Spring 2015/Pasadena

OT527

Jacobs

OT527: OLD TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: MINOR PROPHETS, Hebrew Text (4 Units: 169 Hours). 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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students will have demonstrated the ability: (1) to interpret the Minor Prophets within their socio-historical, literary, and canonical contexts; (2) to identify central issues in the critical study of the Minor prophets; (3) to articulate primary theological and ethical concerns related to the Minor Prophets; (4) to use Hebrew based language tools for interpreting the text; and (5) to interpret the tests for faithful use of Scripture in their own lives and ministry.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly in two-hour sessions for lectures and discussions for a total of 40 hours of in-class instructional time. Students will also use Moodle as a part of the course.

REQUIRED READING: 285 total number of pages required

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].** ISBN: 978-1565632066, Pub. Price $34.95 [1,216 pages].

Elliger, K. and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Hendrickson, 2006. ISBN: 978-1598561630, Pub. Price $69.95.

Floyd, Michael H. Minor Prophets Part 2. The Forms of the Old Testament Literature 22. Eerdmans, 2000. ISBN: 978-0802844521, Pub. Price $54.00 [140 pp. assigned].

McComiskey, T. E., ed. The Minor Prophets: An Exegetical and Expository Commentary. One Volume. Baker Academic, 2009. ISBN: 978-0801036316, Pub. Price $44.00 [100 pp. assigned].

Newsome, J. D. The Hebrew Prophets. Westminster John Knox, 1986. ISBN: 978-0804201131, Pub. Price $29.95 [45 pp. assigned].

Other required readings on library reserve including, Smith-Christopher, Yee, Bechtel.

BibleWorks 9 software, which includes the following components: an exhaustive Hebrew concordance, the text of the Hebrew Bible, Brown, F. with S.R. Driver & C.A. Briggs. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew English Lexicon. Hendrickson, 1996. Gesenius, W., E.F. Kautzsch, et al. Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar. Dover Publications, 2006. OR Joüon, P. - T. Muraoka. A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew, Parts 1, 2 & 3. Biblical Institute Press, 2006. Koehler, L. and W. Baumgartner. Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament. 2 Volumes. Brill, 2002. BibleWorks is priced at $359, or $259 with group discount; see www.bibleworks.com/IPP//.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Achtemeier, Elizabeth. Preaching from the Minor Prophets: Texts and Sermon Suggestions. Eerdmans, 1998. ISBN: 978-0802843708, Pub. Price $16.00.

Seow, C. L. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Rev. ed. Abingdon, 1995. ISBN: 978-0687157860, Pub. Price $40.00.

Sweeney, M., and D. W. Cotter, eds. The Twelve Prophets. 2 vol. set. Liturgical Press, 2000. ISBN: 978-0814650592, Pub. 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:

1. 285 pages of required reading [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1-4] [19 hours].

2. Attendance and class participation (20%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-5] [40 hours].

3. Preparation for attendance and participation include weekly translation, devotionals [20 hours].

4. Exegetical analysis of assigned passages (50%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-4] This includes weekly reading, translations and library work [60 hours]

5. An exegetical project (30%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1-5] [30 hour].

**Bring BDB and BHS to the first class meeting. These may be in electronic form or the version already used in prerequisite courses.

PREREQUISITES: LG500, LG502, or LG502A/B or passing grade on a waiver exam; BI500 or NE502; OT500.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the Biblical Language Exegesis requirement in 120-units MDiv program. MDiv core requirement in Old Testament Meets the OTBE or OTBC in the 144 MDiv program.

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes. In-class in the form of a presentation.