Old Testament Survey                        


Course Description

Part indispensable overview and part careful examination, Old Testament Survey introduces students to the culture, context, and content of each book in the Old Testament.


Studying the Old Testament can unlock a richer understanding of God an his redemptive work in the world. However, the Word of God in the Old Testament was transmitted through a very different language and culture than our own, making it difficult for us to rightly understand and interpret the text.


Old Testament Survey provides a clear guide for undergraduate students and self-paced learners interested in exploring the literary, historical, and theological issues behind the Old Testament and its various books. Designed to lead you to read and understand the Old Testament itself, this course carefully examines the purpose, message, structure, and major themes of each book in the Old Testament.


Taught by Old Testament scholars and co-authors Andrew E. Hill and John H. Walton, Old Testament Survey is ideal for students looking to expand or refresh their knowledge of the Old Testament. This course is supported by the popular textbook A Survey of the Old Testament, 3rd Edition.


All course material - video lectures, readings enhanced by maps, photos, timelines, and charts, key concept reveiws, and quizzes - is available online for study at your own convenience.

By completing this course, you'll gain:

  • a richer understanding of God and his redemptive work throughout history
  • foundational knowledge about the literary, historical, and theological issues behind the Old Testament and its various books
  • a grasp on issues of interpretation, geography, archaeology, and the formation of the Old Testament canon
  • insight into the background, purpose, message, structure, and major themes of each Old Testament book - from Genesis through the minor prophets
  • insight into the Old Testament's relationship to the New Testament
  • confidence in your growing knowledge through personalized review sessions, unit assessments, and award-winning memory building tools

Course Instructors

John H. Walton

Ph.D., Hebrew Union College


John H. Walton teaches Old Testament at Wheaton College Graduate School. He is author or coauthor of several books including Chronological and Background Charts of the Old Testament, Ancient Israelite Literature in its Cultural Context, Coventant: God's Purpose, God's Plan; the IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament; and A Survey of the Old Testament.


Andrew E. Hill

Ph.D., University of Michigan


Andrew E. Hill is professor of Old Testament studies at Wheaton College in Illinois. He is the coauthor with John Walton of A Survey of the Old Testament and the author of Malachi in the Anchor Bible commentary series. His articles have appeared in such scholarly publications as Hebrew Annual Review, Journal of Biblical Literature, and Vetus Testamentum.

Course Outline

1.   Introduction

2.  Background, History, Archeology

3.  Genesis

4.  Exodus and Leviticus

5.  Numbers and Deuteronomy

6.  Joshua, Judges, and Ruth

7.   Samuel and Kings

8.  Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther

9.  Poetic and Wisdom Literature and Job


10.  Psalms and Proverbs

11.   MIDTERM

12.  Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon

13.  Isaiah and Jeremiah

14.  Ezekiel and Daniel

15.  Minor Prophets, Part 1

16.  Minor Prophets, Part 2

17.  Conclusion

18.  FINAL EXAM

Course Textbook

This course is based on the book A Survey of the Old Testament by John H. Walton and Andrew E. Hill. While taking this course, you will have online access to most of this book's contents. However, if you want off line access or want this book in your personal library as a long-term reference, you may purchase it by clicking on the button to the right which will link you to amazon.ca.

Course Details

Old Testament Survey

by John H. Walton and Andrew E. Hill


16 Units, Self-paced

10 Hours of Video

12 Month Access to All Online Content

3 Credits toward a Certificate, Diploma or Degree

Support by a Clearwater College Professor


Cost: $510 CAN