Theology of the Pentateuch (OT)

1. Discuss the meaning and goal of the Pentateuch.
2. Discuss the process of the composition of the Pentateuch.
3. Account for the factors that led to the divergent views on the authorship of the Pentateuch.
4. Discuss the importance of Pentateuch in Israelite history and religion.
5. Appreciate the message(s) of the Pentateuch.
6. Compare and contrast the content of the Pentateuch with other literature in the ancient Near East.
7. Appreciate the relevance of the Pentateuch in contemporary socio- religious set-up.

13 weeks, about 30 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: General Introduction

   • Unit 1: What is the Pentateuch? · 2 hours

     Read the unit introduction to understand the scope and objectives.. Define Pentateuch and its significance in understanding Israelite religion and history.. Explain the unique characteristics of the Pentateuch compared to other ancient Near Eastern literature..

2. Week 2Module 1: General Introduction

   • Unit 2: The Development of Pentateuchal Criticism · 2 hours

     Describe the beginning of Old Testament criticism, especially Pentateuchal criticism.. Explain the rationale behind Pentateuchal criticism.. Discuss the historical development of Pentateuchal criticism.. Identify the different critical methods employed in the study of the Pentateuch..

3. Week 3Module 1: General Introduction

   • Unit 3: The Authorship of Pentateuch · 2 hours

     Explain the arguments for and against Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch.. Discuss the complexities involved in the authorship of the Pentateuch.. Identify the author of the Pentateuch citing relevant examples..

4. Week 4Module 1: General Introduction

   • Unit 4: The Documentary Hypothesis of the Pentateuch · 2 hours

     Explain the documentary hypothesis.. Identify the sources tagged J, E, P, D.. Explain the weakness of documentary hypothesis.. Discuss the development of the documentary hypothesis..

5. Week 5Module 1: General Introduction

   • Unit 5: Old Testament Canon and Text · 2 hours

     Explain the meaning of Canon when it is applied to the Bible. Describe how the Old Testament Canon developed from oral tradition. Discuss the number and arrangement of books in the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament. Explain how Palestinian and Alexandrian Canons evolved and the differences between the composition of the two. State the various texts and versions of the Old Testament..

6. Week 6Module 2: Books of the Pentateuch I

   • Unit 6: The Book of Genesis · 2 hours

     Discuss the literary genres found in Genesis.. Identify other documents similar to Genesis in the ancient Near East.. Distinguish myth from history.. Discuss the theology/message of Genesis..

7. Week 7Module 2: Books of the Pentateuch I

   • Unit 7: The Creation Account of Genesis · 2 hours

     Narrate the creation accounts in Genesis.. Distinguish the creation of humanity from other aspects of creation.. Discuss the disruption of creation and God's provision for restoration.. Narrate the account of the fall of humanity.. Enumerate the reasons for the call of Abraham..

8. Week 8Module 2: Books of the Pentateuch I

   • Unit 8: The Book of Exodus · 2 hours

     Narrate the exodus event and identify its significance in Israelite history.. Discuss the role of Moses in the development of Israelite religion.. Explain the covenant of redemption.. Discuss the meaning of Yahweh, the name of Israel's God..

9. Week 9Module 2: Books of the Pentateuch I

   • Unit 9: Key Themes and Concepts in Exodus · 2 hours

     Explain the origin of some key concepts in Israelite religion inherent in Exodus.. Discuss concepts like Passover and covenant.. State the relevance of the Passover in the Israelite socio-religious set-up.. Explore the relevance of the covenant to the contemporary Nigeria socio-religious set-up..

10. Week 10Module 2: Books of the Pentateuch I

    • Unit 10: The Book of Leviticus · 2 hours

      Discuss the functions of priests as enunciated in the book of Leviticus.. Explain the different sacrificial offerings listed in the book of Leviticus.. Discuss the theology/message of Leviticus..

11. Week 11Module 2: Books of the Pentateuch I

    • Unit 11: Feast and Festivals in Leviticus · 2 hours

      Discuss the different feasts and festivals in ancient Israel. Indicate the significance of the feasts and festivals..

12. Week 12Module 3: Books of the Pentateuch II

    • Unit 12: The Book of Numbers · 2 hours

      Identify the different literary genres in the book of Numbers.. Discuss the social context of the book of Numbers. Explain the theology and message of the book of Numbers.. Examine the contemporary relevance of the book of Numbers.

    • Unit 13 Important Themes in the Book of Numbers · 2 hours

      Explain the reason for the large population of the Israelites in the Wilderness. Discuss the importance of the Nazarite vows in Israelite religion. Relate and give contemporary relevance of the story of Balaam. Highlight the courage exhibited by Zelophehad's daughters as a base for feminist and womanist theologians..

13. Week 13Module 3: Books of the Pentateuch II

    • Unit 14: The Book of Deuteronomy · 2 hours

      Explain the processes involved in the composition of the Pentateuch. Relate the message of Deuteronomy to contemporary Nigerian situation. Evaluate the role the book of Deuteronomy played in the subsequent history of Israel..

    • Unit 15: Theological Themes in Deuteronomy · 2 hours

      Discuss major theological trends in the Pentateuch. Evaluate the importance of land and the Law in the Old Testament. Discuss the importance of leadership and obedience in the Old Testament.