Master's Specialization in Old Testament

The objectives of the Old Testament department are three-fold:

1. To develop competence in the Hebrew language through the study of Hebrew grammar and through gaining facility in translation and exegesis of the Hebrew Bible.
Achieved by:
A. Taking OT 610 (or proficiency)* and OT 611 — 6 hours (core)**
B. Taking at least one or two Old Testament exegesis classes — 3/6
C. Taking Aramaic and/or Reading the Hebrew Bible — 3/6
2. To develop competence in understanding the Old Testament and its place and function in the Christian Bible.
Achieved by:
A. Taking BI 610 — Scripture in Context — 3
B. Doing an independent study in Biblical theology — 3
C. Taking BI 810 — Biblical Interpretation — 3
3. To develop competence in research and writing.
Achieved by:
A. Writing an extended research paper*** — 3
Or
B. Writing a thesis — 6

* Students who proficiency out of OT 610 will substitute an Old Testament exegesis course after taking OT 611.

** Both OT 610 and OT 611 are available via the internet.

*** Students who select this option will take another Old Testament exegesis course or do both options under 1.C.


These objectives are attained thought a series of courses in classical Hebrew, exegesis, independent study, and research and writing. The M.A. program in Old Testament is described in the catalog. A more detailed description and a recommended bibliography are available from Dr. Hall. Students who have studied classical Hebrew at the college level may proficiency out of the seminary course and substitute more exegesis classes.

Basic O. T. Bibliography

(By end of program a student should have a working knowledge of the following resources)

  • Alfred Hoerth, Archaeology and the Old Testament. Baker, 1998.
  • Andrew E. Hill and John H. Walton, A Survey of the Old Testament. Zondervan,1991.
  • Mark Mangano (ed), Randall Bailery, Dale Manor, Walt Zorn, Gary Hall, Old Testament Introduction. College Press, 2005.
  • Gary Pratico and Miles van Pelt, Basics of Biblical Hebrew: Grammar and Workbook. Zondervan, 2001, 2nd ed,. 2007
  • Bill T. Arnold and John H. Choi, A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax. Cambridge, 2003.
  • Ellis Brotzman, Old Testament Textual Criticism: A Practical Introduction. Baker, 1994.
  • A. Hoerth, G. Mattingly and E. Yamauchi, Peoples of Old Testament Times. Baker, 1994.
  • Iain Provan, V. Phillips Long, and Tremper Longman III, A Biblical History of Israel. Westminster John Knox, 2003.
  • Richard Hess, Israelite Religions. Baker, 2007.
  • Ralph L. Smith, Old Testament Theology. Broadman and Holman, 1993.
  • William Dyrness, Themes in O.T. Theology. IVP, 1979.
  • Christopher J.H. Wright, The Mission of God. IVP, 2006.
  • Sidney Greidanus, Preaching Christ From the Old Testament. Eerdmans, 1999.
  • Graeme Goldsworthy, Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture. Eerdmans, 2000.
  • Christopher J.H. Wright, Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament. IVP, 1992.
  • Kevin van Hoozer, Is There a Meaning in This Text? Zondervan, 1998.
  • Karen H. Jobes and Moises Silva, Invitation to the Septuagint. Baker, 2000.
  • Paul Wegner, The Journey from Texts to Translations. Baker, 1999.
  • D. Brent Sandy and Ronald L. Giese, Jr., Cracking Old Testament Codes. Broadman and Holman, 1995.
  • Victor Matthews and Don Benjamin, Old Testament Parallels. Paulist Press, 2006, 3rd ed.
  • John Walton, Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament. Baker, 2006.

Here is what graduates of the Old Testament Specializations Program are saying...

I began with a devoted desire to study and know the New Testament. It quickly became apparent to me that without a profound understanding of the Old Testament it would not be possible to understand the New Testament. This led me to seek a second degree in Old Testament studies. This endeavor has richly rewarded my study of Scripture. It is said, “One cannot run until one learns to walk.” Applying this principle to the study of Scripture, “One cannot soundly expound the theology of the New Testament until one can adequately expound the theology of the Old Testament.” Simply put, the New Testament is built upon the foundation of the Old Testament. If it is your goal to “dig and mine” the richness of New Testament teaching, then you need to begin by “excavating down” to the foundational supporting structure of the Old Testament teaching. This will lead to a holistic understanding of Scripture.
--Doug Phillips, 2009 MDiv Graduate

The courses in the program were collegial. Exegesis courses had a seminar format and as students we had opportunities every week to teach and learn from each other. Not only did participants (professor and students alike) challenge each other to excel, we also broke bread and developed friendships.The courses in the program were challenging. Our continued critical engagement with biblical texts provided a solid foundation for meeting the demands of graduate school. The coursework was equally valuable for the disciplines of preparing Bible lessons and writing sermons.The courses were also confessional. Studying at LCU with Dr. Hall brought me to serious consideration of the Old Testament as Christian Scripture and as such its implications for the church. This influence has been ongoing in my life and for it I am most grateful.
--Trevor Cochell, PhD, Baylor University

The OT studies program empowered me with the tools and skills necessary to do solid exegetical work and relevant theological application. These translate directly into ministry because the method works well with a minister's schedule. I still marvel at every Biblical text I study (as I did during the program). I am consistently struck by the depth of a word, or the rich cultural background, or how the author used rhetoric to emphasize his point. When I preach, teach, and lead there is always solid exegetical and theological analysis supporting what I communicate. Finally, this program helped me better understand the New Testament and shaped my heart and mind in Christ.
--Eddie Sanders, Associate Minister, Quincy, IL

Perhaps one of the most beneficial aspects of my time at LCU is the network I am now a part of. Because the faculty at LCU is committed to the Lord and his Church, I received advice, both solicited and not, as professors close to me saw ways I could grow both as a Christian and as an ambassador for Christ. I gained mentors at LCU that have continued to help me in my personal and academic decisions even after graduation. I am pleased with the education I received at LCU, but the mentoring relationships I developed with several faculty members are something that I will always cherish.
--Blair Wilgus, PhD student, New College, Edinburgh, Scotland

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