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First OT Assignment WEDNESDAY

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Jeffery Ayembilla
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13 views

First OT Assignment WEDNESDAY

Uploaded by

Jeffery Ayembilla
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Ayembilla Jeffery

MA: Level 100

Introduction

Old Testament theology systematically studies the theological concepts, themes, and

doctrines found within the Hebrew Bible or Tanakh by examining the various books through

their historical, literary, and cultural contexts. It focuses on understanding God's covenants

and promises to figures like Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David, which reveal His nature,

requirements, and relationship with humanity. The field traces the "salvation history" or

redemptive plan where God worked through Israel, exploring His self-revelation as Creator,

covenant-maker, deliverer, judge, and shepherd. It covers major themes like creation, sin,

atonement, law, worship, justice, the kingdom of God, as well as messianic prophecies and

typological foreshadowing of the Messiah. The aim is to construct a cohesive understanding

of how God progressively revealed Himself and His plans, informing the faith and practices

of believers while laying the foundation for the New Testament and broader Christian faith.

The Flowering and Floundering of Old Testament Theology

Elmer Marten states that the Old Testament Theology (OT Theology) has evolved

significantly, with some scholars now preferring the term "Theology of the Hebrew

Scriptures" to avoid Christian-centric implications. The Old Testment Theology (OT

Theology) has faced challenges, particularly from critical methods that question the unity and

role of OT Theology, especially in relation to the New Testament. Despite skepticism about

its compatibility with scientific critical methods, scholars like Eichrodt have argued for the

importance of historical criticism. There is an ongoing debate about whether OT Theology

should be purely descriptive or also prescriptive, considering its contemporary relevance,

contrasting with the traditional normative role of systematic theology. Historically, the focus
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on historical precision and developmental stages of Israelite religion often overshadowed

biblical theology itself.

Recent scholars like Albertz and Childs have emphasized understanding Israelite

religion through a canonical approach, focusing on the final form of the biblical text.

Formulating OT Theology involves a process of "imaginative construal," where scholars

deeply engage with the material to derive theological insights, underscoring the need for

reflection and openness to new understandings. Ultimately, biblical theology has emerged as

a distinct discipline, separate from dogmatic theology, aiming to describe ancient Israelite

beliefs independently from systematic theological frameworks. This evolution reflects the

field's engagement with critical methods, historical analysis, and the ongoing discussions

about its unity and contemporary relevance.

A Biblical Theology of the Old Testament

Furthermore, Kaiser Walter asserts that the Old Testament Theology (OT Theology),

has evolved significantly in response to critical methods that challenge its unity and role,

particularly in relation to the New Testament. Scholars like Eichrodt have advocated for the

importance of historical criticism, while debates continue over whether OT Theology should

be purely descriptive or also prescriptive, considering its contemporary relevance.

Historically, the focus on the historical precision of Israelite religion often overshadowed

biblical theology, but recent scholars like Albertz and Childs emphasize a canonical approach

focused on the final form of the text.

Formulating OT Theology involves "imaginative construal," encouraging deep

engagement and openness to new insights. Ultimately, biblical theology has emerged as a

distinct discipline aimed at describing ancient Israelite beliefs independently from systematic

theological frameworks, grappling with critical methods, historical analysis, and

contemporary relevance.
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A Theological Perspective: The Nature of the Old Testament

Eugene Merrill states that the Bible's historical narrative focuses on events that

contribute to the theological intention of the text, emphasizing the significance of stories like

the Exodus and the covenant at Sinai while omitting details deemed irrelevant to the sacred

history. The theological nature of biblical history is seen in its purpose to communicate the

human predicament and divine-human relationship, presenting events as true facts that

conform to reality. The OT history intertwines theology and history, with narratives like the

deuteronomic history reflecting on Israel's past to draw theological conclusions. Moses

crafted a comprehensive account of Israel's identity, purpose, and relationship with Yahweh,

addressing universal events to redemptively engage with world history. Moses' historical

account began in Moab before the conquest of Canaan, setting the stage for the Exodus and

Numbers to establish the nation of Israel.

Conclusion

Old Testament theology offers an in-depth exploration of the theological concepts,

themes, and doctrines within the Old Testament, focusing on God's covenants with figures

like Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David, and His self-revelation through various interactions.

It traces the overarching narrative of salvation history, leading to the Messiah, and examines

key themes such as creation, sin, atonement, and justice. The field has evolved from a focus

on historical precision to a canonical approach, balancing descriptive and prescriptive

elements while addressing contemporary relevance. Despite challenges, Old Testament

theology provides a profound understanding of ancient Israelite beliefs and their significance

for faith and practice, enriching both the Old and New Testament contexts within the broader

Christian tradition.

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