DESCRIPTION: This is an exegetical course, taught in Spanish, based on the Hebrew text of the book of Psalms. The Psalter, one of the most beloved books in the history of God's people, is at once beautiful and difficult, challenging and inspiring, comforting and subversive. We will use different interpretive tools to discern its message for the church today, and particularly for the Latino/a context in the United States.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course will enable students to (1) hone their knowledge of basic Hebrew; (2) understand the exegetical process for interpreting OT texts; (3) be introduced to the principles of Hebrew poetry; (4) become acquainted with the possible historical, social and cultural background of the book and the larger prophetic corpus and background; (5) be introduced to the basic issues pertaining to the collection of books known as the Writings; (6) read this section of the Scriptures from distinctive Latino(a) perspectives; (7) continue to improve their use of the Bible in ministry.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Traditionally the Psalms have had a special place in the Christian community. Therefore, our teaching and preaching should reflect this special place in our pulpits and in our Christian education. In addition, the Hebrew Psalter is one of the most quoted books in the New Testament, thus making obvious its significance for the contemporary church.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Sessions will involve prepared exegetical translations, discussions and lectures.

REQUIRED READING:

Brueggemann, W. El mensaje de los Salmos. Ciudad de México: Universidad Iberoamericana, 1998.

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

Longman, Tremper. Cómo leer los Salmos. Barcelona: Clie, 2000.

Morla Asensio, Victor. Libros Sapienciales y otros escritos. IEB 5. Estella: EVD, 1998.

Westermann, Claus. Los Salmos de la Biblia. Bilbao: Ediciones Ega, 1994.

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

Alonso Schökel, Luis. Manual de poesía hebrea. Madrid, 1987.

Alonso Schökel, Luis. Salmos. 2 vols. Madrid: Los Libros Sagrados, 1988.

Brueggemann, Walter. The Psalms and the Life of Faith. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1995.

Mays, James L. The Lord Reigns. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1994.

Westermann, C. The Psalms: Structure, Content and Message. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1980.

__________. Praise and Lament in the Psalms. Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1981.

1. Students are expected to be present at all class sessions.

2. Before each class session students should have: (a) completed all assigned readings, (b) translated the biblical passages to be exegeted, (c) prepared an exegetical handout that reflects their linguistic and rhetorical analysis of the texts (30%).

3. Exegetical paper (10-12 double-spaced pages plus translation and sermon outline) (40%).

4. Midterm (30%).