Lectures by Professor V. Phillips Long
Covenant Theological Seminary
Where does OT history begin? National history? Familial history?
Some begin Israel's history in Egypt. Some begin it at the entry of the land of Canaan. Some begin with the monarchy.
Personal history can affect national history. There's no reason to discount that sort of history. We can start with Abraham as far as Israelite history is concerned. But we can start with Creation as the beginning of all history.
Genesis - Kings. In the Hebrew canon Ruth is not considered part of the primary history of Israel. It's considered to be secondary history books like Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah. Primary history starts with Adam and ends at the exile. Secondary history starts with Adam and encompasses post-exile accounts. History can be explained and told in prose or poetry.
The primary history seems present a large degree of intertexuality. The books seem to be aware of each other. Allusion.
The focus of this class will be from Joshua - Kings.
The Structure of the Pentateuch
Genesis - many beginnings are recorded in Genesis
Exodus - exit from bondage, slavery, a deliverance from Egypt. Covenant is made in Exodus.
Leviticus - laws related to how Israel interacts with a holy God
Numbers - wandering, training, testing, rebellion. Only Joshua and Caleb entered the promised land out of all those that exited Egypt.
Deuteronomy - Moses is delivering his final sermons. He's preparing them for how they should live in the promised land.
These books present one large story. In the various episodes of Genesis 1-11, we see sin, judgment and grace. Grace is all through these books but at the Tower of Babel there is no grace--only judgement. Is God done with the nations? It's after this account that we come to the account of God calling Abraham. Moses, the author of Genesis, picks up with Noah's lineage and traces it to Abraham indicating something special is about to happen.
Genesis 12 is key to understanding the history of Israel. The patriarchal promise is repeated to Abraham and his descendants. The Lord "HAD SAID," likely when Abraham was back in Mesopotamia.
The content of God's call to Abraham: leave and trust God. Genesis 12 contains the promises God made to Abraham of land, seed and blessing (for Abraham, his supporters and the world).
Abram's faith is shown in his actions and obedience to God.
The Developmental Theme of the Pentateuch
Plot - there's tension that cries out for resolution. The accounts are not individualistic and meant to stand on their own. There is a central storyline flowing through them all.
Theme - purpose, meaning, central concept. The theme presents significance and implications. A rationale or dominating idea.
CONTINUED IN THE NEXT LECTURE...
No comments:
Post a Comment