Spring 2013/Pasadena

OT506

Lee

OT506: OLD TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: MINOR PROPHETS (HEBREW TEXT). Kyong-Jin Lee.

DESCRIPTION: A textual and contextual study of the Minor Prophets: Hosea-Malachi. A close reading of selected portions of the Masoretic text will familiarize the student with the content and structure of the prophetic texts. Development of exegetical skills will arise from a focused discussion on the theological, historical, and literary characteristics of the book. The class will explore the book’s role in the Church’s ongoing theological reflection.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Biblical exegesis requires a prayerful and assiduous process. This class will facilitate the acquisition of basic interpretive skills and techniques in order to generate a spiritual and nuanced understanding of the text. Knowledge of the language, culture, and historical background of the Biblical world are essential in unlocking the multilayered meaning embedded in the text and articulating an informed theological reflection.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing the course will have demonstrated: (1) knowledge of the basic literary and historical tools that will enable them to read the Bible critically and to engage in a deeper understanding of the socio-historical context in which the text developed; (2) the ability to articulate the salient theological motifs of the Minor Prophets, to locate them within the religious context of ancient Israel, and to explore their relevance to contemporary situations; (3) familiarity with a variety of interpretive approaches attested in readings produced by critical scholarship and the Church; (4) competence in reading and interpreting the Hebrew text, including familiarity with apparatuses and tools requisite to the study.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets twice weekly for two-hours. The translation of the Hebrew text must be accompanied by the regular consultation of commentaries and other secondary readings. The first hour of each session will be devoted to translation as well as grammatical and lexical analysis. The second half of the session will include lectures and topical presentations.

REQUIRED READING:

Berlin, Adele. The Dynamics of Biblical Parallelism. Eerdmans, 2008. ISBN: 970-0802803979, Pub.price: $22.00 [224 pp.].

Brown, Francis, S.R. Driver, and Charles A. Briggs. The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon. Hendrickson Publishers, 1996. ISBN: 978-1565632066, Pub.price $34.95 [1216 pp.].

Elliger, K., and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. 5th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997. ISBN: 978-3438052223, Pub.price $39.99 [1574 pp.].

Newsome, James D. The Hebrew Prophets. Westminster John Knox, 1986. ISBN: 978-0804201131, Pub.price $30.00 [240 pp.].

Stuart, Douglas. Word Biblical Commentary Vol. 31, Hosea-Jonah. Word Books, 1987. ISBN: 978-0849902307, Pub.price $49.99 [548 pp.].

Additional (required) reading material may be found under eReserves on Moodle.

For further resources, see "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available at http://schedule.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html.