OT 511 Interpreting the Old Testament Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Spring 2017 Instructor: Thomas Petter

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1 OT 511 Interpreting the Old Testament Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Spring 2017 Instructor: Thomas Petter Tues/Thurs 9:35-11am Course Description: An introduction to the principles of Old Testament Hebrew Exegesis and to the study of the Old Testament. Various exercises will be assigned that prepare students for 600- level exegesis courses (e.g., text criticism, translation, grammar, structure, lexical analysis). In addition, students are exposed to the major questions pertaining to Old Testament studies (Inspiration, authority, historical questions, critical methodologies). Prerequisites: OL 501, OL 502 (may be enrolled in OL 502 concurrently with OT 511), OT 500, NT 501. Note: Hebrew requirements must be met in order to pass the course Learning outcomes: Familiarity with the process of Hebrew exegesis in preparation for 600-level exegesis courses. Development of critical skills to assess the major schools of interpretation in Old Testament studies (literary, historical and recent trends, e.g. reader-response and liberation readings) Strengthened commitment to the Scriptures as the inspired and inerrant Word of God (cf. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary s Mission Statement) Note: No personal internet usage, texting, etc. during class times. At the end of the course, students will need to produce a signed written statement they did not go online for personal purposes during class times. Regular attendance, punctuality and active participation are required in this class. Penalties can be up to 10% of final grade (see below) 1

2 Required Readings: E. Brotzman, Old Testament Text Criticism (Baker) D. A. Carson, Exegetical Fallacies (Baker, 1996) A. Hoerth, Archaeology and the Old Testament (Baker) R and K Soulen, Handbook of Biblical Criticism, fourth edition (Westminster/John Knox, 2011) The Pentateuch in translation (analytical reading) Course Evaluation: Final Exam: All course readings and lectures (40%) Note: I will provide a review sheet for the final exam Exercises (60%) 1. Literary context: Overview chart of Genesis 2. Text Criticism (Numbers 21:30) 3. Lexical Analysis (Genesis 15:6) 4. Grammar and Syntax (Genesis 37) 5. Structure (Numbers 21) 6. Class presentation on Application of the Text Ways to lose class participation and readings credit (10%): 1. Internet (texting, etc.) for personal use in class (except for emergencies). Tip if you are tempted: It can wait until the next break ). Each student will turn in a signed statement as appendix to the exegesis paper stating: I did not consult the internet for personal usage during the class. Signed: John Doe 2. Systematic inability to translate and parse Hebrew texts and actively contribute to the discussions. 3. Regular tardiness or cutting class short 4. Unexcused absences and absences beyond one class session of 3 hours 5. Reading less than 80% of the readings. Thus, if a student reads 78% of the total reading, he/she receives no credit. If a student reads 80%, he/she receives 8%, and so on. A reading report must be submitted as appendix to the paper: I have read 100% of the readings. Signed: Jane Doe 6. Failure to submit an internet accountability statement 7. Failure to submit a reading report 2

3 Schedule and Readings: Jan 31/Feb 2 The Old Testament as History and Theology Old Testament themes and topics Historiography, ideology and inerrancy The Minimalist School: Case Studies in the Mesha Inscription and at Khirbet Qeiyafa ( Reading focus: Hoerth (chs 1-2); Essays by Michael Bird, Al Mohler and Kevin Vanhoozer in Five Views on Inerrancy (posted on Sakai). Feb 7/9 Exegesis: The Big Picture Overview of the exegetical process (Handout: Basics of Biblical Hebrew Exegesis ) Workshop: The book of Genesis Overview Chart assignment Reading Focus: Hoerth chapters that cover the Pentateuch Recommended reading: How to Read a Book, Adler and Van Doren Feb 14/16 The Formation of the OT Documentary Hypothesis: Case study in Gen 37 (Hebrew) Deuteronomistic History: Case Study in Deuteronomy 1-3 and Numbers 21 (some Hebrew) Reading Focus: Soulen and Hoerth (with select readings on Sakai) Overview chart of Genesis is due on Tuesday after reading Week 3

4 Feb. 21/23 (READING WEEK): Finish overview Chart and read Brotzman in its entirety Feb 28/March 2 Text Criticism Introduction to Text Criticism (Hebrew text of Numbers 21:21-35) Reading Focus: Brotzman Assignment on text criticism is due next week on Friday (Sakai) March 7/9 Lexical Analysis tsedaqah in Genesis 15:6 (Hebrew text of Gen 15:1-6) Note: Accordance or Bible Works is required for the lexical analysis exercise. Brown Driver and Briggs (unabridged) is also required Assignment on lexical analysis is due next Tuesday March 14/ 16 Grammar Principles of Narrative Syntax (Hebrew text of Genesis 37) Assignment on narrative syntax is due after reading week on Friday March 21/23 READING WEEK Work on Syntax assignment; catch up on readings, prepare for final exam March 28/30 Structure How to outline a Hebrew text (Hebrew Text of Numbers 21:1-35 Exegetical assignment on Structure is due next week on Tuesday 4

5 April 4/6 OT and NT Christ-centered hermeneutics of the Old Testament: Extent and limits of typology Case study: Herem and Hesed in the Wilderness April 18/20 Contextualization and Application Focus Reading: Carson Contemporary ideological hermeneutics: extent and limits of applicability Case Studies: Immigration debate in the US; sexual identities and the imago dei April 25/27 Student Presentations May 2/4 Exam Week Final Exam: Check with registration office for time and day during exam week 5