Understanding the Old Testament
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Understanding the Old Testament
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Narrated by:
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Professor Robert D. Miller II
About this listen
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 CoursesListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about Understanding the Old Testament
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- david blowers
- 28-06-22
Fascinating and inspiring
So many insights into the meaning and significance of the Old Testament text from this easily accessible, yet detailed literary approach.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Edward
- 23-09-23
Excellent fact based analysis.
First the Narrator was spot on. The content was honest and historical information well sourced.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Norman
- 24-06-21
Superb
I loved every second of it. He has the perfect balance. Great intellectual insight.
The last lecture is the best. Magnificent
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Neil Creamer
- 16-07-21
Really whetted my appetite for more
I’m a big fan of Biblical scholarship and have read or listened to a number of authors and academics. Obviously, every scholar has their own view of the material and I found that Prof. Miller put his case in a clear way on each type of material. Contrary to another reviewer, I found his energy and enthusiasm absolutely enjoyable and I looked forward to every opportunity I had to engage with the course.
However, if I could give six or seven stars to this course it would be for the final chapter which I started listening to again as soon as I finished it. Although I’m sure that scholars who are immersed in the Old Testament have a good feel for the cultural setting of the Hebrews then Jews who wrote it I had never heard this so clearly communicated before. This chapter has opened my eyes to a whole new way of understanding what the keepers of this tradition were trying to say and how closely it is tied to the culture and myths of the Middle Eastern civilisations which came before it. Now, I'm determined to read more about those other cultures and their myths.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 05-04-22
Absolutely fantastic
I really don't have anything bad to say about this, but the slightly weird music between sections caught me off guard at first haha.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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- Duncan Delaporte
- 23-03-21
The Creation Myth of God.
Scholarly but not simple to follow.Complexity deciphered.
I have a healthy respect for the Book but now appreciate that the texts are a History but based on previous myths and histories,mostly oral traditions.
A revelation was the Dragon slayer metaphor..for the whole text and analysis.The Leviathan from the sea,a depth that personifies evil and the devil.I came to the conclusion that God is defined as a metaphor by the Old Testament , and is personified by being the abstract opposite of the Dragon myth..
Very interested in the Hindu myths precedent that established way before this written book the myths.It is like all religions and faiths just Hun beings mostly paternalistic head of family males or elites just making sense of things they cannot understand.
Anyway ,Prof.OK but should seperate his analysis the textual from historical and not leave me to figure it out.Detracted from.real interpretations in my view.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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- M.Martin
- 21-03-22
Interesting listen
I bought this to listen to at bedtime, but it was really interesting so I ended up listening to it rather than falling asleep. Im not into the bible, but it was intriguing to find out the double meaning of the words and why things were written as they were. Makes you wonder why people take it so literally as the professor explains that it was there to be interpreted as the writer was capturing the stories as well as adding spin to explain the issues of the day around him. Fascinating listen and I found myself digging out my bible which I've not looked at in over 20 years as I have a new perspective on it. Recommended listen if you are befuddled/put off by the religious bumpf that usually comes from trying to read it.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- James McDaid
- 23-07-21
Very good course.
Enjoyed this course very much.
Very good presentation and excellent explanation of topics both obvious and obscure.
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- placidhead
- 30-10-21
Mind Opening Stuff.
Listened to these lectures twice through. Really interesting. Helps to see the old testament / Hebrew Bible in a completely different light than is commonly portrayed. One of my faves in The Great Courses series.
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- Mary
- 25-07-22
Insightful and challenging
I don't consider myself a beginner when it comes to Bibke studies - I have read the whole Bible on several occasions, certain books more times than I can count, studied classical languages and can still read the Vulgate comfortably. The Septuagint, I'd need some help, and I'm lost with the Hebrew. However, I am extremely familiar with the text in various translations and languages. I'm not saying this to brag, just to say that I was not expecting this to so radically change my understanding of the OT.
And it really did change my understanding - from the Ten Words not being so much commandments as Laws and Warnings (so, you literally *cannot* take the Lord's name in vain - if you invoke Him, even casually, something will come of it whether you will it or not) to how cheerful and hopeful the Book of Lame tattoos actually is - I have found multiple reasons to reread the books and test my understanding. I listened to this for free but am going to have to buy it and listen again, taking notes. One of the best listens on Audible.
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