Social World of the Old Testament

OVERVIEWIn 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.COURSE OUTLINESUnit 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 IsraelUnit 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 EastUnit 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 IsraelUnit 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 SolomonUnit 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 IsraelConclusion- Course Summary