Introduction to the Old Testament

Lecture Details

Introduction to the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) (RLST 145) with Christine Hayes The destruction of Jerusalem challenged the faith of the nation. What was the meaning of this event and how could such tremendous evil and suffering be reconciled with the nature of God himself? Professor Hayes shows how Israels prophets attempted to answer this question, turning the nations defeat and despair into an occasion for renewing faith in Israels God. The lecture continues with an in-depth study of the book of Ezekiel. Ezekiels denunciations of Jerusalem are among the most lurid and violent in the Bible and he concludes that destruction is the only possible remedy. Ezekiels visions include Gods withdrawal from Jerusalem to be with his people in exile, and his ultimate return. Ezekiels use of dramatic prophetic signs, his rejection of collective divine punishment and assertion of individual responsibility are discussed. The last part of the lecture turns to Second Isaiah and the famous "servant songs" that find a universal significance in Israels suffering.0000 - Chapter 1. Structure and Tone of the Book of Ezekiel 0953 - Chapter 2. Ezekiels Denunciations of Jerusalem and Rejection of Collective Punishment 1754 - Chapter 3. The Sometimes Contradictory Nature of the Biblical Text 2139 - Chapter 4. Ezekiels Interpretation of the Final Destruction of Jerusalem 3158 - Chapter 5.Major Themes in Second Isaiah 3800 - Chapter 6. Second Isaiahs Servant Songs Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website httpoyc.yale.eduThis course was recorded in Fall 2006.