Encountering the Old Testament, 4th Edition

A Christian Survey

series: Encountering Biblical Studies

Materials available for professors by request only

Chapter

1. What Is the Old Testament and Why Study It?

Discussion Questions

  1. What does the word “canon” mean, and why is it important?
  2. How would you describe the relative roles of the human author and the divine author in inspiration?
  3. How can we be certain that the Old Testament canon contains all the books God intended to be in the Old Testament?
  4. Distinguish between the Masoretic text, the Septuagint, and the Targums.
  5. Why is a proper hermeneutic for the Old Testament important for a local congregation?

Class Activities

  1. Bring an assortment of Bible versions to class to illustrate the differences in the translation of Genesis.
  2. Provide a photocopy that illustrates Hebrew and Aramaic manuscripts.
  3. Show a film or videocassette that tells about the Dead Sea Scrolls.