History is not just a series of unrelated events occurring one after the other.  History establishes the foundation for all other areas of study.  The proper study of history provides depth and meaning to all other academic studies and allows the Learner to see where mankind has been and how mankind has arrived at the Learner’s point in time.  This course will outline ancient world history and civilizations that have influenced the development of cultures extending from the first recorded historical events to the intertestamental period.  Utilizing the books of the Hebrew Scriptures, the Learner will identify these early civilizations with particular emphases placed on Israel and her interactions with them. The Learner will also trace the major events associated with Israel and the various surrounding locations and nations with which ancient world history deals.  The Learner will develop competency in the subject of ancient world history as understanding of the development of civilizations is gained through the reading and lectures, and will be solidified through testing. 

This course examines the history of the ancient world through study of the emphases of each book of the Hebrew Bible and focusing on the history of each and relating each book to the larger picture of Old Testament history. 

 

 

Christopher Cone, ThD, PhD, PhD 

Paul Weaver, ThM, PhD 

Roger Fankhauser, DMin 

Steve Spurlin, TMS, DMS, PhD 

John Oglesby, MA 

 

Module 1: Introduction, Grounds for Learning History, Purpose and Aim of World History (Dr. Steve Spurlin) 

What sources are available and valuable for the study of Ancient World History?  What is the purpose and aim of world history? This module will equip the Learner to examine and identify viable sources for the full-orbed study of Ancient World History.  Further, the Learner will be able to express an informed hypothesis of the purpose and aim of the history of the world.   

Read Genesis 1-11 (VLO 2,3,4/ CLO 3,5/ PCO 1,2,3,4) 

Read Peoples of the Old Testament (pages 19-42) (VLO 1,2,4,5/ CLO 1,2,3,4/ PCO 1,2,4) 

Read A Concise Bible Survey (pages 1-22) (VLO 2,3,5/ CLO 3,5/ PCO 1,2/3, 4) 

Learner Lecture Quiz #1 (VLO 1,3,5/ CLO 1,3,5/ PCO 1, 3a,3b) 

 

Module 2: Outlining World History Part I, Ancient Origins to 1370 B.C. (Dr. Steve Spurlin) 

What ancient origin accounts have been preserved and what similarities do they exhibit?  What are the key events of this period of recorded history?  Who are the key nations and individuals that were involved during this period of history?  Upon completion of this module, the Learner will be able to compare and contrast various ancient cosmologies with that of the biblical Genesis account.  Further, the Learner will be able to identify the key events of the period from the beginning of history to 1370 and discuss key figures involved in them. 

Read Genesis 12-50, and skim Exodus, Numbers, and Joshua (VLO 2,3,4/ CLO 3,5/ PCO 1,2,3,4) 

Read A Concise Bible Survey (pages 22-55) (VLO 1,2,3,5/ CLO 3,5/ PCO 1,2a,3b) 

Learner Lecture Quiz #2 (VLO 1,3,5/ CLO 1,3,5/ PCO 1, 3a,3b) 

 

Module 3: Outlining World History Part II, From 1370 B.C. to 971 B.C.  (Dr. Dan Starcevich) 

Having captured the land, Israel entered a period of repeated cycles consisting of disregard for their law, oppression by enemy nations, followed by a judge who would be raised up to rescue them.  The nations surrounding Israel played prominently during the time.  Upon completion of this module, the Learner will be able to identify the nations and events that shaped this period. 

Read Judges, I Samuel, I and II Kings (VLO 2,3,4/ CLO 3,5/ PCO 1,2,3,4) 

Read A Concise Bible Survey (pages 58-82) (VLO 1,2,3,5/ CLO 3,5/ PCO 1,2a,3b) 

Learner Lecture Quiz #3 (VLO 1,3,5/ CLO 1,3,5/ PCO 1, 3a,3b) 

 

Module 4: Outlining World History Part III, From 971 B.C. to 586 B.C. (Dr. Dan Starcevich) 

With the death of Solomon, Israel was divided into ten tribes in the north and the tribes of Benjamin and Judah in the south.  What were the consequences of this division?  Which nations arose to challenge the divided kingdom?  What became of the divided kingdoms?  Upon completion of this module, the Learner will be able to identify the events that led to Israel and Judah being removed from their land.  Further, the Learner will be able to identify and discuss the nations and conflicts that led to Israel’s and Judah’s deportations. 

Read Ezra and Nehemiah (VLO 2,3,4/ CLO 3,5/ PCO 1,2,3,4) 

A Concise Bible Survey (pages140-141; 147-148) (VLO 1,2,3,5/ CLO 3,5/ PCO 1,2a,3b) 

Learner Lecture Quiz #4 (VLO 1,3,5/ CLO 1,3,5/ PCO 1, 3a,3b) 

 

Module 5: Outlining OT History Part IV, From 586 B.C. to 323 B.C. (Dr. Dan Starcevich) 

This extended section of history was quite tumultuous with a number of nations coming into prominence only to be overtaken by another.  Who were these nations and what transpired between them during these years?  By the end of this module, the Learner will be able to identify and trace the rise and fall of each of these nations.  Further, the Learner will be able to determine the lasting impact that the events of this period have had on the world. 

Learner Content Assessment #1 (VLO 1,3,5/ CLO 1,3,5/ PCO 1, 3a,3b)  

 

Module 6 The Five Major Kingdoms, 605B.C. to c.180 (Dr. Steve Spurlin) 

Who are the five major kingdoms that conquered the known ancient world?  How do they relate to one another and Israel?  How did each successive kingdom replace the previous one?  This module will enable the Learner to identify the kingdoms in question, discuss the key aspects of their reigns, and examine their relationship to ancient Israel. 

Read the Book of Daniel (VLO 2,3,4/ CLO 3,5/ PCO 1,2,3,4) 

A Concise Bible Survey (pages 130-136) (VLO 1,2,3,5/ CLO 3,5/ PCO 1,2a,3b) 

Learner Lecture Quiz #6 (VLO 1,3,5/ CLO 1,3,5/ PCO 1, 3a,3b) 

 

Module 7 Old Testament Nations of the Ancient World Part I (John Oglesby) 

The Hebrew Scriptures identify a number of civilizations that affected the history of the ancient near east.  Their influence was felt to varying degrees.  This module seeks to address these nations using sources other than the required texts.  The Learner will be able to identify and name the nations discussed.  The Learner will also examine and compare various similarities between the nations and their cultures. 

Read Peoples of the Old Testament (pages 19-42, 127-155) (VLO 1,2,4,5/ CLO 1,2,3,4/ PCO 1,2,4) 

Read A Concise Bible Survey (pages 163-165)   

Learner Lecture Quiz #7 (VLO 1,3,5/ CLO 1,3,5/ PCO 1, 3a,3b) 

 

Module 8 Old Testament Nations of the Ancient World Part II (John Oglesby) 

This module is a continuation of the discussion of ancient world civilizations that are mentioned in Hebrew Scriptures.  The Learner will be able to identify and distinguish the nations discussed.  The Learner will also examine and compare various similarities between the nations and their cultures. 

Read Peoples of the Old Testament (pages 43-106) (VLO 1,2,4,5/ CLO 1,2,3,4/ PCO 1,2,4) 

Learner Lecture Quiz #8 (VLO 1,3,5/ CLO 1,3,5/ PCO 1, 3a,3b) 

 

Module 9 Old Testament Nations of the Ancient World Part III (John Oglesby) 

This module is a continuation of the discussion of ancient world civilizations that are mentioned in Hebrew Scriptures.  The Learner will be able to identify and distinguish the nations discussed.  The Learner will also examine and compare various similarities between the nations and their cultures. 

Read Peoples of the Old Testament (pages 207-230) (VLO 1,2,4,5/ CLO 1,2,3,4/ PCO 1,2,4) 

Learner Lecture Quiz #9 (VLO 1,3,5/ CLO 1,3,5/ PCO 1, 3a,3b) 

 

Module 10 Old Testament Nations of the Ancient World Wrap Up & Review (Dr. Steve Spurlin) 

This module concludes the discussion of ancient world civilizations that are mentioned in Hebrew Scriptures.  The module will also serve to review for the final exam. The Learner will be able to identify and distinguish the nations discussed.  The Learner will also examine and compare various similarities between the nations and their cultures. 

Read Peoples of the Old Testament (pages 251-333) (VLO 1,2,4,5/ CLO 1,2,3,4/ PCO 1,2,4) 

Final Exam (VLO 1,3,5/ CLO 1,3,5/ PCO 1, 3a,3b)

1. Hoerth, Alfred J.  1998.  Peoples of the Old Testament.  Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. ISBN: 978-0801021961.  $27.96.  Kindle edition available. 

2. Cone, Christopher.  2014. A Concise Bible Survey: Tracing the Promises of God.  Fort Worth, TX: Exegetica Publishing.  ISBN: 978-0976593034.  $16.00.