BIBL 3203 - Historical Books

A study of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra-Nehemiah, and Esther. These books are studied as the narrative continuation of the Pentateuch. Emphasis is given to their contribution to the overall narrative complex of the Old Testament that stretches from Genesis to 2 Kings and that includes in the Christian canon Chronicles through Ester. Special attention is given to each book’s literary structure and narrative plot and to how each book comes together to form a single narrative unit that revolves around the theme of exile from God’s presence. Additionally, the course also introduces techniques for reading narrative literature and discusses the contribution of the Historical Books to Christian identity formation.

Class 3. Prerequisite(s): BIBL 1033 and THEO 2043 . This course satisfies the General Education Biblical and Theological Engagement requirements.