Ancient Context of the Old Testament

The Old Testament was not created in a vacuum—it took shape in the rich cultural context of the ancient Near Eastern world. Understanding that context adds depth and new dimensions to your study of theology . . . and will help you bring new insights to others in your preaching or whatever form of ministry you pursue.

The Ancient Context of the Old Testament emphasis is for students who want to understand the historical and cultural backgrounds of the Old Testament better, and learn Hebrew and Aramaic at a level sufficient for advanced exegesis. If you are looking for a well-rounded program that will enable you to thoughtfully synthesize the fields of ancient Near Eastern studies, biblical studies, and theology, this emphasis is for you.

Want to dive even more deeply into ancient languages and literatures? Read about the Ancient Near Eastern Studies emphasis.
 
Featured Faculty 
FacultyChristopher B. Hays 
 “I’m passionate about helping students immerse themselves in the world out of which the Bible arose,” says Christopher Hays, Fuller’s D. Wilson Moore Assistant Professor of Ancient Near Eastern Studies—and he has the tools and experience to do just that. Having mastered a full palette of languages, written extensively, and engaged in archaeological research in Israel, Dr. Hays offers a solid understanding of the interrelationships between scriptural texts and the cultural contexts in which they were written. profile
 
Emphasis Requirements (20 Units) 
Take at least five approved ANE courses.
Normally the five courses will include the three courses below, although the student may arrange otherwise with the faculty coordinator:
OT583 Ancient Near Eastern History, Literature, and Culture
LG525 Biblical Aramaic
LG506 Advanced Hebrew Grammar

Other approved ANE courses recently offered include:
OT576 Travel Course: Experiencing the Land of the Bible
LG533 Ugaritic I: Beginning Ugaritic
LG534 Ugaritic II: Special Topics in Ugaritology
LG535 Beginning Akkadian
LG536 Advanced Akkadian
LG546 Northwest Semitic Texts
OT582 Literary Approaches to the Old Testament and ANE Texts

Notes:
  • Beginning Hebrew is a prerequisite for all language courses listed above. Students with previous work in Hebrew may take a placement exam in order to place out of Beginning Hebrew.
  • MAT and MATM students in the ANECOT emphasis are strongly encouraged to elect exegesis courses that use the biblical languages.
  • Students intending the emphasis as preparation for doctoral study should consult with the faculty coordinator about selecting electives.
  course schedule