David W. Baker Course Collection (6 courses)

This course provides a practical foundation for reading the poetry and prophecy of the Old Testament. Dr. David Baker begins by discussing poetic writing in general, then the elements specific to both Hebrew and English poetry. Applying these elements to the text, he examines the content, structure, and themes of the Psalms, Proverbs, Lamentations, Job, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs. Dr. Baker then turns to the prophetic books, providing historical background, theological motifs, and the structure and content of specific books. He shows that these ancient messages remain relevant in modern life.

Contents:

Introduction

• Introducing the Speaker and the Course

Unit 1: Elements of Poetry

• Poetry or Prose?
• Creation in Poetry and Prose
• Elements of English Poetry
• Elements of Hebrew Poetry
• Finding Explanations for Hebrew Poetic Elements
• Parallelism in Hebrew Poetry
• Comparing Hebrew Parallelism in Bible Translations

Unit 2: The Book of Psalms

• A Different Kind of Book
• The Title and Structure of Psalms
• Headings in Psalms
• Types of Psalms
• Worship in the Psalms
• Lament and Repentance in the Psalms
• Searching for Subgenre Elements within Psalms
• Lamentations: An Extended Psalm
• Thanksgiving in the Psalms
• Wisdom in the Psalms

Unit 3: The Books of Wisdom

• Personal and Practical
• An Overview of Proverbs
• Wisdom Words
• Studying the Word “Shrewd” Using the Bible Word Study Guide
• The Beginning of Wisdom
• The Content and Structure of Proverbs
• An Overview of Job
• The Value of Job
• An Overview of Ecclesiastes
• The Content and Structure of Ecclesiastes, Part 1
• The Content and Structure of Ecclesiastes, Part 2
• An Overview of Song of Songs
• Examining Internal Clues for Song of Songs Authorship
• The Content and Structure of Song of Songs
• The Importance of Song of Songs

Unit 4: Prophecy

• The Role of Prophecy
• The Prophet
• The Prophetic Model
• Titles for Prophets
• Examining the Different Terms Used for Prophets
• The Prophet as a Preacher
• Five Steps of Classical Rhetoric: Step 1
• Five Steps of Classical Rhetoric: Steps 2–5

Unit 5: The History of Old Testament Prophecy

• Writing and Pre-literary Prophets
• Pre-literary Prophets in Exodus and Numbers
• Balaam and a Message from God
• Henotheism
• Divination
• Samuel: A Transitional Prophet
• Using a Bible Facts Report to Study Samuel
• David and the Prophets
• Elijah
• Baal and the Prophets

Unit 6: The Books of the Prophets: Jonah and Amos

• The Order of the Books
• Jonah
• Amos: Date and Background
• Amos: Oracles
• Amos: Rhetoric and Genres
• Learning Genre Information from the Passage Guide
• Amos: Covenant Lawsuit

Unit 7: The Books of the Prophets: Hosea and Isaiah

• Hosea: Date and Background
• Finding Date and Location Tables on the Prophets
• Hosea: Symbolic Actions, Part 1
• Hosea: Symbolic Actions, Part 2
• Isaiah: The Importance of the Book
• Examining New Testament Allusions to Isaiah
• Isaiah: The Person
• Isaiah: The Structure of the Book
• Isaiah: His Call
• Isaiah: Historical Background
• Isaiah: Ahaz and Assyria
• Isaiah: Words and Meaning in Isaiah 7:14
• Isaiah: The Message of the Book

Unit 8: The Books of the Prophets: Micah and Jeremiah

• Micah: Date and Background
• Viewing the Prophets’ Activity on the Timeline
• Micah: The Structure of the Book
• Micah: Theological Motifs of the Book
• Jeremiah: Date and Background
• Jeremiah: His Call
• Jeremiah: His Character
• Jeremiah: The Prophet and the King
• Jeremiah: Theological Themes in the Book

Unit 9: The Books of the Prophets: Joel, Obadiah, Nahum, and Habakkuk

• Joel: Background and Message of the Book
• Joel: The Day of the Lord
• Joel: Creation and the Spirit
• Joel: The Relevance of the Book
• Obadiah: Historical Background
• Finding the Meaning of Hebrew Names
• Obadiah: The Structure of the Book
• Nahum
• Habakkuk

Unit 10: The Books of the Prophets: Zephaniah, Ezekiel, and Daniel

• Zephaniah: Background of the Book
• Zephaniah: The Message of the Book
• Ezekiel: Date and Background
• Ezekiel: Interpreting the Book
• Ezekiel: His Call and God’s Glory
• Ezekiel: The Theology of the Book
• Daniel: Date and Author
• Daniel: Apocalyptic Literature, Part 1
• Daniel: Apocalyptic Literature, Part 2
• Daniel: The Message of the Book

Unit 11: The Books of the Prophets: Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi

• Haggai
• Zechariah
• Malachi: Background and Message
• Malachi: Structure and Themes

Conclusion

• The Prophetic Message
• What the Prophets Condemned
• Looking Back and Looking Ahead

In Introducing the Pentateuch Dr. David Baker provides a broad overview of the background, structure, content, themes, and literary styles of the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. He traces the continuous story line from creation to Israel’s arrival in the promised land with a bird’s-eye view, while exploring key stories, topics, and theological messages in greater detail along the way. Throughout the course, Dr. Baker draws out and discusses the implications of this portion of the Old Testament for the Christian’s life and ministry.

Contents:

Introduction

• Introducing the Speaker and Course

Unit 1: Understanding Scripture

• Interpreting the Bible
• Historical-Critical Method
• Preunderstanding and Presuppositions
• A Common Presuppositional Worldview
• The Nature of Scripture: Words of God

Unit 2: Introducing the Pentateuch

• Structure and Content of the Pentateuch
• Types of Context
• Literary Context of the Pentateuch
• Cultural Context of the Pentateuch

Unit 3: Genesis

• In the Beginning God
• Heavens and the Earth
• Now as for the Earth
• Creation Days 1–3
• Creation Days 4–6
• Bible and Science
• God, Science, and the Scientific Method
• Science and Faith
• Disagreements: Science and Bible?
• Reconstructionist View of Creation
• Concordist and Literal Views of Creation
• Literary and John Walton Views of Creation
• Theology of the Sabbath
• Yahweh and Adam
• The Garden and the Limitation of Freedom
• The Search for Fellowship
• The Woman and the Serpent
• Sons of God and Daughters of Man
• The Flood and Its Aftermath
• Gilgamesh: Babylonian Flood Story
• Ham and His Sin
• Interpreting the Curse of Ham
• Tower of Babel
• Tracing the Line of Promise
• Promises to the Patriarchs
• Patriarchs: Fathers of Israel

Unit 4: Exodus

• The Story of Moses
• “Heaviness” Motif in Exodus
• Ten Signs/Plagues
• Ten Words: Decalogue
• The First Commandment: Negative Ethic
• The First Commandment: Positive Ethic
• Structure of Exodus
• The Tabernacle
• Tabernacle and Symbolism
• Law (Torah)
• Characteristics of Biblical Law

Unit 5: Leviticus

• Leviticus and Worship
• Literary Genres in Leviticus
• Overview: Leviticus 1–10
• Overview: Leviticus 11–26
• Sacred and Profane
• Uncleanness
• Holiness Code

Unit 6: Numbers

• Introduction to Numbers
• Content of Numbers
• Balaam, Son of Beor
• Daughters of Zelophehad and Old Testament Law
• Priesthood in the Pentateuch

Unit 7: Deuteronomy

• Introduction to Deuteronomy
• Literary Style of Deuteronomy
• Moses’ Four Speeches
• Introduction to Covenant
• Elements of an Ancient Near Eastern Covenant
• Covenant Uniqueness

Unit 8: Old Testament Law

• The Law’s Relevance for the Christian: Part 1
• The Law’s Relevance for the Christian: Part 2
• Suggested Guidelines for Understanding Old Testament Law
• Biblical Theology of Law

Conclusion

• Conclusion to the Course

Join David W. Baker on a whirlwind tour, looking at the Old Testament from many different angles and at how it relates to ancient Near Eastern literature. From creation accounts and stories of destruction to Wisdom literature, discover different biblical literary genres that have parallels in ancient Near Eastern literature. Explore extrabiblical historical texts that mention key events and figures from the Old Testament. Understand how Israel fits into and is impacted by its ancient Near Eastern environment, but also how it is separate and unique, mainly on a theological level, but also by its distinct worldview.

Contents:

Introduction

• Introducing the Speaker and the Course

Unit 1: Context of the Ancient Near East

• Peoples and Places in the Old Testament
• Influences of Multiculturalism
• Ancient Near Eastern Literacy
• Writing and Authorship
• Ancient Writing Materials and Extant Biblical Texts
• Ancient Writing and Copying Practices
• Value of Ancient Near Eastern Texts

Unit 2: Genesis and Ancient Near East Parallels

• Biblical Views of Creation
• The Enuma Elish Creation Epic
• Comparing Creation Accounts in Genesis and Enuma Elish
• Comparing Humanity’s Role in Creation
• Creation in Egypt and Canaan
• Creative Order
• Sibling Rivalry, Eternal Life
• Mesopotamian Flood Stories
• Comparing the Genesis and Mesopotamian Floods
• Considering Parallel Flood Accounts
• An Egyptian Account of the Destruction of Humankind
• Confusion of Languages, Parallel Customs
• Nuzi Legal Documents
• Shepherding Laws
• Egyptian Elements in Joseph’s Story

Unit 3: Ancient Near East Parallels during Moses’ Leadership

• Moses and the Legend of Sargon
• The Exodus and Ancient Migrations
• Ancient Near Eastern Treaties
• The Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Treaties
• Ancient Law Codes
• Israel’s Laws and Ancient Near Eastern Laws
• Legal Penalties in the Ancient Near East
• Ancient Near Eastern Rituals
• Israel and the Stele of Merneptah
• Balaam and the Fragment at Deir Alla

Unit 4: Reconstructing Ancient Near East History

• Ancient Near East Temple History
• Ancient Near East Cyclical Views of History
• Shaping Historical Events
• Determining Historical Accuracy
• Resources for Reconstructing History

Unit 5: Ancient Near East Parallels during Israel’s Occupation, Monarchy, and Exile

• The El-Amarna Letters
• The Sea Peoples
• Dating Ancient Near East Events
• Inscriptions of Shishak and Shalmaneser III
• Inscriptions of Hazael and Mesha
• Inscriptions of Tiglath-Pileser III and Sargon II
• Sennacherib’s Third Campaign
• Inscription at Hezekiah’s Tunnel
• Nebuchadnezzar, Evil-Merodach, and Cyrus
• Hebrew Seal Inscriptions

Unit 6: Prophecy and Ancient Near East Parallels

• Divine Communication in the Ancient Near East
• Prophecy and Omens in the Ancient Near East
• Comparing Diviners and Prophets

Unit 7: Hebrew Wisdom Literature and Ancient Near East Parallels

• Poetry and Songs in the Ancient Near East
• Personal Hymns and Prayers in the Ancient Near East
• The Book of Job and Ancient Near Eastern Parallels
• Job and the Song of Solomon and Ancient Near Eastern Parallels
• Proverbs and Ancient Near East Parallels

Conclusion

• Course Summary

In an age of international travel and migration, we’re familiar with people who look, sound, eat, and believe differently than we do. In order to become friends, it’s helpful to understand where they come from and how they do things differently, or the same, as we do. In the same way it is necessary to understand someone who comes from a different place than we do, how much more necessary is it to understand someone who is from not only a different geographical place, but also a different time than we are? The Old Testament starts at the beginning of the world. This course will undertake the task of crossing the bridges of geography, climate, time, and a landscape unknown to us: ancient Israel. Throughout the course, David W. Baker will address aspects of life from our own culture and time, as well as family structure and societal systems from ancient Israelite life. As we learn more about the social world of the Old Testament, we will be struck not only by our differences, but also by our common humanity, sharing the same dreams, hopes, and fears as they did.

Contents:

Introduction

• Introducing the Speaker and the Course

Unit 1: The Land of Ancient Israel

• Differences between Ancient Israel and the World Today
• The Geographical Location of Israel
• The Topography of Israel
• Resources for Studying Ancient Israel

Unit 2: Families and Home Life in Ancient Israel

• What Is a Family?
• Biblical Patterns of Marriage
• Aspects of Israelite Families
• Financial Transactions in Marriages
• Stages of a Marriage
• Childbearing and Childbirth in Israel
• Barrenness in the Ancient Near East
• Miscarriages in the Ancient Near East
• Nursing and Naming a Child in the Ancient Near East

Unit 3: Occupations and Economics in the Ancient Near East

• Economic Realities of Family Life
• Childhood in the Ancient Near East
• Occupations Outside of the Home
• Occupations for Women in the Ancient Near East
• Using People as Pledges in Business Transactions
• Legal Rights of Women in the Ancient Near East
• Literacy of Women in the Ancient Near East
• Introduction to Economics
• Genesis and Economics
• The Created Order
• Human Cooperation in Creation
• Ownership of Personal Property in Israel
• The Destructiveness of the Fall
• The Socioeconomics of Land Ownership
• Supporting the Poor in Israel

Unit 4: Government in Ancient Israel

• Leadership Development in Israel
• Moses’ and Joshua’s Leadership
• The Judges and the Monarchy
• The King’s Rule in Israel
• David’s Ascension as King
• Bureaucratic Appointments of David and Solomon

Unit 5: Religious Activities in the Ancient Near East

• Personal and National Altars
• The Sections of the Tabernacle
• Symbolism in the Tabernacle
• Shrines in Israel, Women and Prayer
• Women and Worship in the Ancient Near East
• Religious Practices of Women in the Ancient Near East
• Purposes of the Priests in Israel
• Practical Tasks of the Priests in Israel

Conclusion

• Course Summary

Continuing where his previous course left off, Dr. David Baker starts his discussion of the background, themes, and structures of the Minor Prophets with Amos. By highlighting specific poetic devices, he illuminates the prophet’s message and its relevance for today. Dr. Baker also surveys the books of Obadiah, Joel, and Malachi—always emphasizing how you can apply the prophetic wisdom of God’s Word to modern life. Through the prophets God teaches us to build community, maintain covenant relationships, handle hardships, and more.

Contents:

Introduction

• Introducing the Speaker and the Course

Unit 1: Amos: Background

• The First Writing Prophet
• Creating User Notes for Recording Lecture Content
• The Date and Location for Amos
• Creating a Bible Reading Plan that Follows the Lectures
• The Situation and the Sin in Amos
• Custom Collections of Amos Commentaries

Unit 2: Amos 1–2

• Introduction to the Book
• Oracles against the Nations
• The Layout of the Oracles
• Finding Occurrences of the Phrase “Thus Says the Lord”
• The First Oracle
• The Second and Third Oracles
• The Fourth and Fifth Oracles
• The Sixth and Seventh Oracles
• The Eighth Oracle
• God’s Goodness

Unit 3: Amos 3

• A Warning against Israel and Judah
• Genres in Amos’ Prophecies
• The Prophetic Justification
• The Court Case
• Finding the Hebrew Words for “Covenant”

Unit 4: Amos 4

• Judgment on Samarian Women
• Recalling Covenant Curses
• A Climactic Conclusion

Unit 5: Amos 5

• Lament over Israel
• The Theme of “Seeking”
• A Reminder of Sins
• A Choice to Make
• The Day of the Lord in Amos
• What God Wants
• False Worship

Unit 6: Amos 6–9

• Seven Woes in Amos 6
• Three Visions and a Dialogue (Amos 7)
• Searching for Images of a Plumb Line
• A Vision of a Fruit Basket (Amos 8–9)
• Identifying a Play on Words in Amos 8:2
• Hope for the Future

Unit 7: Amos in the New Testament

• The Church Reads the Prophet

Unit 8: Obadiah: Background

• The Prophet’s Name
• The Date of Obadiah
• The Setting of Obadiah
• People and Places in Obadiah
• The Structure of Obadiah

Unit 9: Obadiah 1

• Obadiah’s First Message
• Edom’s Pride
• The Judgment of Edom
• The Day of the Lord in Obadiah
• Theology and Application

Unit 10: Joel: Background

• The Prophet and His Time
• Joel and the Other Prophets
• People and Places in Joel

Unit 11: Joel 1

• A Plague of Locusts
• The Devastation of a Locust Plague
• Discovering Different Senses of “Locust” in the Old Testament
• The Aftermath and Response

Unit 12: Joel 2

• The Day of the Lord in Joel
• Graphing Occurrences of the “Day of the Lord”
• Judgment and Hope in Joel
• The Creation in Joel
• Pouring Out the Spirit

Unit 13: Joel 3

• Judah and the Nations
• Judgment and Blessing
• Joel in the Canon

Unit 14: Malachi

• Historical Background, Part 1
• Historical Background, Part 2
• The First Confrontation
• The Second Confrontation
• More Confrontations
• Divorce and Malachi
• Discovering the Meaning of Words in Their Literary Context

Conclusion

• A Summary of Themes and Significance

David W. Baker brings his interest in pedagogy and the Pentateuch to this Mobile Ed course on the theology of Genesis. In OT303 you will be introduced to the meaning and work of biblical theology, how it differs from systematic theology, and how to approach Scripture in a way that affects the reader for God’s glory. In addition, you will participate in a broad study on key theological themes found in the first book of the Bible, including an in-depth look at the picture Genesis paints of God; what it means for humanity to be created in God’s image; the impact of the fall and sin on both humanity and the rest of creation; and God’s plan of restoration and redemption—all informed directly by Scripture. This practical approach to biblical theology will show you how the book of Genesis shapes discipleship today.

Contents:

Unit 1: Introduction to Biblical Theology

• The Bible and Theology: What and Why?
• Methodology: How to Do Theology

Unit 2: God, Man, and Creation

• The Beginning of Time
• Theology of God in Genesis 1
• Navigating Lexicons to Explore the Meaning of 'Elohim
• The Spirit of God
• Discovering the Meanings of Ruach in Genesis
• Theology through Literary Structure
• Theology of Relationships
• The Image of God
• Yahweh God’s Relationship with Humanity
• The Garden of Eden
• Using Proximity Searching to Research Symbolism from the Garden of Eden
• Human Sexuality
• Marriage
• God and Humanity

Unit 3: Sin and Its Consequences

• Sin and Covenant: A Canonical Perspective
• Guilt and Shame
• Evil
• The Serpent and Satan
• Consequences of Sin
• Cain and Abel
• Broken Relationships due to the Fall
• Cain and Seth

Unit 4: Genealogies, the Flood, and God’s Promises

• Genealogies: Theological and Literary Functions
• Analyzing Genealogies in the Book of Genesis
• The Approaching Flood
• Theological Outcome of the Flood
• Worship, Covenant, and Circumcision
• Matriarchs: Sarah, Hagar, and Rebekah
• Matriarchs: Leah and Rachel
• The Binding of Isaac
• The Story of Joseph

Unit 5: Conclusion

• Theological Overview of Genesis
• Comparing Theologies of Genesis 1:26
• Closing Remarks