OT102 Introducing the Old Testament: Its Poetry and Prophecy
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
This course provides a practical foundation for reading the poetry and prophecy of the Old Testament. Dr. Baker begins by discussing poetic writing in general, then the elements specific to both Hebrew and English poetry. Applying these elements to the text, he examines the content, structure, and themes of the Psalms, Proverbs, Lamentations, Job, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs. Dr. Baker then turns to the prophetic books, providing historical background, theological motifs, and the structure and content of specific books. He shows that these ancient messages remain relevant in modern life.
Top Highlights
“Poetry and prose—[another reason] for poetry, besides reaching the heart, would be ease of memorization.” (source)
“When you hear a three-two rhythm in Hebrew, you know it’s the sign of a dirge or a lament” (source)
“So a lot of Wisdom literature, and these books that we will be looking at—they are primarily focused on practicality: how they’re useful in daily life.” (source)
“defined ‘proverb’ as ‘a succinct and persuasive saying, proven true by experience.’” (source)
“Now, the structure of the book—there are five distinct subbooks within it, and they’re each concluded by a refrain that says, ‘Hallelujah!’ and/or ‘Amen.’ The five books are: Pss 1–41, and then 42–72, 73–89, 90–106, and then the long one at the end, 107–150.” (source)
- Title: OT102 Introducing the Old Testament: Its Poetry and Prophecy
- Author: David W. Baker
- Series: Logos Mobile Education
- Publisher: Lexham Press
- Print Publication Date: 2014
- Logos Release Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Courseware
- Subjects: Bible. O.T. Psalms; Bible. O.T. Wisdom Literature; Bible. O.T. Prophets; Education › Bible. O.T. Psalms; Education › Bible. O.T. Wisdom Literature; Education › Bible. O.T. Prophets
- Resource ID: LLS:OT102BAKER
- Resource Type: Courseware Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2025-02-04T21:15:02Z
Dr. David W. Baker is a professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio, where he’s taught since 1986, following teaching assignments at the University of Durban-Westville and the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. He’s also lectured in Argentina, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Dr. Baker has a particular interest in pedagogy, constantly exploring new means and media to enhance the learning and teaching experience for both the instructor and the student. He has contributed to, edited, or written over 40 books, including Isaiah in the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary, The NIV Application Commentary: Joel, Obadiah, Malachi, and Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch. Forthcoming books include Genesis 37–50: A Handbook on the Hebrew Text in the Baylor Handbook on the Hebrew Bible Series, 1 & 2 Kings in the Teach the Text Commentary Series, Genesis in the Apollos Old Testament Commentary Series, and 1 & 2 Samuel in the Believers Church Bible Commentary Series.
He’s blessed with a wife, Morven, who immigrated to Canada from Scotland—a start that prepared her to support Dr. Baker in his geographical wanderings. Morven is a counselor specializing in women’s issues, specifically sexual abuse and domestic violence. Together, they have two children and three granddaughters.