DESCRIPTION:

A study of the psalms and the Book of Psalms in Hebrew. The course will consider the poetic nature of psalms, their varied types, major theological themes, and important exegetical issues. The editorial shaping of the Book of Psalms and the effect of that shape on interpretation of individual psalms and the whole ensemble will also be investigated.

The psalms of ancient Israel provide models of appropriate human response to the breadth of life as lived before God. The course will investigate the historical, literary, and theological character of the Hebrew psalms as well as ways these compositions can be effectively and appropriately incorporated into a life of ministry.

The course will meet twice weekly for four-hour sessions for five weeks. Each session will be divided between presentation, discussion, and exegetical translation and discussion.

Anderson, B. W. Out of the Depths: The Psalms Speak for us Today. Rev. ed. Philadelphia: Westminster-John Knox, 2000.

Elliger, K. and Rudolph, W. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1983.

1. Students should select one single-volume commentary from the following:

a. Broyles, C. C. The Conflict of Faith and Experience in the Psalms. Sheffield: JSOT Press, 1989.

b. Mays, J. L. Psalms. Louisville: John Knox, 1994.

2. Students should select one complete set from the following:

a. Word Biblical Commentary (3 volumes):

Craigie, P. Psalms 1-50. Waco: Word Books, 1982.

Tate, M. E. Psalms 51-100. Dallas: Word Books, 1990.

Allen, L. C. Psalms 101-150. Waco: Word Books, 1983.

b. H.-J. Kraus (2 volumes):

Kraus, H.-J. Psalms 1-59. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1988.

_________. Psalms 60-150. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1989.

See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.

Allen, L. C. Word Biblical Themes: Psalms. Waco: Word Books, 1987.

Kraus, H.-J. Theology of the Psalms. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1986.

Brueggemann, W. The Psalms and the Life of Faith. Ed. P. D. Miller. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1995.

Wilson, G. H. Psalms 1-72. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002.

1. Weekly preparation for translation and exegetical discussions.

2. The writing of an exegetical paper based upon the Hebrew text (approximately 12 pages).

3. The use of lecture notes and syllabus readings to develop answers to study questions from which the final examination will be drawn.