Old Testament Literature
Take your biblical training to the next level with courses from CU Enrich, Cedarville University’s online platform for continuing education courses. You’ll have access to all course videos, outlines, and notes and receive a certificate upon completion.
The Bible Minor Project
One of the value-added distinctives that sets Cedarville apart is that every student, regardless of major, receives a Bible minor. Made up of five courses, the Bible minor stretches students to think about God, His Word, and His world in whole new ways and encourages them to apply Scripture to all areas of their lives. Now, we are making this outstanding Bible teaching available to everyone. Old Testament Literature, taught by Dr. Chris Miller, is the first course to be released in this exciting project. Theology II will be coming next. We are excited to serve parents, churches, and the greater Body of Christ by providing these exceptional resources for personal and community study.
These free resources are made available for personal enrichment, group Bible studies, and the benefit of the church.
Old Testament Literature Taught by Dr. Chris Miller
Old Testament Literature is the second course in Cedarville's Bible Minor sequence. The biblical narrative will come alive as you join our undergraduate students and explore how the chapters, stories, events, and literary forms all fit together in God's redemptive story. This survey course traces the history of the Hebrew nation from its origin to the time of Jesus Christ.
The videos below feature Dr. Chris Miller, Senior Professor of Biblical Studies, as the course professor. Always among our students' favorite teachers, Dr. Miller combines careful biblical study, powerful storytelling, and helpful visual resources to make the content memorable and life-changing.
Course Videos
The videos below are presented in the order of the class lectures.
Old Testament Walkthrough
Dr. Miller gives a brief visual overview of the Old Testament from beginning to end using his traditional “walkthrough.”
Genesis 1-3
Dr. Miller demonstrates looking at Old Testament history from a theological perspective, revealing who God is, using the first three chapters of Genesis.
Genesis 4-11
This lecture highlights the history of Genesis 4-11 and puts the seemingly different stories into context, showing how God is setting the stage for what is to come.
Genesis 12-26
In this lecture, Dr. Miller discusses the flood versus the Tower of Babel, before pivoting to an explanation of the beginnings of the nation of Israel.
Genesis: Jacob
This lecture highlights the story of Jacob and sets the foundation for the majority of lectures through the focus of land, nation, and leader.
Genesis: Joseph
This lecture dives into the story of Joseph as we continue the journey through Genesis.
Exodus 1-12
This lecture introduces the first few chapters of Exodus as God begins the work of delivering His people from the Egyptians as part of the promise.
Exodus 13-40
This lectures finishes the book of Exodus, detailing the Israelites receiving miracles from God and the introduction of the Law.
Law
This lecture details the law being introduced to the people, what it meant for them, and how it fits into the long-term narrative.
Leviticus
Dr. Miller argues that Leviticus is an “unrecognized piece of literary art” as he describes how it reveals more of God’s nature to His people.
Numbers
Dr. Miller discusses the importance of Numbers, with its focus on Israel’s rebellion and God’s promises.
Deuteronomy
This lecture focuses on the importance of the book of Deuteronomy to the people of Israel as it served as a new “contract” with God.
Joshua
Dr. Miller continues using the “Land, Nation, Leader” theme as students dive into the life of Joshua.
Judges and Ruth: Part 1
Dr. Miller discusses Judges and Ruth, with the books’ themes of “life, death, love, and rescue.”
Judges and Ruth: Part 2
Dr. Miller finishes his lecture on Judges and ends with the book of Ruth and comparing the leadership of David and Boaz.
Job: Part 1
Dr. Miller discusses the purpose of Job as well as misinterpretations of the book.
Job: Part 2
Dr. Miller continues the discussion on Job with a look at the structure, with special focus on the believer’s motives and mindset on serving God.
Psalms: Part 1
This lecture introduces the book of Psalms. Dr. Miller examines the themes and structure with students.
Psalms: Part 2
Dr. Miller finishes his discussion on Psalms with details about the Messianic Psalms.
Wisdom Literature
The storyline discussion takes a brief hiatus as Dr. Miller defines the genre of wisdom literature.
Ecclesiastes: Part 1
Dr. Miller introduces Ecclesiastes, explains its background, and offers the trouble that many readers have with the book.
Ecclesiastes: Part 2
Dr. Miller continues the discussion on Ecclesiastes and the need everyone has for God and His love in the midst of a fallen world.
Proverbs
In this lecture, Dr. Miller walks through the book of Proverbs in great detail, discussing the need for wisdom in every part of the Christian’s life
Song of Songs
Dr. Miller discusses the purpose and structure of Song and Songs and God’s emphasis on purity through it.
Prophecy Literature/Jonah and Nahum
Dr. Miller introduces prophecy literature and ends the lecture comparing and contrasting Jonah and Nahum.
Hosea and Amos
Hosea and Amos both deal with God’s love and His desire for a personal relationship with His people. Dr. Miller discusses this with his students.
Isaiah
Dr. Miller discusses the “mission statement” of Israel and ends the lecture discussing Isaiah’s prophetic poetry on the coming of the Messiah
1-2 Samuel
Dr. Miller explores the narrative genre and how it contains a central theme. With this in mind, students take a deep dive into 1-2 Samuel.
Micah and Zephaniah
Dr. Miller explains how God is the only true way to peace, which is contrary to what the world teaches. He also discusses truth and error with Zephaniah.
Joel, Habakkuk, and Obadiah
This lecture focuses on God’s continued love for His people, even in the midst of trials and tragedy.
Jeremiah
Dr. Miller discusses the purpose of the book of Jeremiah and how it explores God’s relationship with the chosen people of Israel.
Kings and Chronicles
This lecture discusses how Kings and Chronicles serve as historical records of Israel, but their purpose is still relevant as the day they were written.
Daniel: Part 1
In this lecture, Dr. Miller explains the purpose of the book of Daniel and how God’s promises remain, even in the midst of Israel’s exile.
Daniel: Part 2
Dr. Miller wraps up the book of Daniel with a look at eschatology and prophecy present in the book.
Ezekiel, Haggai, and Zechariah
Dr. Miller finishes his lectures on the minor prophets with a look at the second coming and the high priestly status of Christ.
Esther
Dr. Miller closes out Old Testament literature with a study of Esther and God’s faithfulness and love for His people.
Take Your Biblical Study to the Next Level
Looking for additional comprehensive Bible training? Cedarville University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies that will equip you with a deep understanding of the Bible, including the original languages of Greek and Hebrew. Ready for the next step? Cedarville's Master of Divinity degree and online Master of Ministry degree are equipping men and women who desire to serve God in vocational ministry. With multiple accelerated options to choose from, Cedarville’s M.Div. provides a comprehensive program that is committed to biblical authority, the Great Commission, and equipping the next generation of leaders in the local church.
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