Fall 2010/Pasadena
OT506
Jacobs

OT506: OLD TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: MINOR PROPHETS. Mignon R. Jacobs.


DESCRIPTION: The primary goal of this course is to develop exegetical skills through study of the Hebrew text of the Minor Prophets (Book of the Twelve), in light of particular contextual aspects. Towards this goal, texts will be analyzed using various methodological principles. Specific attention will be given to systematizing various aspects of the exegetical study, discerning these aspects in modern writings and thought, and using these texts in devotional life.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: This course will enable students to (a) better know and understand the Minor Prophets; (b) understand more about the literary features of the prophetic books; (c) better understand the historical and cultural situations of the prophetic books; (d) develop ability in interpreting prophetic texts through reading and critical engagement; (e) apply Hebrew language skills to specific texts.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Exegetical skills are basic to thorough interpretation of biblical texts in ministry. Such skills enable informed evaluation of commentaries and other English translations, and the use of exegetical results as the basis of theological and hermeneutical reflections.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly in two-hour sessions for lectures and discussions. Students will also use Moodle to participate in discussions.

REQUIRED READING:

Brown, F., S. R. Driver, and C. A. Briggs. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon: Coded with Strong's Concordance Numbers. Hendrickson, 1996 [original date, 1906].** 1216 pages. ISBN: 9781565632066. Publisher's Price $34.95.

Elliger, K., and W. Rudolph, eds. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997.** 1,574 pages. ISBN 9783438052223. Publisher's Price $23.99.

Floyd, Michael H. Minor Prophets Part 2. The Forms of the Old Testament Literature 22. Eerdmans, 2000. 669 pages. ISBN 978080284452-1. Publisher's Price $54.00.

McComiskey, T. E., ed. The Minor Prophets: An Exegetical and Expository Commentary. One Volume. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2009. 1456 pages. ISBN 9780801036316. Publisher's Price $44.10.

Other required readings on library reserve.
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 and in the SOT Academic Advising office.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Achtemeier, Elizabeth. Preaching from the Minor Prophets: Texts and Sermon Suggestions. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998. 155 pages. ISBN 9780802843708. Publisher's Price $16.00.

Newsome, J. D. The Hebrew Prophets. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1986. 226 pages. ISBN 9780804201131. Publisher's Price $29.95.

Seow, C. L. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Rev. ed. Nashville: Abingdon, 1995. pages. ISBN. 9780687157860. Publisher's Price $40.00.

Sweeney, M., and D. W. Cotter, eds. The Twelve Prophets. 2 vol. set. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2000. 858 pages. ISBN 9780814650592. Publisher's Price $89.00.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Weekly preparation and participation is essential for successful completion of this course. This preparation will include reading assignments, translation, and exegetical analysis of assigned passages. When announced, exegetical analysis will be submitted as demonstration of students' application of exegetical methods, use of tools, and understanding of the Minor Prophets. The final grade will be based on attendance and class participation (20%), exegetical analysis of assigned passages (50%), and an exegetical project (30%).
**Bring BDB and BHS to the first class meeting. These may be in electronic form or the version already used in prerequisite courses.

PREREQUISITES: LG502.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "b" (OTBE) and MA program requirements for Old Testament book study (OTBK).

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (July 2010)