Encountering the Old Testament, 3rd Edition
A Christian Survey
series: Encountering Biblical Studies
Materials available for professors by request only
Chapter
10. Introduction to the Historical Books: The History of Israel's Nationhood
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important that we believe in the historicity of the Bible?
- Why do so many scholars attack the historicity of the Bible?
- Should evangelical scholars be open-minded about the hypotheses of scholars like Frank Cross? Why?
- What approach to the historical books do you believe has the most credibility? Why?
Class Activities
- Divide the class into two teams. Using a spelling bee format, name the historical books and have the teams identify the themes and then read a sentence that expresses the theme of the book. Class time allowed: 10 minutes.
- Divide the class into three groups. Assign one of the following to each group: Tetrateuch, Hexateuch, Deuteronomistic History. Have the group identify the strengths and weaknesses of the approach and share it with the entire class in a concluding feedback session. Class time allowed: 20 minutes.
- Ask the class members to each select a partner. Have each pair look for Deuteronomic influences in the entire Old Testament. Have a feedback session for the class in which these influences are stated and supported with an appropriate reference. Class time allowed: 25 minutes.