Fall 2011/Pasadena
OT507
K.-J. Lee
OT507: OLD TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: ESTHER (HEBREW TEXT). Kyong-Jin Lee.
DESCRIPTION: A textual and contextual study of the Book of Esther. A close
reading of the Masoretic text will familiarize the student with the stylistic
features of the Post-exilic Biblical Hebrew prose. Development of exegetical
skills will arise from a focused discussion on the theological, historical, and
literary characteristics of the book. The class will explore the book's role in
the Church's ongoing theological reflection.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Biblical exegesis requires a prayerful and
assiduous process. This class will facilitate the acquisition of basic
interpretive skills and techniques in order to generate a spiritual and nuanced
understanding of the text. Knowledge of the language, culture, and historical
background of the Biblical world are essential in unlocking the multilayered
meaning embedded in the text and articulating an informed theological
reflection.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing the course will have
demonstrated
- knowledge of the basic literary and historical tools that will enable them
to read the Old Testament critically and to engage in a deeper understanding of
the socio-historical context in which the text developed;
- the ability to articulate the central theological motifs of Esther, to
locate them within the religious context of Israel's Second Temple period, and
to explore their relevance to contemporary situations;
- familiarity with a variety of interpretive approaches attested in readings
produced by critical scholarship and the Church.
COURSE FORMAT: This class meets twice weekly for two-hour sessions. The
translation of the Hebrew text must be accompanied by the regular consultation
of commentaries and other secondary readings. The first hour of each session
will be devoted to translation as well as grammatical and lexical analysis. The
second half of the session will include lectures and topical presentations.
REQUIRED READING:
- Elliger, K., and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia.
5th ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997. ISBN: 9783438052223;
$40.00.
- NRSV, TNIV or CEB Bible.
- Reading material posted on Moodle.
- Bush, Frederic W. Ruth-Esther (Word Biblical Commentary). Dallas:
Word Books, 1996. ISBN: 0849902088; $50.
- Levenson, Jon D. Esther. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1997.
ISBN: 0664220932; $30.
- Miller, J. Maxwell, and John H. Hayes. A History of Ancient Israel and
Judah. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2006. ISBN: 0664223583; $40.
- See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available at http://schedule.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Albertz, Rainer. A History of Israelite Religion in the Old
Testament Period. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1992. ISBN:
0664227201; $40.
- Berlin, Adele. Esther. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society,
2001. ISBN: 0827606990; $40.
- Fox, Michael V. Character and Ideology in the Book of Esther.
Portland: Wipf and Stock, 2010. ISBN: 9781608994953; $38.
- Moore, Carey A. Esther: Introduction, Translation, and Notes. New
Haven: Yale University Press, 1995. ISBN: 9780300139488; $26.
- Paton, Lewis Bayles. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of
Esther. International Critical Commentary. New York: C. Scribner's Sons,
1908 (available free online:
http://books.google.com/books?id=Ft9XAAAAYAAJ).
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
- Attendance, participation, written translation (due at the beginning of
each class) 10%
- Presentation 10%
- Notebook 20%
- Midterm exam 30%
- Exegesis paper (10-12 pages) 30%
PREREQUISITES: LG502.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "c"
(OTCE) and MA program requirements for Old Testament book study (OTBK).
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (August 22, 2011)