Winter 2004/Pasadena
OT506
Wilson
OT506: OLD TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: HOSEA. Gerald Wilson.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course will provide an exegetical study of the Book of Hosea
from the Old Testament Minor Prophets. We will consider the eighth century
historical and cultural setting of the book against the background of ancient
Israelite prophecy as a whole. We will also investigate evidence of related
prophetic activity among Israel's contemporaries, especially in Mesopotamia.
Against this background we will consider the shape, themes, and message of the
Book of Hosea, its place within the Book of the Twelve, its impact on the New
Testament, and contributions to biblical theology. Each week we will devote a
session to the translation and careful exegetical examination of a
representative passage from the book of Hosea or related writings.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- The prophetic traditions offer unique resources for understanding
and developing the role of a minister in a less than perfect world. The
prophets, sharpened by spiritual insight from God, were careful observers of
their cultural, political, religious, and personal contexts. Often their words
had the painful affect of confronting themselves along with the world to which
they belonged. In particular, Hosea's life experience became an integral part
of his prophetic message--a challenge faced by all who would live open and
vulnerable lives of ministry
COURSE FORMAT:
- The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions for ten
weeks. Sessions will be divided between presentation, discussion, and
exegetical translation.
REQUIRED READING:
- Andersen, Francis I., and David N. Freedman. Hosea. Anchor
Bible. Doubleday, 1980.
- Brown, F.; S. R. Driver; and C. A. Briggs. A Hebrew and English Lexicon
of the Old Testament. Hendrickson, 1996.
- Elliger, K. and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. 5th ed.
Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997.
- Gowan, Donald E. Theology of the Prophetic Books: The Death &
Resurrection of Israel. Westminster/John Knox, 1998.
- Matthews, Victor H. Social World of the Hebrew Prophets.
Hendrickson, 2001.
- Wolff, Hans W. Hosea. Hermeneia. Fortress, 1974.
- Selected articles and other materials.
- 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. Minor Prophets I. NIBC. Hendrickson,
1996.
- Smith, Gary V. Hosea/Amos/Micah. The NIV Application Commentary.
Zondervan, 2001.
- Westermann, Claus. Basic Forms of Prophetic Speech. Westminster/John
Knox, 1991.
- Wilson, Robert R. Prophecy and Society in Ancient Israel. Fortress,
1980.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Regular preparation of exegetical and interpretive exercises (30%).
- Consistent preparation for and participation in all aspects of class
discussion (10%).
- The writing of an exegetical paper based upon the Hebrew text
(approximately 12 pages, typed double-spaced) (30%).
- Final examination (30%).
PREREQUISITES: LG502.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets M. Div. core requirement in Old Testament
"b" (OTBE).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.