In an age of international travel and migration, we’re familiar with people who look, sound, eat, and believe differently than we do. In order to become friends, it’s helpful to understand where they come from and how they do things differently, or the same, as we do. In the same way it is necessary to understand someone who comes from a different place than we do, how much more necessary is it to understand someone who is from not only a different geographical place, but also a different time than we are? The Old Testament starts at the beginning of the world. This course will undertake the task of crossing the bridges of geography, climate, time, and a landscape unknown to us: ancient Israel. Throughout the course, David W. Baker will address aspects of life from our own culture and time, as well as family structure and societal systems from ancient Israelite life. As we learn more about the social world of the Old Testament, we will be struck not only by our differences, but also by our common humanity, sharing the same dreams, hopes, and fears as they did.
Introduction
Introduction
Introducing the Speaker and the Course
4m
The Land of Ancient Israel
Differences between Ancient Israel and the World Today
4m
The Geographical Location of Israel
4m
The Topography of Israel
6m
Resources for Studying Ancient Israel
5m
Families and Home Life in Ancient Israel
What Is a Family?
4m
Biblical Patterns of Marriage
6m
Aspects of Israelite Families
6m
Financial Transactions in Marriages
4m
Stages of a Marriage
5m
Childbearing and Childbirth in Israel
4m
Barrenness in the Ancient near East
4m
Miscarriages in the Ancient near East
4m
Nursing and Naming a Child in the Ancient near East
5m
Occupations and Economics in the Ancient near East
Economic Realities of Family Life
4m
Childhood in the Ancient near East
7m
Occupations outside of the Home
4m
Occupations for Women in the Ancient near East
3m
Using People as Pledges in Business Transactions
4m
Legal Rights of Women in the Ancient near East
6m
Literacy of Women in the Ancient near East
2m
Introduction to Economics
5m
Genesis and Economics
5m
The Created Order
5m
Human Cooperation in Creation
4m
Ownership of Personal Property in Israel
9m
The Destructiveness of the Fall
5m
The Socioeconomics of Land Ownership
4m
Supporting the Poor in Israel
5m
Government in Ancient Israel
Leadership Development in Israel
8m
Moses’ and Joshua’s Leadership
5m
The Judges and the Monarchy
7m
The King’s Rule in Israel
6m
David’s Ascension as King
6m
Bureaucratic Appointments of David and Solomon
6m
Religious Activities in the Ancient near East
Personal and National Altars
5m
The Sections of the Tabernacle
5m
Symbolism in the Tabernacle
6m
Shrines in Israel, Women and Prayer
6m
Women and Worship in the Ancient near East
7m
Religious Practices of Women in the Ancient near East