Winter 2013/Pasadena
OT507
Allen
OT507: OLD TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: PSALMS. Leslie C. Allen.
DESCRIPTION: A study of the Psalms in Hebrew. Psalms will be selected to illustrate the different types of prayer, praise, meditation, etc. to be found in the Psalter. Attention will be paid to exegesis, structure, setting, and canonical value.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The book of Psalms has taken a firm hold not only of the New Testament, but also of the hearts of Christian believers and worshipers down the ages. To discern the basic spirituality of these poems will lead to an enriched understanding of their contemporary relevance.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course has five objectives. First, for students to apply their earlier language learning to specific texts. Second, to develop ability in interpreting Old Testament texts. Third, to understand the historical and cultural situations in which Psalms was written. Fourth, to understand the literary features of the book. Fifth, to use Psalms in their ministry.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet for two hours twice a week for lectures and discussion.
REQUIRED READING:
Anderson, B. W. Out of the Depths: The Psalms Speak for Us Today. 3d. ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2000. ISBN: 978-0664258320 ($30.00).
Elliger, K., and Rudolph, W. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. 5th ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997. ISBN: 978-3438052223 ($39.99).
Other books for partial use will be cited in the course syllabus.
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:
Wenham, G. J. Psalms as Torah: Reading Biblical Song Ethically. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2012.
ISBN 970-0-8010-3168-7 ($22.99).
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Basic study of the text, including the reading of a commentary, should precede class work, which will contribute 10% toward the course grade. Further reading of commentaries will be necessary. An exegetical paper will also be required, which will contribute 30%. A midterm examination will be worth 20%, and a final examination will contribute 40%.
PREREQUISITES: LG502.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament “c” (OTCE) and MA program requirement for Old Testament book study (OTBK).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes. It will involve translation and exegesis of Psalm passages previously studied.