical exegesis, which in turn provide grounds for credible exposition of the Old Testament. (3 credits each)
OT108-109: Analytical Biblical Hebrew I & II: This course emphasises facility in analysing forms as essential tools for reading Old Testament Hebrew with translation of extended passages. Requirement: Basic Biblical Hebrew I & II. (2 credits each)
Elective Modules:
OT111: The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah: Rebellion. Ruin. Return. Renewal. This is the story of the nation of Israel. Their sins called forth God’s righteous judgment, the sacking of Jerusalem, the destruction of the temple, and exile. Ezra and Nehemiah give the account of the Jews’ return from exile, and the story of God’s grace. In this course, the students will see the sovereign hand of God in the nation of Israel and find assurance as they deal with their own challenges in life. (2 credits)
OT112: The Book of Esther: This course is an in-depth study of the book of Esther, including its historical background, literary characteristics, theological values, and introductory issues, highlighting the doctrine of Divine Providence. (2 credits)
OT113: The Book of Daniel: This course is an in-depth study of the book of Daniel, with an insight into the sovereignty of God over the lives of His people and the kingdoms of the world. The prophecies in the book will be interpreted from the perspective of historical events to the future kingdom of Christ at His second coming. (2 credits)
OT114: The Book of Deuteronomy: Jesus quoted from this book on ten occasions. It was the only Old Testament book Jesus quoted when He resisted the devil in the wilderness. Also, the apostle Paul referred to this book in his epistles. Scholars believe that it was Deuteronomy that King Josiah had found and ignited his reforms. Deuteronomy is not a mere repetition of the Law, it is Law that is expounded and preached by Moses to the children of Israel on the verge of the Promised Land. These are the parting words of the man who communed with God face to face (i.e., without a mediator) to a new generation of Israel. His words in Deuteronomy spring from a personal and intimate knowledge of God that had matured over 120 years. Written in the form of a suzerain-vassal covenant, it affirms God's covenantal love for His people. This course will help students to understand the book and to apply it in their lives. (2 credits)
OT115: The Ten Commandments: This course is an exposition of the Ten Commandments, approaching them as a manual for Christian living. The principles derived from them and related passages of Scripture are applied to difficult yet practical issues of our time and questions of right and wrong in the modern world. (2 credits)
OT116: The Unfolding Drama of Redemption: This course is an inductive study on God’s plan of redemption in both the Old and New Testaments. In this course of study, the students will be doing a survey of all the books in the Bible, through both synthetical and analytical approaches. The focus of the survey will be on Christ and the theme of redemption, the progressive revelation and the finality of God’s plan throughout the whole Bible. (2 credits)
OT120: The Book of Genesis – Paradise to Prison: This course is a study of the book of Genesis to enable the student to understand the unfolding of God's redemption plan for His people and to provide key spiritual insights in passages of the book. Attention will be given to theological aspects of God's providence in working out His divine will. (2 credits)
OT121: The Book of Job: Why do the godly suffer while the wicked prosper? Is Satan real? Is God really concerned with the lives of His children? If so, why doesn’t God answer my prayers? If God is good, why does He allow suffering and evil? If God is powerful, why does He not stop terrorism? In the face of pain or loss, we cry out “Why, Lord”, and “How long, O Lord?” What can I say to help friends who are suffering? This is a devotional study of the book of Job meant for every Christian who grapple with these perplexing questions of life. May it bring a new understanding of God’s majesty, goodness and gracious plan for us. (2 credits)
OT122: The Tabernacle: This course is a detailed study on the Tabernacle designed to give the students an understanding of the purpose and significance of the Tabernacle. Students will also learn about the various furniture in the Tabernacle, its design, arrangement and symbolism; and its relevance today. (2 credits)
OT123: Bible Geography: The Bible is an intensely geographical book. The land God chose was not an arbitrary piece of land but designed to develop the spiritual lives of His people. It lends to the backdrop of the divine drama of Redemption. This course will help us to know the physical setting of the land to aid us in understanding the Bible. It will heighten our appreciation for the reality of people and events and illustrates Bible truths. (2 credits)