DESCRIPTION:

A study of the books of Ruth and Esther, including their literary form and structure, theological content, historical background and significance in the canon of Scripture, and supplemented by a survey of the role and status of women in pre- and post-exilic Israel and in Old Testament theology.

Knowledge of biblical content and theology and the development of exegetical skills are continuing responsibilities of every Christian minister who will use the Bible for theology, teaching, preaching and guidance for decision making. Students completing this course should have increased their knowledge of (1) the content, literary form and structure of Ruth and Esther; (2) the nature of women's experience in ancient Israelite society; and (3) the history of interpretation of Ruth, Esther and selected Old Testament passages relating to women. They will also have had opportunities to improve their skills for exegesis and biblical-theological reflection.

The class will meet for four hours daily for two weeks for lecture and discussion.

The biblical books of Ruth and Esther, the "Additions to Esther" in the Apocrypha, plus selected Old Testament passages, in a recent English translation.

Levenson, Jon D. Esther: A Commentary. Old Testament Library. Westminster John Knox, 1997.

Perdue, Leo G., Joseph Blenkinsopp, John J. Collins, and Carol Meyers. Families in Ancient Israel. Westminster John Knox, 1997.

Sakenfeld, Katherine Doob. Ruth: A Biblical Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. Interpretation. Westminster John Knox, 1999.

Course reader and materials on reserve with articles and chapters in books by authors such as B. Anderson, H. Fisch, E. L. Greenstein, M. Kanyoro, P. Trible, B. Webb, S. A. White, and K. Jobes.

Bechtel, Carol M. Esther. Interpretation. Westminster John Knox, 2002.

Beckwith, R. The Old Testament Canon of the New Testament Church. Eerdmans, 1985.

Bush, Frederick. Ruth/Esther. Word Biblical Commentary 9. Word, 1996.

Darr, Katheryn Pfisterer. Far More Precious than Jewels. Westminster John Knox, 1991.

Fox, Michael. Character and Ideology in the Book of Esther. 2nd ed. Eerdmans, 2001.

Hubbard, Robert. Ruth. NICOT. Eerdmans, 1988.

Kroeger, C. C., and M. J. Evans. The IVP Women's Bible Commentary. InterVarsity Press, 2002.

For the first day of class: Read Ruth 1 & 2, Sakenfeld, Ruth, pp. 1-50, and "The Family in Early Israel" by Carol Meyers in Perdue et al. Families in Ancient Israel, pp. 1-47.

1. Preparation for class by completing the reading assignments, attendance and participation in class discussions. (30%)

2. A take-home exam on aspects of women's roles in ancient Israel and in the Old Testament. 8 pp. Due in class on Monday, June 30. (30%)

3. An exegetical project, including: (a) an essay reflecting on Ruth and Esther in the canon; (b) research-based interpretation of selected passages; (c) précis of a ministry application of the selected passages (e.g., sermons, character studies, Bible study lessons, songs). 15-20 pp. Due July 21, 2003. (40%)