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 also 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 exegesis of selected passages from this corpus.

These canonical texts were preserved because of their relevance to future generations. Through study of their content, shape, and language, the same timeless message can be accurately discerned and communicated to the present age.

The class will meet for four hours, twice weekly, for lecture, Hebrew reading and exegesis.

Alter, Robert. The Art of Biblical Narrative. New York: Basic Books, 1981.

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.

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.

1. Preparation for weekly readings.

2. Exegetical paper (1 Sam. 16:1-13).

3. Final examination.

LG502.

Meets M.Div. core requirement in Old Testament "b" (OTBE).

Yes.