P a g e 1 OT 626 Exegesis of Genesis Provisional Course Outline Fall 2017 Carol M. Kaminski Wednesdays/Fridays, Sept 11 Dec 13, 9:30 11:00am Final Exam: Wednesday, Dec 13 Email: kaminski@gordonconwell.edu. Office hours AC 136: TBA Provisional Course Outline 1. Course Objectives: The primary objective of this course is to help students develop Hebrew language and exegetical skills in preparation for teaching and preaching from the Old Testament. This will be achieved through weekly translation exercises, word studies and exegetical questions (Gordon-Conwell Mission Statement #1 2). The secondary objective of this course is to introduce students to the content and theology of the book of Genesis in preparation for teaching and preaching. This will be achieved through a detailed exegetical analysis of key chapters in Genesis. Focus will be given to theological issues arising from the text, with an emphasis on how Genesis contributes to redemptive history (Gordon-Conwell Mission Statement #1 2). 2. Required Textbooks: 1. Beckman, J., Williams Hebrew Syntax: An Outline (Univ. of Toronto Press, 1976; 3rd edit). 2. Brown, A.P. and B.W. Smith, A Reader s Hebrew Bible (Zondervan: 2008). 1 3. Miles van Pelt, and G. Pratico, The Vocabulary Guide to Biblical Hebrew (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003). 4. Walton, J., Genesis. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary. Bible Software: If you do not have a Bible software program such as BibleWorks, Logos, or Gramcord/Accordance, you will need to purchase: Wigram, G.V., The Englishman's Hebrew Concordance of the Old Testament (Broadman, 1980). 3. Recommended: Barrick, W.D., Collins, C.J., Lamoureux, D.O., and Walton, J., Four Views on the Historical Adam (Counterpoints, Zondervan, 2013). Mathews, K. A., Genesis 1-11:26 (NAC; Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1996). Note: This commentary is not required, but you may want to purchase it since you are required to read 80 pages from it, and it is one of the best commentaries on Gen. 1 11. Two copies will be on the reserve shelf. Stuart, D., Old Testament Exegesis (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1980). For your reference. 1 If you do not have the standard Hebrew Bible, (Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia), you will probably want to purchase it since you will want to have a copy of BHS in your library. However, for this class we will be using A Reader s Hebrew Bible. We will be referring to BHS at various times in class, especially with reference to the critical apparatus (which is not in RHB), but the primary Hebrew Bible for translations will be RHB. If you prefer to use BHS instead of RHB, you are welcome to do so.
E x e g e s i s o f G e n e s i s F a l l 2 0 1 7 P a g e 2 Provisional Lecture Outline at a Glance WEEK DATE Hebrew Translation and Exegetical Steps Lecture Topics 1 Wed/Frid Sept. 13, 15 2 Wed/Frid Sept. 20, 22 3 Wed/Frid Sept. 27, 29 4 Wed/Frid Oct. 4, 6 5 Oct. 9-13 6 Wed/Frid Oct. 18, 20 7 Wed/Frid Oct. 25, 27 8 Wed/Frid Nov. 1, 3 9 Nov. 6-10 Hebrew Competency Exam Review of exegetical method First draft of step 1 due: Text and Translation (bring hard copy to class) Hebrew translation: Gen. 1:1-5, 26-31; 2:1-7, 15-18 First draft of step 2 due: Literary Context (bring hard copy to class) Hebrew translation: Gen 3:1-21 First draft of step 3 due: Grammatical Analysis (bring hard copy to class) Hebrew Translation: Gen. 6:1-22; 7:1 Reading week First draft of step 4 due: Word Studies (bring hard copy to class) Hebrew translation: Gen. 9:1-29 First draft of step 5: Authorship (bring hard copy to class) Hebrew translation: Gen 12:1-20 First draft of step 6: Historical Context (bring hard copy to class) Hebrew translation: Gen 15:1-21 Reading week Final copy of Steps 1-5 due 4:00pm Monday Nov 6. Place in box outside my office. Introduction to the Course Review of Hebrew verbal diagnostics Introduction to Genesis and authorship The Creation Story (Gen 1 2) The role of Adam; corporate identity Adam as image; male and female Reading prior to class: Clines, The Image of God in Man; Walton, Genesis, pp. 10-27 Adam s disobedience and God s judgment (Gen 2 3; Rom 5) Original sin Reading prior to class: Clines, Theme in Gen. 1-11, Walton, pp. 28-42. Noah and the flood (Gen 6 9) Sin, judgment and grace Reading prior to class: Walton, pp. 42-53. Realization of the Primeval Blessing (Gen 9 11) Reading prior to class: Robinson, Genealogies, Walton, pp. 54-65. The Abrahamic promises and the mission of God (Gen 12; Rom 4; Gal 3) Reading prior to class: Kaminski, The Call of Abram, Walton, pp. 4-8, 65-75. Faith and works (Gen 15, 17; Rom 4; James 2) The Abrahamic covenant (Gen 15). Reading prior to class: Walton, pp. 76-87. 10 Wed/Frid Nov. 15, 17 12 Wed/Frid Nov. 22 13 Wed/Frid Nov 29, Dec 1 First draft of step 7 due: Biblical Theological (bring hard copy to class) Hebrew Translation: Gen. 17:1-21 Friday Nov 17: Hebrew vocab & translation midterm exam First draft of step 8 due: Cultural Exegesis (bring hard copy to class) Hebrew translation: Gen. 18:1-25 No Class Nov 24 Thanksgiving Holiday First draft of step 9-10 due: Verse-by-verse Sermon notes & Application (bring hard copy to class) The covenant of circumcision (Gen 17) Reading prior to class: Walton, pp. 88-95. The promise of a child and the Sodom story (Gen 18-19) Reading prior to class: Walton, pp. 96-105. Isaac and Ishmael (Gen 16, 18, 21; Rom 9; Gal 4) Reading prior to class: Walton, pp. 106-120.
E x e g e s i s o f G e n e s i s F a l l 2 0 1 7 P a g e 3 14 Wed/Frid Dec. 6, 8 Final Dec 13 exam Hebrew translation: Gen. 21:1-13 Sermons Final copy of steps 6-10 due Tuesday December 5 at 4:00pm Final Exam Sermons begin Friday 4. Course Requirements: Hebrew Competency Exam is scheduled for the first day of class, Wed, Sept 13. The exam will include vocabulary, parsing of verbs, and translation. The best way to prepare for this exam is to review your first year Hebrew grammar, giving attention to parsing verbs. You need to pass the exam in order to take the class for credit. Hebrew Translation and In-Class Testing: As a 600-level Hebrew exegesis course, you will be required to translate a Hebrew text every week. Each class will have time set aside for Hebrew translation. Several people will be called upon each week to translate and make grammatical comments. Please note that you are not allowed to use your computer for in-class Hebrew translation. This means that you will need to translate directly from A Reader s Hebrew Bible or from a notebook or print-out of your translation with translation notes. When you are called upon in class, you will be required to translate the verse(s), parse every verb, and answer basic Hebrew grammar questions. No grade will be assigned for this section; however, a 2-4 point deduction will be taken off your final grade for this course for one of the following reasons: a. failure to have completed the assigned translation prior to class. b. inadequate Hebrew translation in class. Midterm: Hebrew Translation and Vocab: All students are required to take a Hebrew translation exam which will comprise of the Hebrew translations that you have been doing each week. You will be asked to translate one or two verses from the following text: Gen. 1:1-26; 3:1-21; 6:1-22, and parse all verbs. No lexicons can be used, but vocabulary is provided which occurs in the footnotes of RHB. In addition to Hebrew translation, you are required to review first year Hebrew vocab, and increase your knowledge of Hebrew vocabulary. Since less common Hebrew terms will be provided on your final exam based on RHB, you are required to know the first 300 Hebrew words (according to Pelt and Pratico vocab list, p. 17). You will be tested on the first 150 words on your midterm exam, and you will be tested on the list of 300 words on the final exam. The midterm is worth 20% of your final grade. It is scheduled for Friday, Nov 17. Final Exam: all students are required to take a final exam which will entail a) vocabulary test, entailing words from among the list of 300 words; b) Hebrew translation; and c) multiple choice/short answer questions on Genesis based on class lectures. The final exam is worth 30% of your final grade. The exam is scheduled for Wed, Dec 13. Topics covered in the multiple choice/short answer questions include (but not limited to) the following: Toledot structure Views of Gen. 1:1 Adam/humanity Linear genealogies Segmented genealogies Genre of Genesis 1 Genre of Gen 1-11 JEDP Faith/works Original sin Sin-judgment-grace Creation blessing Abrahamic covenant Circumcision Heir of promises Historical Adam Isaac and Ishmael Blessing to nations Noahic covenant Mosaic authorship Children of promise Barrenness Image of God Framework view
E x e g e s i s o f G e n e s i s F a l l 2 0 1 7 P a g e 4 Hebrew Competency: In 600 and 700 level Hebrew exegesis courses, you are required to show competency in the Hebrew language. If you do not demonstrate Hebrew competency (evaluated through in-class translation, Hebrew translation exam, Hebrew vocabulary knowledge, and Hebrew grammar in your paper), you will not be given a passing grade (even if you pass the course according to your grade point average). See the GCTS Catalog: At both the OT 600 and OT 700 levels, competency in Hebrew must be demonstrated by the student in all aspects of the course in order for a passing grade to be assigned, regardless of how the course grade is otherwise computed (p. 88). Commentary and Selected Readings: Since emphasis has been placed on Hebrew acquisition in this course, only minimal reading requirements on Genesis have been assigned. The following readings are required for the course: 1. Clines, D.J.A., Theme in Genesis 1-11, CBQ 38 (1976), pp. 483-507. 2. Mathews, K. A., Genesis 1-11:26 (NAC; 1996), pp. 22-111. 3. Robinson, R. B., Literary Functions of the Genealogies of Genesis, CBQ (1986), pp. 595-608. 4. Clines, The Image of God in Man, TB 19 (1968), pp. 53-103. 5. Walton, J., Genesis. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Commentary. 6. The Mesopotamian ( Pre-Christendom ) Context of the Call of Abram in Genesis, and its implications for the church today. You will be asked on your final exam to state what percentage of the required readings you have read. Failure to have completed the readings may result in a 3-4 point grade deduction. Also: Stuart, D., Old Testament Exegesis (this is to be used as a resource for your exegesis paper). Exegesis paper on Genesis text: All students are required to write an exegesis paper. Your exegesis paper is worth 40% of your final grade. The final copy of steps 1-5 is due 4:00pm Monday Nov 6, and the final copy of Steps 6-10 is due 4:00pm on Tuesday Dec 5. You are to select one of the following topics (4-5 people are needed for each passage): 1. Creation of human beings and image of God (Gen. 1:24-28) 2. God s judgment against Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:14-19) 3. Noahic covenant and flood (Gen. 6:17-22) 4. Food laws and death penalty (Gen. 9:1-7) 5. The Abrahamic covenant (Gen. 15:12-18) 6. The Abrahamic promises (Gen. 17:1-6) 7. The promise of a son (Gen. 18:9-14) Your first task is to do the exegetical and language steps on your text, based on the weekly schedule. You are required to bring a hard copy of your first draft of each assignment to class on the due date; it will simply be checked off as having being completed, but it will not be graded until you submit your final copy. Failure to have a hard copy of your assignment in class will result in a grade penalty (reflected on your final grade for this assignment). Each week there will be brief peer review of your assignment and an opportunity for questions. Your final copy of steps 1-10 should incorporate some of the feedback from your peers. The last two steps, Verseby-verse Sermon Notes and Apply the Text give you an opportunity to synthesize your research into a coherent message. The goal of these last two steps is to explain the biblical passage clearly and concisely in light of your exegetical work (no footnotes in this section), and to apply the biblical passage for the church today, noting how God s word confronts or informs contemporary issues/world view. Five minute sermon: [10% of final grade]: You are required to give a five minute sermon (buzzer will go off after four minutes!) to the class. Sermons will be preached toward the end of the semester.
Exegetical Steps E x e g e s i s o f G e n e s i s F a l l 2 0 1 7 P a g e 5 Step 1: Translation: [1/2 page, single spaced, with footnotes] This entails your own translation of the text, plus you are to comment on any text critical issues in the footnotes, along with your notes on 3-4 English translations, noting the various ways the text is translated, and giving the reason for your translation of key terms or phrases. Begin with the Hebrew Text at the top of the page using RHB, but include footnotes commenting on the textual variants (you will need to use the critical apparatus in BHS); b) the Hebrew text is to be immediately followed by your own translation, which should include footnotes noting how English Bibles translate the passage (e.g. NIV, NRSV, NASB) and reasons for your translation. Step 2: Literary context: [1/2 page, single spaced, with footnotes] Locate your passage in the book as a whole, noting where the passage occurs according to its literary context and why this is significant for interpretation. Cite chapters and verses when explaining where your passage fits in Genesis; be sure to discuss the Toledot structure; cite commentaries. Step 3: Verse-by-verse Grammatical Analysis. [1 1 ½ pages, single spaced, with footnotes] Consult several Hebrew grammars, such as Jouon, Gesenius, Waltke, and Williamson. Comment on any structural elements that are in your passage, and comment on the Hebrew narrative structure. Step 4: Word Studies: [1 page, single spaced, with footnotes] You are required to complete five words studies on key words from your passage. Cite the Hebrew term; provide a range of meaning for your word; cite biblical references to support the range of meaning; cite dictionaries (sparingly, only when insightful); summarize the meaning you think best fits in your passage, and note why it is important for interpretation. Step 5: Authorship [3/4 1 page, single spaced, with footnotes] Discuss the authorship of Genesis; give a brief overview of scholarly views (use footnotes to cite sources); summarize your view of authorship, citing biblical texts to support your conclusion. In this section you need to interact with Genesis commentaries. Step 6: Historical Context: [3/4 1 page, single spaced, with footnotes] In this section you will provide information about the historical context of the passage; note the time period when the events take place. You will want to interact with commentaries and articles, discussing any debated issues and important historical/ane background information. Step 7: Biblical-Theological: [1 page, single spaced, with footnotes] Comment on any important theological issues arising from the passage, noting how your passage contributes theologically to our understanding of key aspects of the faith. If your text is cited elsewhere in the Bible, explain how this contributes to our understanding of the passage, both for the OT and the NT. Step 8: Cultural Exegesis: [3/4 page, single spaced, with footnotes] Comment on one or two issues in our culture that your passage addresses. Provide evidence from the culture to support your observations about the culture, and show how the biblical text addresses/confronts/informs this aspect of the contemporary culture. Step 9: Verse-by-verse Sermon Notes (2 pages, single spaced, verse by verse; no footnotes, no Hebrew).
E x e g e s i s o f G e n e s i s F a l l 2 0 1 7 P a g e 6 You are required to write a two-page, single-spaced summary of your passage (12 pt font), comprising of a verseby-verse section that incorporates all of your exegetical insights (include Bible references where helpful), but this is to be in non-technical language. The goal of this step is to explain the biblical passage clearly and concisely in light of your exegetical work (no footnotes in this section). Step 10: Apply the Passage (1 page, single spaced; no footnotes). In this section you are to provide one or two key areas of application for your passage. In this section you will be incorporating not only your cultural exegesis section, but you will also be incorporating your exegetical insights as you explain how the passage applies today. Bibliography: [single spaced, no page limit; not included in word count/pages] It is expected that you will consult major commentaries and scholarly work on the passage, as well as key articles related to your passage. Plagiarism: Be aware that the seminary has a strict policy on plagiarism (see the Student Handbook). Be certain to footnote all sources used, giving credit where credit is due. If I find that you have not adequately cited sources, you will automatically receive a Fail grade for the paper and it will be returned to you, and it may need to be reviewed by the seminary judiciary committee. For further information on what constitutes plagiarism, see the following website: www.indiana.edu/~wts/wts/plagiarism.html Cell Phones: Please turn off all cell phones before class. Internet use (whether on a phone or computer) is prohibited during class, but is permissible during breaks. 5. Hebrew Bible and Language Resources: Arnold, B., and J. Choi, A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax (Cambridge University Press, 2003). Beall, T.S. and W. Banks, Old Testament Parsing Guide (Chicago: Moody, 1986). Bergen, R.D. ed., Biblical Hebrew and Discourse Linguistics (SIL; Eisenbraus, 1994) Botterweck, Ringgren, and Fabry, Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament (Eerdmans), 15+ volumes. Brotzman, E.R., Old Testament Text Criticism: A Practical Introduction (Baker, 1994). Brown, F., S. Driver, C. Briggs eds. A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament (Oxford: Clarendon Press., 1951). Holladay, W. L., A Concise Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1971). Joüon, P. A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew (revised ed.; trans. and rev. by T. Muraoka (Rome: Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblico, 1993). 2 Volumes. Kautzsch, E. and A. E. Cowley, eds. Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar (2nd. ed.; Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1999 [1910]). Longacre, R.E., Joseph: A story of divine providence: A text theoretical and textlinguistic Analysis of Genesis 37 and 39 48 (Eisenbrauns, 1989). Waltke B.K. and M. O'Connor, An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax (Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 1990). Williams, R. J. Hebrew Syntax: An Outline (Toronto: Univ. of Toronto Press, 1976). Wolde, Ellen van, ed., Narrative Syntax and the Hebrew Bible (Brill, 2002). 6. Selective Bibliography: Alter, R., The Art of Biblical Narrative (New York: Basic Books, 1981). Averbeck, Beall, Collins, Davis, Hamilton, Longman, Turner, Walton, Reading Genesis 1 2: An Evangelical Conversation (Hendrickson, 2013). Barrick, Collins, Lamoureaux and Walton, Four Views of the Historical Adam (Zondervan, 2013). Brueggemann, W., Genesis. A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (IBC; Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1982). Brucker, J.K., Implied Law in the Abraham Narratives: A Literary and Theological Approach (T & T Clark, 2002). Cassuto, U., A Commentary on the Book of Genesis. Vol. 1 (trans. I. Abrahams; Jerusalem: Magnes Press, 1961)., A Commentary on the Book of Genesis. Vol. 2 (trans. I. Abrahams; Jerusalem: Magnes Press, 1964).
E x e g e s i s o f G e n e s i s F a l l 2 0 1 7 P a g e 7 Caneday, A., Barrett, M., and S. Gundry (edits), Four Views on the Historical Adam: Counterpoints: Bible and Theology (Zondervan, 2013). Clines, D. J. A., The Image of God in Man, TB 19 (1968), pp. 53-103., Theme in Genesis 1-11, CBQ 38 (1976), pp. 483-507., The Theme of the Pentateuch (JSOTSup, 10; Sheffield: JSOT Press, 1979). Dumbrell, W. J. Covenant and Creation (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1984). Enns, P., The Evolution of Adam: What the Bible Does and Doesn t Say about Human Origins (Brazon Press,2013). Garrett, D., Rethinking Genesis: The Sources and Authorship of the First Book of the Pentateuch (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1991). Hamilton, V. P., The Book of Genesis: Chapters 1-17 (NICOT; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1990)., The Book of Genesis: Chapters 18-50 (NICOT; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995). Johnson, M. D., The Purpose of the Biblical Genealogies (SNTS 8; Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1969). Fockner, S., Reopening the Discussion: Another Contextual Look at the Sons of God, JSOT 34:4 (2008), pp. 435-456. Kaminski, C.M, Beautiful Women or False Judgment? Interpreting Gen. 6:2 in the Context of the Primaeval History, JSOT 32:4 (2008), pp. 457-473., From Noah To Israel: Realization of the Primaeval Blessing After the Flood (JSOTSup 413; T&T Clark, 2004)., CASKET EMPTY: God s Plan of Redemption through History. Old Testament Study Guide (Casket Empty Media, 2012)., Was Noah Good? Finding Favour in the Flood Narrative (2014, LHBOTS, T&T Clark). Mathews, K. A., Genesis 1-11:26 (NAC; Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1996)., Genesis 11:27 50:26 (NAC; Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2005). Millard, A. R. and D. J. Wiseman, eds., Essays on the Patriarchal Narratives (Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press, 1980), pp. 11-42. Pritchard, J. B., ed., Ancient Near Eastern Texts (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1969). Rad, G. von, Genesis (trans. J. H. Marks; London, SCM Press 1972). Reyhold, R., Van Till, Nelson, Three Views of Creation and Evolution. Counterpoints (1999). Robinson, R. B., Literary Functions of the Genealogies of Genesis, CBQ (1986), pp. 595-608. Ross, A. P., Creation and Blessing: A Guide to the Study and Exposition of Genesis (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1988). Sailhamer, J., The Pentateuch as Narrative (Library of Biblical Interpretation; Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1992). Sarna, N. M., Genesis (JPS Torah Commentary; New York: Schocken Books, 1970). Soulen, R. N. Handbook of Biblical Criticism (John Knox Press, 1981). Waltke, B., Genesis. A Commentary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001). Walton, J., The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origin Debate (Downers Grove, IL., IVP Academic, 2009)., Genesis. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Commentary (Zondervan, 2013)., The Lost World of Adam and Eve: Genesis 2-3 and the Human Origins Debate (Downers Grove, IL, IVP, 2015). Wenham, G. J., Genesis 1-15 (WBC; Waco: Word Books, 1987). Wenham, G. J., Genesis 16-50 (WBC; Dallas: Word Books, 1994). Westermann, C., Genesis 1-11: A Continental Commentary (trans. J. J. Scullion; Minneapolis: Fortress, 1994). 3 Volumes: Gen. 1-11; 12-36; 37-50. Williamson, P.R., Abraham, Israel and the Nations: The Patriarchal Promise and Its Covenantal Development in Genesis (JSOT 315; Sheffield Academic Press, 2000). Wilson, R.R. Genealogy and History in the Biblical World (YNER 7; New Haven: Yale University: 1977)., The Old Testament Genealogies in Recent Research, JBL 94 (1975), pp. 169-189. Wolff, H. W., The Kerygma of the Yahwist, Interpretation 20 (1966), pp. 131-158.
EXEGESIS PAPER ASSESSMENT E x e g e s i s o f G e n e s i s F a l l 2 0 1 7 P a g e 8 Exegesis Paper Evaluation Name: Passage: 1. Text & Translation: Excellent Good Satisfactory Needs more work 2. Literary Context: Excellent Good Satisfactory Needs more work 3. Lexical Analysis: Excellent Good Satisfactory Needs more work 4. Grammar: Excellent Good Satisfactory Needs more work 5. Authorship: Excellent Good Satisfactory Needs more work 6. Historical Context: Excellent Good Satisfactory Needs more work 7. Biblical-Theological: Excellent Good Satisfactory Needs more work 8. Cultural Exegesis: Excellent Good Satisfactory Needs more work 9. Sermon Notes: Excellent Good Satisfactory Needs more work 10. Apply: Excellent Good Satisfactory Needs more work Additional Comments: Additional Comments: