Old Testament Survey II

Learning Objectives

• Identify the major events and figures in Israel's history from the split of the kingdom through the post-exilic period
• Analyze the pattern of Israel's disobedience, God's judgment through exile, and His preservation of a faithful remnant
• Explain the primary message and historical context of each of the major and minor prophets
• Trace how the prophets' warnings and promises connect to the broader storyline of redemption
• Distinguish between the historical, poetic, and prophetic literary genres and their theological purposes
• Recognize thematic connections between Old Testament prophecies and their New Testament fulfillment
• Apply the lessons from Israel's kings and prophets to Christian discipleship and obedience

Syllabus

Overview

Old Testament Survey II picks up where Survey I concluded and guides students through the divided kingdom, the fall of Israel and Judah, the exile, and the return. The course examines the historical books (Kings, Chronicles), the wisdom and poetic books (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs), and the prophetic books (both major prophets—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel—and the twelve minor prophets). Rather than treating these books in isolation, the course emphasizes the unfolding narrative: how repeated cycles of covenant violation and divine patience culminated in exile, yet how God preserved a remnant and promised restoration. Throughout, we will observe how the prophets called God's people back to obedience and faith, and how their messages of judgment and hope illuminate the person and work of Christ. The approach is exegetical and theological, grounded entirely in the biblical text, with attention to historical context where Scripture itself provides it.

Reading Plan

Weeks 1–2: Read 1 Kings and 2 Kings in their entirety to establish the narrative framework of the kingdom's division and decline.
Weeks 3–4: Read 2 Chronicles (focusing on the reign narratives and temple worship), and Job and Psalms to see Israel's prayer and lament during hardship.
Weeks 5–6: Read Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs to understand wisdom literature's place in Israel's spiritual life.
Weeks 7–8: Read Isaiah and Jeremiah, paying attention to their historical context and recurring themes of judgment and restoration.
Weeks 9–10: Read Lamentations and Ezekiel, studying how these prophets responded to exile and communicated God's purposes to the exiled community.
Weeks 11–12: Read Daniel, noting its visions of future kingdoms and God's sovereignty over nations.
Weeks 13–14: Read the twelve minor prophets (Hosea through Malachi), observing their varying messages and historical moments.
Weeks 15–16: Review and synthesis, making connections between prophetic promises and New Testament fulfillment, and preparing for final assessment.

Required Materials

A student Bible in a standard English translation (ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, LSB, or NLT)
A notebook or digital note-taking system for recording observations, questions, and reflections
Provided course handouts that map the prophets to their historical periods and key themes

Grading & Completion

Students will complete weekly reading assignments and submit brief reflection or analysis responses (40% of final grade). Quizzes on the content of major and minor prophetic books will be administered at regular intervals to assess comprehension (30% of final grade). A midterm essay requiring students to trace a theological theme (such as "remnant," "repentance," or "divine judgment") across multiple books will be due in week 8 (15% of final grade). Class participation, including discussion of Scripture passages and thoughtful engagement with peers' observations, will be evaluated throughout (15% of final grade). There is no final exam; instead, the midterm essay and ongoing assignments constitute the primary assessment tools. Late work will be accepted with a five-point deduction per day unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor.

Course Outcomes

• Upon completion, students will be able to summarize the spiritual decline and political collapse of the northern and southern kingdoms with reference to key scriptural accounts.
• Upon completion, students will be able to articulate the central message of each prophetic book and identify its historical setting within Israel's timeline.
• Upon completion, students will be able to explain how Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, restoration, and God's future kingdom relate to New Testament revelation.
• Upon completion, students will be able to apply the prophetic calls to repentance and faith to contemporary Christian life and ministry.