Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

edX

The Bible in Light of the Ancient Near East

Bar-Ilan University via edX

Overview

The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the fascinating world of Israel's neighboring civilizations in biblical times. It offers a comparative study that examines the relationship between the Bible and these civilizations.

We will discuss a selection of biblical traditions, genres, and themes from a comparative perspective, and show how the ancient Near Eastern materials shed new light on these topics.

While the course will refer to a variety of civilizations, a special focus will be placed on Mesopotamia and its relationship to the bible.

Syllabus

  • Lesson 1 : The Ancient Near East: Historical and Cultural Introduction.

  • Lesson 2: Biblical Creation Traditions in their Ancient Near Eastern Context.

  • Lesson 3: The Biblical Flood Story in its Ancient Near Eastern Context.

  • Lesson 4: A Theological Perspective on the Creator God: Between the Biblical God and the Ancient Near Eastern Gods.

  • Lesson 5: The Biblical Tower of Babel Story in its Ancient Near Eastern Context.

  • Lesson 6: Biblical Legal Literature in its Ancient Near Eastern Context, Part I.

  • Lesson 7: Biblical Legal Literature in its Ancient Near Eastern Context, Part II.

  • Lesson 8: Biblical Prophecy in its Ancient Near Eastern Context.

  • Lesson 9: Biblical Wisdom in its Ancient Near Eastern Context.

Taught by

Dr. Nili Samet

Reviews

5.0 rating, based on 1 Class Central review

Start your review of The Bible in Light of the Ancient Near East

  • Anonymous
    I learnt so much, the content was great and the tutor was clear and concise, looking forward to doing another course.

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.