OT519
Cole
OT519: JOSHUA, JUDGES, SAMUEL, KINGS. Robert L. Cole.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course will examine the content and structure of the Former
Prophets of the Hebrew Bible, better known as Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and
Kings. Analysis of how each book structures its content will serve as a basis
for understanding its message. Attention will be given to the shaping of the
Former Prophets as a whole within the canon of the Hebrew Bible. These surveys
of a broader scope will serve as a framework for weekly exegesis of selected
passages from within this corpus.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- These canonical texts were preserved because of their relevance to
future individuals, families, and societies. Through study of their content,
shape, and language, the divinely inspired message can be accurately discerned
and communicated to the present generation.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The course will meet for two hours, twice a week, for lecture,
Hebrew reading and exegesis.
REQUIRED READING:
- Bar-Efrat, Shimon. Narrative Art in the Bible. JSOTS Series
70, Bible and Literature Series 17. Sheffield: Almond Press, 1989.
- 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.
Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1906.
- Elliger, K. and W. Rudolph, eds. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia.
Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1983.
- Selected articles on library reserve.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Alter, Robert and Frank Kermode. The Literary Guide to the
Bible. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
- Bright, John. A History of Israel. 3rd ed. Louisville:
Westminster/John Knox, 1981.
- Childs, Brevard. Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture.
Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1979.
- Rendtorff, Rolf. The Old Testament: An Introduction. Philadelphia:
Fortress, Press, 1986.
- Ryken, L. and T. Longmann, III. A Complete Literary Guide to the
Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1993.
- Webb, Barry G. The Book of the Judges: An Integrated Reading. JSOTS
Series 46. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1987.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Preparation for weekly readings.
- Exegetical paper (1 Sam. 16:1-13).
- Final examination.
PREREQUISITES:
- LG502.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M.Div. core requirement in Old Testament "b" (OTBE).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Yes.