Winter 2017/Pasadena

OT527

Jacobs

OT527: OLD TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: PSALMS, Hebrew Text (4 Units, 160 Hours). Mignon R. Jacobs.

DESCRIPTION: The primary aim of this course is an exegetical study of the Hebrew text of selected psalms of the book of Psalms, in light of their genres and themes. Towards this aim, various psalms will be analyzed using the methodological principles of concept, form, historical, redaction, and text and literary criticism. Specific attention will be given to systematization of the various aspects of the exegetical analysis in light of contemporary concerns.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students will have demonstrated the ability (1) to interpret Psalms within its socio-historical, literary, and canonical contexts; (2) to identify central issues in the critical study of Psalms; (3) to articulate primary theological and ethical concerns of Psalms; (4) to use Hebrew based language tools for interpreting the text; (5) to recognize hermeneutical issues arising from the diverse contexts of contemporary readers; and (6) to interpret this text for faithful use of Scripture in their own lives and ministries.

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: 750 pages required

BibleWorks 10 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. BibleWorks is priced at $389, or $289 with group discount; see www.bibleworks.com/IPP/. Currently the HALOT module is $159, the standard Greek lexicon (BDAG) is $150, and both together are $212.

Brueggemann, Walter. Spirituality of the Psalms. Fortress, 2002. ISBN: 978-0800634506, Pub. Price $11.99 [96 pp.].

Craigie, Peter C. Psalms 1–50. 2nd ed. Word Biblical Commentary. Word, 2004. ISBN: 978-0310522058, Pub. Price $49.99 [416 pp.].

Davis, Ellen F. Getting Involved with God: Rediscovering the Old Testament. Rowman & Littlefield/ Cowley Publishers, 2001. ISBN: 978-1561011971, ebook ISBN: 978-1561013364, Pub. Price $17.95 [222 pp.]

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

Estes, Daniel J. Handbook on the Wisdom Books and Psalms. Baker Academic, 2005. ISBN: 978-0801038884, Pub. Price $36.00 [448 pp.].

Jacobson, Rolf A., ed. Soundings in the Theology of Psalms: Perspectives and Methods in Contemporary Scholarship. Fortress Press: 2010. ISBN: 978-0800697396, ebook ISBN: 978-1451417647, Pub. Price $32.00 [224 pp.].

**Student may use electronic versions of the text and other lexica.

Choose ONE of the following:

Kraus, H.-J. Theology of the Psalms. Translated by Hilton C. Oswald. Augsburg, 1989. ISBN: 978-0800695064, Pub. Price $43.00 [236 pp.].

Miller, Patrick D. They Cried to the Lord: The Form and Theology of Biblical Prayer. Fortress, 2000. ISBN: 978-0800627621, Pub. Price $29.00 [484 pp.].

Reid, Stephen Breck. Listening In: A Multicultural Reading of the Psalms. Abingdon, 1997. ISBN: 978-0687011940, Pub. Price $29.00 [112 pp.].

RECOMMENDED READING:

Gerstenberger, E. S. Psalms: Part 1, With an Introduction to Cultic Poetry (FOTL 14). Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1988. ISBN: 978-0802802552, Pub. Price $19.99 [280 pp.].

Kraus, H.-J. Psalms 60–150: A Commentary. Translated by Hilton C. Oswald. Augsburg, 1989. ISBN: 978-0800695040, Pub. Price $59.00 [600 pp.].

Mays, James Luther. Psalms: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-0664234393, Pub. Price $30.00 [480 pp.].

Pleins, J. David. The Psalms: Songs of Tragedy, Hope, and Justice. Orbis, 1993. ISBN: 978-0883449288, Pub. Price $23.00 [229 pp.].

Tate, Marvin. Word Biblical Commentary: Psalms 51–100 Vol. 20. Word, 1991. ISBN: 978-0849902192, Pub. Price $49.99 [608 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Approximately 750 pages of reading used in preparing for class discussions, translation and exegetical assignments [This assignment is related to learning outcomes ##1, 2, 4] [50 hours]

2. Attendance and class participation (35%). Weekly preparation and participation is essential for successful completion of this course. This preparation and participation will include reading assignments, translation, and exegetical analysis of assigned passages. Participation will also include devotionals focused on use of the Psalms. [This assignment is related to learning outcomes ##1-6] [40 hours]

3. COURSE portfolio (65%) demonstrating use and application of exegetical skills, consisting of

(a) Interpretive assignments (35%): Four (4)-page exegetical analyses of assigned passages—demonstrating students’ application of exegetical methods, use of tools, and understanding of the Psalms. One of these analyses will be assesses as a signature assignment for this course [This assignment is related to learning outcomes ##1, 3, 4] [40 hours]

(b) Exegetical project (30%)—demonstrating application of exegetical practice to today’s context and concerns. [This assignment is related to learning outcomes ##1-6] [30 hours]

PREREQUISITES: LG500, LG502, or LG502A/B or passing grade on a waiver exam; BI500 or NE502; OT500 or OT501 or OT502.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the Biblical Language Exegesis requirement in the 120 MDiv program. Meets the OTBE or OTCE in the 144 MDiv Program.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.