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Understanding the Old Testament

By: Professor Robert D. Miller II, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Professor Robert D. Miller II
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Publisher's Summary

The Old Testament is one of the foundational texts of Western civilization, and is among the most impactful and widely read books in world history. In 24 enthralling lectures, Professor Miller guides you through a core selection of the major books of the Old Testament, inviting you to probe their meaning and relevance in incisive and thought-provoking commentary. Among the books of the Old Testament, you’ll explore:

  • Genesis: Uncover fascinating features of the Old Testament’s opening, such as how the events of the first week of creation form an elaborate pattern, expressing the complex order of the universe; and how the text does not lay primary blame for “the fall” on the woman, Eve;
  • Deuteronomistic History: Study the epic history of the people of Israel in the Promised Land; follow the story of the Israelites’ disobedience to God, and its tragic consequences;
  • The Prophets: Through the dramatic stories of the prophets, take account of the challenges faced by those who sought to actualize God’s plan for humanity;
  • The Books of Ruth and Esther: Among notable women in the Old Testament, explore two stories of women who are doubly at risk, and who prevail through loyalty, resourcefulness, and integrity; and
  • Daniel and the Apocalyptic: In the Book of Daniel, encounter the genre of apocalyptic literature - revelation initiated by God - and contemplate the figure of “the Son of Man,” a promised redeemer.

Throughout the lectures, Professor Miller offers a wealth of perspectives on how to approach the texts. You’ll assess the role of translation in the understanding of the texts, studying the meanings of key Hebrew words; you’ll also look in depth at the history, dating, and writing of the texts, and you’ll study their literary and linguistic features, noting how they achieve their impact on the reader.

In Understanding the Old Testament, you’ll take a revelatory look at this epically impactful document, finding its deeper historical and religious meanings, as well as its sublime literary treasures.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2019 The Great Courses

What listeners say about Understanding the Old Testament

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excellent

well recommended, perhaps leans a little to heavy on textual criticism, but worth the listen for some great insights.

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Brilliant

Very informative and interesting a deep dive into a broad subject that looks at different books of the Old Testament then gives an overall conclusion,

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Fascinating course

Prof. Miller makes his lectures interesting, engaging, at times funny for beginners and for people well versed in the OT. I loved the use of music for the Psalms.

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Deeply enjoyable and informative

I loved this course. It gave me a much better understanding and appreciation of the Old Testament. The lecturer is very engaging and knowledgeable, especially impressive is his knowledge of Hebrew, the origins of words and the differences between translations. I would love to hear more lectures by him.

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Very Biased, Bordering on Christian Apologetics

I’m trying to be fair in this review.

What I like:
- covers some historical
- quotes sources to back up arguments

What I don’t like:
- purposely leaves out key verses which don’t support his viewpoint. For example, quotes Exodus 21 on slavery, and how there were laws which prohibited violence against slaves. When quoting he leaves out verses which immediately proceeded which discuss how if you beat your slave and they don’t die within a few days then the person committing the act is not to be punished. This is a fairly choice and revealing omission.

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1 person found this helpful

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