Spring 2007/Pasadena
OT506
Jacobs
OT506: OLD TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: MINOR PROPHETS. Mignon R. Jacobs.
DESCRIPTION: The primary goal of this course is to develop exegetical skills
through study of the Hebrew text of the Minor Prophets (Book of the Twelve), in
light of particular contextual aspects. Towards this goal, texts will be
analyzed using the methodological principles of concept-, form-, historical-,
redaction-, and text-criticism. Specific attention will be given to
systematizing various aspects of the exegetical study and discerning these
aspects in modern writings and thoughts.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course will enable students to (1) better know and
understand the Minor Prophets; (2) understand more about the literary features
of the prophetic books; (3) better understand the historical and cultural
situations of the prophetic books; (4) develop ability in interpreting
prophetic texts; (5) see more clearly the nature of the Bible as both human
word and holy Scripture; (6) appreciate new ways of reading Scripture; (7)
apply Hebrew language skills to specific texts.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Exegetical skills are basic to thorough interpretation
of biblical texts in ministry. Such skills enable informed evaluation of
commentaries and other English translations, and the use of exegetical results
as the basis of theological and hermeneutical reflections.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly in two-hour sessions for
lectures and discussions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Brown, F., S. R. Driver, and C. A. Briggs. A Hebrew and English
Lexicon of the Old Testament, with an appendix, containing the Biblical
Aramaic. Hendrickson, 1996 [original date, 1906].**
- Elliger, K. and W. Rudolph, eds. Biblia Hebraica
Stuttgartensia. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1990.**
- Floyd, Michael H. Minor Prophets Part 2. The Forms of the Old
Testament Literature 22. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000.
- McComiskey, T. E., ed. The Minor Prophets: An Exegetical and Expository
Commentary. Vols. 1, 2, 3. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1992 and 1993.
- Various books and articles on library reserve.
- See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT
Academic Advising office.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Achtemeier, Elizabeth. Preaching from the Minor Prophets: Texts
and Sermon Suggestions. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.
- Bellis, Alice Ogden, ed. Many Voices: Multicultural Responses to the
Minor Prophets. Lanham: University Press of America, 1995.
- Newsome, J. D. The Hebrew Prophets. Louisville: Westminster John
Knox, 1986.
Seow, C. L. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Rev. ed.
Nashville: Abingdon, 1995.
- Sweeney, M. and D. W. Cotter, eds. The Twelve Prophets.
Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2000.
ASSIGNMENTS: Weekly preparation and participation is essential for successful
completion of this course. This preparation will include reading assignments,
translation, and exegetical analysis of assigned passages. When announced,
exegetical analysis will be submitted as demonstration of students' application
of exegetical methods and understanding of the books of the Minor Prophets. The
final grade will be based on a midterm exam (25%), attendance and class
participation (20%), exegetical analysis of assigned passages (25%), and an
exegetical paper (30%).
- **Bring BDB and BHS to the first class meeting.
PREREQUISITES: LG502.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "b"
(OTBE).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.