Summer 2008/Pasadena
Five-week Intensive: June 23-July 25
OT506
Smoak
OT506: OLD TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: JUDGES. Jeremy Smoak.
DESCRIPTION: The primary goal of this course is to develop exegetical skills
through the study of the Hebrew text of Judges. We will examine the historical,
social, and theological background as well as the literary composition of the
book of Judges. We will also examine how the book's messages relate to the
larger purpose and message of the Former Prophets (Joshua-2 Kings). Some of the
important theological topics that we will address in the book include covenant,
gender issues, social justice, sin, and community.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have
demonstrated (1) an enhanced competence in basic Hebrew and exegetical skills;
(2) a fundamental knowledge of the literary forms and thematic context of the
book of Judges and how it relates to the larger theological objectives of the
Former Prophets (Joshua-2 Kings), (3) an increased understanding of the social
and historical background of the Hebrew Bible, and (4) a greater appreciation
of the theological significance of the book of Judges within the Hebrew
Bible.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The book of Judges offers rich theological
perspectives on a variety of social, cultural, and theological issues that are
relevant to twenty-first-century Christianity. The course will focus upon
important theological themes in the Former Prophets, such as theological
syncretism, leadership, community involvement, and fidelity to God.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly for four-hour sessions for
five weeks.
REQUIRED READING:
- Elliger, K. & W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica
Stuttgartensia. 5th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997.
- Either Koehler, L. & W. Baumgartner. The Hebrew and
Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament. 2 vols. Trans. M. E. J. Richardson.
Brill, 2001.
OR Brown, F., S. R. Driver & C. A. Briggs.
A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. . . .
Hendrickson, 1996 [1906].
- Either Joüon, P. & T. Muraoka. A Grammar of
Biblical Hebrew. Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblio, 1991.
OR Gesenius, W.; E. F. Kautzsch et al. Gesenius' Hebrew
Grammar. 2d. ed. Clarendon, 1963 [1910].
- Yee, Gale A., ed. Judges and Method: New Approaches to Biblical Studies.
Fortress, 1995.
- Matthews, Victor H. Judges and Ruth. Cambridge University Press,
2004.
- Niditch, Susan. Judges: A Commentary. Westminster John Knox, 2008.
- Selected books and other readings on reserve in library.
- 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:
- Brettler, M. Z. The Book of Judges. Routledge, 2002.
- Tate, M. E. From Promise to Exile: The Former Prophets. Smyth &
Helwys, 1999.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Weekly preparation of translation and exegetical discussions (30%).
- Two Structure Analyses (20%).
- Exegetical Paper due August 15th (35%).
- Final Exam (15%)
PREREQUISITES: LG502.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "b"
(OTBE).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (4/08)