DESCRIPTION:

This course is a study of the books of Ruth and Esther in Hebrew. In addition to the grammar, literary structure and vocabulary of each book, we will give special attention to !1) Ruth and Esther as Hebrew Narrative genre; (2) historical contexts and theological content; (3) close exegetical analysis of select passages.

This course aims to develop the student's understanding of the nature of Hebrew narrative literature and appropriate ways to interpret it. Reading these narratives in their original language brings to light many aspects of the text not readily apparent in translation. A close analysis of the narratives, with attention to the theological content that arises out of this analysis (exegesis), should give rise to applications that are appropriate and relevant to Christian ministry today, especially as class participants discuss the text together.

Class will meet twice weekly for four-hour sessions for five weeks for lecture, recitation & discussion.

Recent English translation of Ruth, Esther, and the "Additions to Esther" in the Apocrypha.

Brown, Francis; S. R. Driver; and Charles A. Briggs, eds. A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford University Press, 1952/Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1996.

Elliger, K. & W. Rudolph, eds. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1990.

Bush, F. Ruth/Esther. Word Biblical Commentary 9. Dallas: Word, 1996.

Gesenius, Wilhelm. Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar. Edited and enlarged by Emil Kautzsch. Second English edition by A. E. Cowley. New York: Oxford University Press, 1995.

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

Alter, Robert. The Art of Biblical Narrative. New York: Basic Books, 1981.

Bar-Efrat, Shimon. Narrative Art in the Bible. JSOT Supp. 70. Trans. Dorothea Shefer-Vanson. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 2000.

Berlin, Adele. Esther. The JPS Commentary. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 2001.

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

Frymer-Kensky, Tikva. Reading the Women of the Bible. New York: Schoken, 2002.

Hubbard, R. L., Jr. The Book of Ruth. NICOT. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988.

Kroeger, C. C. and M. J. Evans. The IVP Women's Bible Commentary. Downers Grove: IVP, 2002

Levenson, J. D. Esther. OTL. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1997

(1) Preparation for class by completing the reading assignments and the exegetical passages and participation in class discussion based upon prepared materials (25%). (2) Submission of a portfolio (at midterm and on the last day of class) containing notes on reading material, assigned texts, and class discussion, i.e., all materials from class [25%]). (3) An exegetical paper (15-20 pp.) containing also a précis of a ministry application of the passage (50%); due on August 20.