About the Department of Old Testament Studies

At the University of Pretoria Old Testament Studies has an influential and established track record, built by more than one ecclesial tradition. Contributions by proff B Gemser, A van Selms, JA Loader, B Oberholzer, AP Breytenbach, AH van Zyl and WS Prinsloo in their specialisation fields of the Old Testament are well known. Nationally and internationally the Department is known for its strong biblical exegetical tradition.

The Department is also contributing in various ways to the theological enterprise of the Faculty of Theology and the scholarly community at large. This includes inter alia the chairing of the Old Testament Society of South Africa (OTSSA) the past 13 years, chairing of the Editor’s Forum for Theological and Related Journals in SA (past six years), presentation of the world renowned exegetical ProPent and ProPsalm seminars (past 13 years), representation in one of the world’s well known Bible Commentary series (HCCOT), editing a national theological journal, involvement in national Bible translations of the BSA, and 5 international books on Pentateuch and Psalm themes (past 10 years). Staff members of the Department are also involved in the structures of the University and Faculty managements and in the Religion Studies Programme of the Faculty