Summer 2005/Pasadena
Two-week Intensive: June 20-July 22
OT507
Brown
OT507: OLD TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: RUTH AND ESTHER. Cheryl Brown.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course is a study of the books of Ruth and Esther in Hebrew.
In addition to the grammar, literary structure and vocabulary of each book, we
will give special attention to !1) Ruth and Esther as Hebrew Narrative genre;
(2) historical contexts and theological content; (3) close exegetical analysis
of select passages.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- This course aims to develop the student's understanding of the
nature of Hebrew narrative literature and appropriate ways to interpret it.
Reading these narratives in their original language brings to light many
aspects of the text not readily apparent in translation. A close analysis of
the narratives, with attention to the theological content that arises out of
this analysis (exegesis), should give rise to applications that are appropriate
and relevant to Christian ministry today, especially as class participants
discuss the text together.
COURSE FORMAT:
- Class will meet twice weekly for four-hour sessions for five weeks
for lecture, recitation & discussion.
REQUIRED READING:
- Recent English translation of Ruth, Esther, and the "Additions to
Esther" in the Apocrypha.
- Brown, Francis; S. R. Driver; and Charles A. Briggs, eds. A Hebrew and
English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford University Press,
1952/Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1996.
- Elliger, K. & W. Rudolph, eds. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia.
Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1990.
- Bush, F. Ruth/Esther. Word Biblical Commentary 9. Dallas: Word,
1996.
- Gesenius, Wilhelm. Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar. Edited and enlarged by
Emil Kautzsch. Second English edition by A. E. Cowley. New York: Oxford
University Press, 1995.
- 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:
- Alter, Robert. The Art of Biblical Narrative. New York:
Basic Books, 1981.
- Bar-Efrat, Shimon. Narrative Art in the Bible. JSOT Supp. 70. Trans.
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 2000.
- Berlin, Adele. Esther. The JPS Commentary. Philadelphia: Jewish
Publication Society, 2001.
- Beckwith, R. The Old Testament Canon of the New Testament Church.
Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1985.
- Frymer-Kensky, Tikva. Reading the Women of the Bible. New York:
Schoken, 2002.
- Hubbard, R. L., Jr. The Book of Ruth. NICOT. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans,
1988.
- Kroeger, C. C. and M. J. Evans. The IVP Women's Bible Commentary.
Downers Grove: IVP, 2002
- Levenson, J. D. Esther. OTL. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox,
1997
ASSIGNMENTS:
- (1) Preparation for class by completing the reading assignments and
the exegetical passages and participation in class discussion based upon
prepared materials (25%). (2) Submission of a portfolio (at midterm and on the
last day of class) containing notes on reading material, assigned texts, and
class discussion, i.e., all materials from class [25%]). (3) An exegetical
paper (15-20 pp.) containing also a précis of a ministry application of
the passage (50%); due on August 20.
PREREQUISITES: LG502.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "c"
(OTCE).
FINAL EXAMINATION: No.