OT351 (1.5 CR)
Lecturer(s): Dr Daniel I. Block
Venue: refer to course synopsis
Starts: Monday, 12 March, 2012
Time: (refer to course synopsis)
ABOUT THE LECTURER
Dr. Block is the Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Old Testament at the Graduate School of Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. U.S.A.
Dr. Block's educational background includes post-doctoral studies at Cambridge University, UK (2002, 2010); D.Phil. in Semitics and Classical Hebrew, University of Liverpool, England (1982); M.A. in Biblical Studies-Old Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois (1973); B.A. in History, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon (1969); special studies, Friedrich Alexander University, Erlangen, Germany (1968-69); B.Ed., University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon (1968); Diploma in Biblical Studies, Bethany Bible College, Hepburn, Saskatchewan (1965).
Dr. Block has spent the last ten years focusing his research in the book of Deuteronomy. He is the author of two collections of essays on this book: How I Love Your Torah, O LORD! Studies in the Book of Deuteronomy (2011) and The Gospel according to Moses: Theological and Ethical Studies on the Book of Deuteronomy (2012). His commentary on Deuteronomy (NIVAC, Zondervan, 2012) will be released shortly. He has been greatly enriched in his understanding through interaction with students and colleagues in many venues where he has presented lectures on the book.
COURSE SYNOPSIS
In a sense, what Paul’s epistle to the Romans is to the New Testament, the book of Deuteronomy is to the Old. Cast in the form of Moses’ farewell address to the people of Israel prior to his death on the one hand, and their entrance into the Promised Land on the other, this book constitutes the definitive statement of Israelite Yahwistic theology. On the other hand, perhaps the Gospel of John provides a closer analogy. Like John, by the time he delivers these addresses Moses has had decades to reflect on the theological significance of God’s dramatic intervention in human history, specifically in providing salvation for his people. Moses’ final sermon provided the nation with a full-blown exposition of the special relationship that existed between them and their deity. In so doing it laid the foundation upon which later theologians would build and provided the lens through which Israel’s historians would evaluate the fluctuating fortunes of the nation, and the grist for prophets through whom Yahweh would call his people to court for their covenantal infidelity. But the books’ influence extended beyond the Old Testament into the New as well. Judging from the fact that Jesus quoted more often from Deuteronomy than from any other Old Testament book, its significance for Him is apparent. In spite of all this, the message of Deuteronomy has been largely lost to the church. The time has come to rediscover “the Gospel according to Moses” (S. Schultz). A renaissance of interest in this book has the potential of not only revolutionizing our perception of the ancient Israelite’s walk of faith; it might even transform our understanding of the New Testament gospel.
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