Winter 2008/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 (a) better know and understand the Minor Prophets; (b) understand more about the literary features of the prophetic books; (c) better understand the historical and cultural situations of the prophetic books; (d) develop ability in interpreting prophetic texts through reading and critical engagement; (e) 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. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1990.**

Floyd, Michael H. Minor Prophets Part 2. The Forms of the Old Testament Literature 22. Eerdmans, 2000.

McComiskey, T. E., ed. The Minor Prophets: An Exegetical and Expository Commentary. Vols. 1-3. Baker, 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. 2 vols. Collegeville: 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, use of tools, and understanding 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.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (10/07)