DESCRIPTION: A study of the Book of Psalms with particular reference to a cross-section of Psalms: 6, 30, 42, 51, 72, 88, 89, 95, 100, 104, and 139. The whole of each psalm will be studied, but about ten verses each week will be designated for study in Hebrew.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The Psalms are the Bible's manual of examples and implicit instruction on the nature of praise and prayer.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will have demonstrated that they have (1) gained insight into a range of approaches to the study of the Psalms which can enable the Psalms to illumine and develop our relationship with God as the church and as individuals; and (2) discovered the value of studying the Psalms in Hebrew and been inspired to continue using Hebrew in the study of the Old Testament.

COURSE FORMAT: One class (two hours) will focus on the Hebrew text of a psalm. The other (one- and-a-half-hours) will consider general approaches to different types of psalms. In addition, students will take part in a half-hour online discussion.

REQUIRED READING:

A copy of the Hebrew text of the OT (e.g., BHS) (online at http://www.mechon-mamre.org).

An NRSV or TNIV and one other translation.

A Hebrew Lexicon (e.g., BDB).

A Hebrew Syntax (e.g., Williams or Waltke/O'Connor).

See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available at http://schedule.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html.

Pre-modern commentaries online: Augustine; J. Calvin; M. Luther; C. H. Spurgeon; Thomas Aquinas.

Modern commentaries online at iPreach as well as available in print version: J. L. Mays (Interpretation series); J. C. McCann (New Interpreter's Bible); A. Weiser (Old Testament Library series).

Print commentaries: A. A. Anderson, R. G. Bratcher and W. D. Reyburn, C. A. and E. G. Briggs, C. Broyles, W. Brueggemann (The Message of the Psalms), Chrysostom, P. C. Craigie/M. E. Tate/L. C. Allen (revised editions), E. Gerstenberger, J. Goldingay, Hossfeld and Zenger, D. Kidner, A. F. Kirkpatrick, H.-J. Kraus, K. Schaefer, Theodoret of Cyrus, C. Westermann (Living Psalms).

1. Attendance at classes (3.5 hours each week) and participation in online group discussion (.5 hour each week) (pass/fail).

2. Weekly homework relating to class on general approaches to Psalms (about 2 hours each week; pass/fail).

3. Weekly translation and comment on about ten verses of a psalm in Hebrew (3 to 4 hours each week; one half of final grade).

4. One 2500-3000 word exegetical study (4-5 pages) of a passage from a psalm other than those studied in class (one half of final grade).