DESCRIPTION: The primary goal of this course is to develop exegetical skills through the study of the Hebrew text of Judges. We will examine the historical, social, and theological background as well as the literary composition of the book of Judges. We will also examine how the book's messages relate to the larger purpose and message of the Former Prophets (Joshua-2 Kings). Some of the important theological topics that we will address in the book include covenant, gender issues, social justice, sin, and community.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated (1) an enhanced competence in basic Hebrew and exegetical skills; (2) a fundamental knowledge of the literary forms and thematic context of the book of Judges and how it relates to the larger theological objectives of the Former Prophets (Joshua-2 Kings), (3) an increased understanding of the social and historical background of the Hebrew Bible, and (4) a greater appreciation of the theological significance of the book of Judges within the Hebrew Bible.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The book of Judges offers rich theological perspectives on a variety of social, cultural, and theological issues that are relevant to twenty-first-century Christianity. The course will focus upon important theological themes in the Former Prophets, such as theological syncretism, leadership, community involvement, and fidelity to God.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly for four-hour sessions for five weeks.

REQUIRED READING:

Elliger, K. & W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. 5th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997.

Either Koehler, L. & W. Baumgartner. The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament. 2 vols. Trans. M. E. J. Richardson. Brill, 2001.
OR Brown, F., S. R. Driver & C. A. Briggs. A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. . . . Hendrickson, 1996 [1906].

Either Joüon, P. & T. Muraoka. A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew. Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblio, 1991.
OR Gesenius, W.; E. F. Kautzsch et al. Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar. 2d. ed. Clarendon, 1963 [1910].

Yee, Gale A., ed. Judges and Method: New Approaches to Biblical Studies. Fortress, 1995.

Matthews, Victor H. Judges and Ruth. Cambridge University Press, 2004.

Niditch, Susan. Judges: A Commentary. Westminster John Knox, 2008.

Selected books and other readings on reserve in library.

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

Brettler, M. Z. The Book of Judges. Routledge, 2002.

Tate, M. E. From Promise to Exile: The Former Prophets. Smyth & Helwys, 1999.

1. Weekly preparation of translation and exegetical discussions (30%).

2. Two Structure Analyses (20%).

3. Exegetical Paper due August 15th (35%).

4. Final Exam (15%)