Houston Graduate School of Theology OT 501 Christian Canon: The Old Testament Spring 2018, Thursday 6:45-9:15 Chuck Pitts, PhD, Adjunct Professor of Old Testament cpitts@hgst.edu 713-703-7625 Houston Graduate School of Theology equips women and men to be ministers and messengers of God s mission of reconciliation through academic excellence, personal transformation, and leadership development I. Course Description A study of the history and literature of the Old Testament with attention to the content of the whole, representative passages throughout, and to exegetical methods and problems of interpretation with some emphasis upon both understanding and evaluating various critical approaches. II. Student Learning Outcomes Upon the completion of this course, the student will be able to: A. Demonstrate knowledge of the development of the Old Testament canon, as a whole and in its constituent elements, including the differences between various canons of the Old Testament through quizzes and final exam, question 7. (MDiv-6, MTS-5) B. Explain the origin of the various Old Testament books, particularly where authorship and composition are controversial through quizzes and final exam, question 2 and 6. (MDiv-6, MTS- 5) C. Demonstrate knowledge of primary events, important people, and pivotal points in the history of ancient Israel as the covenant people of God through quizzes and final exam. (MDiv-6, MDiv-7, MTS-5) D. Utilize hermeneutical principles to interpret the Old Testament through final exam, questions 1, 4, 9, and 10. (MAML-2, MASD-2, MDiv-6, MTS-5, MTS-7, MTS-9) E. Explain the development of major themes in Old Testament theology from the patriarchal age into the post-exilic era through final exam, questions. 11-12 (MDiv-6, MTS-5) F. Apply the teachings of the Old Testament to personal life of mission through quizzes and final exam, question 13. (MAC 4, MAML-2, MASD-2, MDiv-7, MTS-11) III. Texts Required Textbooks: Old Testament, preferably in a modern translation (NASB, NIV, NRSV, ESV, NLT, JPS). Burnette-Bletsch, Rhonda. Studying the Old Testament: A Companion. Nashville: Abingdon, 2007. (SOT) ISBN 978-0687646234 Pitts, Chuck. Old Testament Introduction Study Notes. Instructor will make notes available. IV. Course Requirements A. Attendance and class participation based on daily assignments (see policies below). B. Readings from Rhonda Burnette-Bletsch, Studying the Old Testament: A Companion (SOT), and the Old Testament as assigned in the schedule below. Reading assignments will be assessed by 1
means of a question on the final exam. Because this is an introductory course, the reading assignments are heavy. The student will not want to fall behind. C. Weekly Quizzes over reading assignments. The quizzes are found on the CD-ROM that comes with the textbook, Studying the Old Testament. The student will complete the Test Your Knowledge quizzes at the end of each section of the CD-ROM. A schedule is found in the course schedule below. NOTES: 1. Preliminary Exercise on Psalm 23 is counted as a quiz. 2. Since the student is not required to read the Old Testament in its entirety, some quiz questions could come from sections of the Old Testament not read. 3. FITB means Fill in the Blank, and MC means multiple choice. D. Final Exam The final exam will be take-home. The final exam will be a comprehensive exam. The student may not copy the class notes or the textbooks directly to answer the exam questions. Cutting and pasting from the professor s notes, the Internet, or the textbooks on the final exam is considered plagiarism. Any quotations on the final exam must include proper punctuation and documentation. The exam should be submitted to turnitin.com. The class ID # is 16835650, and the enrollment key is OTSpr2018. A printed copy should still be brought to the final class meeting. Student Workload Expectations: Class time: = 45 Reading: Old Testament Scripture 600 pp. @ 15 pp./hr. = 40 Burnette-Bletsch book 294 pp. Burnette-Bletsch CD-ROM 223 pp. 517 pp @ 20 pp./hr. = 25 hrs. 2 Quizzes: 13 @ 2 hrs. each Final Exam: TOTAL HOURS = 26 hrs. = 14 hrs. = 150 hours V. Grading Scale Final grades will be calculating according to the following system. Class Participation/Attendance 5% Required Reading 5% Weekly Quizzes 40% Final Exam 50% Grades will be calculated according to the following scale: A = 95-100% C+= 85% A-= 94 C = 79-84% B+= 93% C-= 78 B = 87-92 D+= 77 B-= 86 D = 70-76% F = Below 70
VI. Class and Reading Schedule The reading assigned for a date is the assignment for that day. Students should have that material read before attending class each day. Reading material is found on the CD-ROM as well as the textbooks (including the Bible). Readings from the Bible are listed below by chapter (e.g., Ex. 1-20 means to read chapters 1-20 of the Book of Exodus.) Quizzes are found on the CD-ROM that accompanies the primary textbook. The student should print the requisite quiz/zes each week and bring them to class completed and ready to submit to the instructor. Jan. 18 Class Introduction SOT, ix-iv; CD, ch. 1: IIC.1-2 Canon, Formation of the OT, Chronology Jan. 25 Methodology, History, World-view SOT, pp 1-22 OT Theology Quiz: pp 23-26 Feb. 1 Pentateuch, Genesis SOT, 23-63; Genesis 1-9, 12-18, 38-50 CD, ch. 2: Primary Text 1A.3, 1C.4; Special Topics: 1A.2, 1B.2, 1B.4, 1C.1, 1C.3, IIC.1-3; IIIA.1, IIIA.5, IIIB.2-3, IIIC.1, Quiz: pp 104-105 (MC only), 134-135 (FITB only), pp 194-196 (MC only) Feb. 8 Exodus/Leviticus/Numbers SOT, 63-94; Ex. 1-20, 32-40; Lev. 1-6, 14-19; Num. 6, 11-14, 20-26:2 CD, ch.2: Spec. Top.: IVA.1-3, 7, IVB.1-5, IVC.1-4 Quiz: pp 279-281 Feb. 15 Deuteronomy/Joshua/Judges SOT, 95-131; Deut.1-5, 21-34; Josh.1-13, 23-24; Judges 1-8, 13-21 CD, ch. 3: Special Topics:1A.1-4, 1C.1-3, IIB.1-2, Chart IIB.1 Quiz: pp 339-341 Feb. 22 Birth of the Monarchy SOT, 131-158; 1 Sam. 1-11, 15--2 Sam. 6; 2 Sam. 11-18; 1 Kings 1-3, 8-9, Israel s Golden Age CD, ch. 3: Special Topics IIIA.2 (movie not required), IIIB.1-3, IIIC.1-2, IVA.1, IVB.1 QUIZ: pp 428-430 Mar. 1 Divided Monarchy/Judah Alone SOT, 158-182; 1 Kings 12-22; 2 Kings 1-11, 16-25 CD, ch. 3: Special Topic IVC.1-3; Chart IVC.1-2, 7 Mar. 8 Amos/Hosea/Isaiah/Micah Isaiah 1-11, 14, 36-39; Amos; Hosea 1-6; Micah 1-6 SOT, 182-196; CD, ch. 4: Special Topics IA.1, IB.1-5, IB.6, IIB.1 Quiz: pp 537-538; 549-550 3 Mar. 15 No Class Spring Break
Mar. 22 Zephaniah/Nahum/Habakkuk/Obadiah SOT, 196-211; Zeph.; Nahum; Habakkuk; Obadiah; Jeremiah Jer. 1-7, 18-19, 27-31 CD, ch. 4: Chart IIIB.4; Special Topics IIIB.1-3 Quiz: pp. 588-590 Mar. 29 Ezekiel/Isaiah 40-66 SOT, 211-226; Ezek. 1-16, 36-37; Isaiah 40-55, 61 CD, ch. 4: Special Topic IIIB.4 Apr. 5 Joel/Jonah/Haggai SOT, 226-251; Joel; Jonah; Haggai; Zechariah/Malachi Zech. 1-3, 9-14; Malachi; Writings/Ezra-Nehemiah/Chronicler Ezra; Neh. 1-6, 8-10; 1 Chr.10-29; 2 Chr. 17-36 CD, ch. 4: Spec. Top. IVA.1, IVB, 1-3; Chart IVB.2 CD, ch. 5: Primary Text IA.1 Quiz: pp 621-622 Apr. 12 Psalms SOT, 251-269; Read Psalms 1, 2, 13, 22, 23, 42-43, 49, 96, 100, 113, 119 (read at least 50 vv of the psalm), 136, 150, plus at least 10 more. CD, ch. 5: Spec Topics. IB.1-2 Quiz: Prelim. Exercise IB.2 (649) 4 Apr. 19 Apr. 26 Song of Songs/Ruth/Lament./Esther Song of Songs; Ruth; Lam.1-3; Esther CD, ch. 5: Spec Top. IC.2, 4-5; Chart IC.2-4 Quiz: pp 687-688 Wisdom/Proverbs/Job/Ecclesiastes SOT, 269-284; Proverbs (select 10 chapters); Job 1-7, 15-19, 31, 38-42; Eccl. 1-6, 12 Apocalyptic/Daniel SOT, 284-294; Daniel CD: Chart IIA.1; Special Topic IIA.1-3, IIB.1, 3-4, IIC.1, IIIA.1, 3-6 Quiz: pp 733-735, 758-759 **All Graduate work due by Noon, Friday, Apr. 27** May 5 Final Discussions Take Home Final Exam Due The professor of record reserves the right to adjust classroom topics as the course develops VII. Policies A. Regular attendance and regular submission of assignments on due dates in the syllabus is expected. The following guidelines have been approved for inclusion in all HGST syllabi and reflect standards for all courses. For Fall/Spring semester 15-session courses, there is a 3-absence maximum. If a student reaches the designated number of absences, the student will no longer be allowed to stay in the class. The student does have the opportunity to appeal to the Academic Dean and should assume responsibility for scheduling that meeting as soon as possible.
B. Work is expected on the due date. Quiz grades will be reduced one letter grade each week the quiz is late. The final exam will be penalized one letter grade if not turned in on the last day of the course. C. Turnitin.com 1. All written assignments are subject to required submission to www.turnitin.com to check for originality and style. The assignments that are required for submission will be described in the syllabus. 2. Students will create an account at www.turnitin.com. After doing so, the student will join the course page with the code and password supplied by the instructor. The class ID # is 16835650, and the enrollment key is OTSpr2018. Students must submit the final exam of this course to turnitin.com. 3. Students will submit assignments by the due date and time and may be required to submit the assignments in a hard copy format. D. Electronic Equipment Usage in Classrooms It is expected that students will use technology (cell phones, laptop computers, ipads, etc.) during classes only for the purposes of class work. Therefore, students should turn off cell phones and refrain from texting and using laptop computers during classes except for the purposes of taking notes or doing research specifically authorized by the course instructor. Students who have emergency needs not covered by this policy must ask for an exception from the course instructor. E. Please review the Academic Catalog for requirements regarding Incompletes and Plagiarism issues. For more information on Library Services, please download the Library Handbook from the HGST website. VIII. Notes for Writing Assignments A. Writing assignments for MDiv, MASD, MAML, and MTS should conform to Kate Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, 8 th Edition. This includes matters of style and format. Counseling students should pay particular attention to the Manual guidelines on submission of academic papers. B. The instructor normally requires the use of footnotes for documentation. The student should number pages. According to Turabian, page numbers should be in the upper right hand corner, except for the first page of the paper (not counting the title page). Margins should be one inch on all four sides, except where major headings require a two-inch top margin. C. The student should utilize 12-point Times New Roman font throughout. The instructor prefers that the student not use presentation or report binders or folders. She prefers submission of papers with staples or binder clips. D. Critical or formal writing differs from colloquial writing or spoken English at several points. The student should note the following guidelines for critical writing. The instructor expects students to follow these guidelines strictly. Failure to do so will be penalized. 1. Avoid 1 st or 2 nd person references ( I, we, or you ). Keep the written projects objective and professional. The student must remember that imperative forms are second person. 2. Never use contractions. 3. Avoid passive voice construction (i.e. The student should write God chose Joshua rather than Joshua was chosen by God. ). Some exceptions are necessary, but limiting the use of passive voice is a good policy. 5
4. Be sure that number and tense always agree (i.e., Do not write in one place that Brueggemann argues... and at another place Brueggemann argued... ). Subject-verb agreement is imperative. 5. Spellcheck! Spellcheck! Spellcheck! Dr. Pitts does not tolerate misspelled words. Failure to spellcheck will result in a substantive reduction on the grade for written assignments. 6. Grammar check works as well! 7. All pronouns should have clear antecedents. Avoiding it is and there is in the paper removes much of the ambiguity of pronoun usage. 8. Sentence fragments are unacceptable. Every sentence must have a subject and a predicate. 6
7 IX. Fall 2014 Final Exam Take Home Warnings: Do not cut and paste from the instructor s notes! Do not cut and paste from the Internet! Do not copy directly from the textbook! Do write your own answers! Penalties will be severe! NOTE to Graduates: Graduating students must answer questions 1, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, and 13. I have read % of the required reading for this course. 1. In 250-500 words, discuss mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch. Why has Moses been seen traditionally as the author of the Pentateuch and why do the majority of scholars doubt that designation today? Be specific. (10 pts.) 2. Dr. Pitts emphasized the importance of Ex. 19 for Old Testament theology. Why is the text important? (5 pts.) 3. Briefly discuss the meaning and importance of Is. 1:10-17 and Amos 5:18-24, giving attention to its prophetic teaching concerning the religion of ancient Israel and Judah. Include its importance for contemporary culture. (5 pts.) 4. Describe the issues relating to the authorship of the Book of Isaiah. Why do most scholars believe that the book was written by more than one person? (10 pts.) 5. Describe Brueggemann s rubric of Orientation, Disorientation, and New Orientation for understanding the Book of Psalms, including how this rubric connects with the usual form-critical categories (e.g. Thanksgiving Hymn). Give brief examples of each. (10 pts.) 6. Describe the worldview of Wisdom Literature. How does this worldview compare with the worldview of most of the Old Testament s covenant history? How do the Books of Job and Ecclesiastes relate to this worldview? (10 pts.) 7. When interpreting proverbs, why is it important to remember that proverbs are proverbs, not laws or promises? Provide specific examples. (5 pts.) 8. Compare the Books of Chronicles and the Books of Samuel and Kings. Give some specific examples of the differences between the two presentations and discuss the reasons for the differences. (10 pts.) 9. Define apocalyptic. Describe the origins and characteristics of apocalyptic literature. How does Daniel function as apocalyptic? (5 pts.) 10. Complete this statement from Dr. Pitts: Scripture isn t scripture until. Why does he think this is important? (5 pts.) 11. Define covenant. What is the importance of covenant in the Old Testament? How is the Old Testament theme of covenant developed in the New Testament? Give specific examples. (10 pts.) 12. Discuss the importance of the theology of creation in the Old Testament (NOTE: Not only in Genesis). Include explicit examples. (5 pts.) 13. Describe 2-3 things that you have learned in this class that can help you live your life and perform your ministry with a more biblical worldview. (10 pts.)
8 X. Bibliography Old Testament Introductions 1 Anderson, Bernhard, and Katheryn Darr. Understanding the Old Testament. Abridged and updated. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1998; Abridged 5th ed., 2007. Arnold, Bill T., and Bryan E. Beyer. Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1999. Evangelical undergraduate survey with excellent photos, maps, charts, sidebars, and a CD with lots more photos. Helpful outlines of books and reviews of the most important ideas and term. Birch, Bruce, Walter Brueggemann, Terence Fretheim, and D. Peterson. A Theological Introduction to the Old Testament. Nashville: Abingdon, 1999. Burnette-Bletsch, Rhonda. Studying the Old Testament: A Companion. Nashville: Abingdon, 2007. Brueggemann, Walter. An Introduction to the Old Testament: The Canon and Christian Imagination. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2003. Ceresko, Anthony. Introduction to the Old Testament: A Liberation Perspective. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1992. Childs, B. S. Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture. Fortress, 1979. A canonical approach to the text and books. Collins, John J. Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. Second edition. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2014. An up to date and readable survey of Old Testament (and apocryphal) scholarship from the standpoint of modern criticism. Coogan, Michael D. A Brief Introduction to the Old Testament: The Hebrew Bible in Its Context. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009.. The Old Testament: A Historical and Literary Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures. New York: Oxford University Press, 2006. Dillard, Raymond, and Tremper Longman III. An Introduction to the Old Testament. Zondervan, 1994. A helpful up-to-date Evangelical contribution. Longman finished the project after the death of Dillard. Eissfeldt, Otto. The Old Testament: An Introduction. trans. P.R. Ackroyd. Harper and Row, 1965. The classic liberal Protestant introduction. Gottwald, Norman. The Hebrew Bible: A Socio-literary Introduction. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1985. 1 Annotations from Annotated Old Testament Bibliography, Denver Journal Available at http://www.denverseminary.edu/resources/news-and-articles/annotated-old-testament-bibliography-2014/.
Hill, Andrew E. and John H. Walton. A Survey of the Old Testament. Third edition. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009. 800 pages of a book-by-book Evangelical summary of the Old Testament with plenty of colorful photos and illustrations Harrison, R. K. An Old Testament Introduction. Eerdmans, 1979. Comprehensive Evangelical discussion of introductory issues for its time. Hess, R. S. The Old Testament: A Historical, Critical, and Theological Introduction. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2016. An overview of the content and a comprehensive review of the major approaches to each book of the Old Testament. Humphreys, W. Lee. Crisis and Story: An Introduction to the Old Testament. 2d ed. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing, 1990. LaSor, W. S., D. A. Hubbard, and F. W. Bush. Old Testament Survey. Eerdmans, 1982. Second edition, 1996. A reasonably up-to-date introduction from a balanced Evangelical perspective. Longman, Tremper, III, and Raymond B. Dillard. An Introduction to the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006. Matthews, Victor, and James Moyer. The Old Testament: Text and Context. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1997. Richter, Sandra L. The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2008. Soggin, J. Alberto. Introduction to the Old Testament. OTL. Westminster, 1989. The current standard in place of Eissfeldt; weak on literary approaches. Sweeney, Marvin A. Tanak: A Theological and Critical Introduction to the Jewish Bible. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2011. Scholarly and critical introduction to the Old Testament as Jewish Scriptures, with a close text-by-text interpretation. 9 Other Introductory Studies Brueggemann, Walter. A Pathway of Interpretation: The Old Testament for Pastors and Students. Oregon: Cascade Books, 2009. Dell, Katharine. Opening the Old Testament: An Introductory Handbook. Malden, MA : Blackwell Pub., 2008. Enns, Peter. Inspiration and Incarnation: Evangelicals and the Problem of the Old Testament. 2d edition. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2015.
Gignilliat, Mark. A Brief History of Old Testament Criticism from Benedict Spinoza to Brevard Childs. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012. Rogerson, John, et al. Beginning Old Testament Study. Second Edition. St. Louis: Chalice Press, 1998. 10 Old Testament Theology Anderson, Bernard W. Contours of Old Testament Theology. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1999. Themes of the holiness of God, covenants, torah/wisdom, and prophecy/apocalyptic are interwoven in this synthesis by an influential scholar. Barr, James. The Concept of Biblical Theology: An Old Testament Perspective. London: SCM, 1999. The most important survey of Old Testament theologies at the end of the twentieth century, if not always one that everyone will agree with. Brueggemann, Walter. Theology of the Old Testament: Testimony, Dispute, Advocacy. Fortress, 1997. A provocative approach that structures the discussion around the metaphor and imagery of the courtroom. Childs, Brevard S. Old Testament Theology in a Canonical Context. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1986. Classic on canon with a sensitivity to the New Testament. Eichrodt, W. Old Testament Theology. 2 vols. Old Testament Library. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1961-67. Emphasis on the covenant. Along with von Rad, the giant in the field in the twentieth century. Goldingay, John. Old Testament Theology. Volume One. Israel's Gospel. Downers Grove, IL InterVarsity, 2003; Volume Two. Israel's Faith, 2006; Volume Three. Israel s Life, 2009. Evangelical and readable survey of the theological message of the narrative books of the Old Testament. Hasel, Gerhard. Old Testament Theology: Basic Issues in the Current Debate. Eerdmans, 1995. Fourth edition. Detailed survey of authors and issues. Kaiser, W. C., Jr. The Promise-Plan of God. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008. Moberly, R. W. L. Old Testament Theology: Reading the Hebrew Bible as Christian Scripture. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2013. Ollenburger, Ben C., Elmer A. Marten, and Gerhard F. Hasel, eds. The Flowering of Old Testament Theology. Sources for Biblical and Theological Study. Winona Lake, IL: Eisenbrauns, 1992. A collection of classic articles. Preuss, H. D. Old Testament Theology. 2 vols. Old Testament Library. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1995-6. Focus on Yahweh.
11 Rendtorff, Rolf. The Canonical Hebrew Bible: A Theology of the Old Testament. Blandford Forum, UK: Deo Publishing, 2005. Sailhammer, John H. Introduction to Old Testament Theology: A Canonical Approach. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995. Evangelical. Structured study on how to do Old Testament theology. Terrien, S. The Elusive Presence: Toward a New Biblical Theology. New York: Harper and Row, 1978. Focus on the wisdom literature. Von Rad, G. Old Testament Theology. 2 vols. New York: Harper and Row, 1962-65. Salvation history approach that tries to explain how Israelites did theology. Along with Eichrodt, the giant in the field in the twentieth century. Waltke, Bruce K. An Old Testament Theology: An Exegetical, Canonical, and Thematic Approach. Zondervan, 2007. A great conservative Evangelical journey through the Old Testament. Zimmerli, Walther. Old Testament Theology in Outline. Atlanta: John Knox, 1978. Concise discussions with bibliographies by a capable critical scholar of an earlier generation. Yaheh is the central theme. Commentaries Commentary Series Abingdon Old Testament/New Testament Commentaries. These commentaries are scholarly, with translation, translation notes (including Hebrew/Greek text), and comment. They also include a special discussion of matters related to Lutheran theology and practice. Anchor Bible. Garden City, NY: Doubleday. These tend to be linguistic-oriented with a great deal of historical and archaeological background. (Hebrew/Greek helps.) Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic. These commentaries are exegetical, with a focus on the theology of the text. They are written by wellknown evangelical scholars. The Bible Speaks Today. Downers Grove, IL: Inter-varsity Press. This is a practical commentary that seeks to interpret & apply the biblical text. It is also paperback and very affordable. Hermeneia. Minneapolis: Augsburg/Fortress. Probably the most critical of the commentary sets readily available, but also includes perhaps the most up to date bibliography & critical/ historical issues. (Hebrew/Greek almost a must)
Interpretation. Philadelphia: Westminster/John Knox. This set is designed for the preacher and teacher by focusing upon interpretation and application, but it also attempts to deal with historical and critical issues. New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman and Holman. This set is fairly detailed and critical but very conservative in nature. Technical discussions such as Hebrew translation are numerous, but they are placed in the footnotes rather than the text itself. New International Biblical Commentary. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson. These are affordable volumes that include detailed section by section discussions, including both technical, interpretative, and practical issues. New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. This set is critical but conservative, focusing upon interpreting the original text. (Hebrew/Greek helps.) The New Interpreter s Bible. Nashville: Abingdon. Recent critical, yet practical commentary set on the entire Bible. NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. Commentary focuses upon bridging from the biblical text to contemporary application, but does contain some helpful exegesis as well. Old Testament Library. Philadelphia: Westminster/John Knox. This is a critical commentary focusing upon literary issues & interpretation. The newer volumes are especially helpful for interpretative purposes. (Hebrew/Greek helps.) Tyndale Old Testament Commentary. Downers Grove, IL: Inter-varsity Press. This set includes some older (1960 vintage) and some newer commentaries. Each volume is brief and affordable, offering a short technical discussion from a conservative viewpoint. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Nelson/Word. This is an in-depth scholarly commentary with detailed explanation of every passage, but also includes practical application & explanation. (Hebrew/Greek helps.) Word Communicator s Commentary. Dallas: Nelson/Word. This series is designed to help the teacher/preacher understand and apply the Bible in preaching, sometimes lacks scholarly preciseness and depth. 12