BB26X.306 - Biblical Studies in Old Testament (Hebrew)
Unit Description
Unit Co-Ordinator: Les Henson Cert IV TAA, ONC Mining&Mech Eng, HNC Mech Eng, DipBC, CertRK, MA (Missiology), PhD (Sociology)
Pre-requisites
BB381.306 Biblical Hebrew
Co-requisites
None.Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:
describe the process of exegesis
explain the importance of thinking contextually in biblical interpretation
discuss the nature and diversity of genres in the Old Testament and specific hermeneutical principles needed to exegete them
compare and contrast different methods of exegesis
explore the structure and integrity of books in the Bible
use sound principles to study and exegete passages from the Hebrew Scriptures
Unit Content
This unit will build on the skills begun in Unit BB132.306 Introduction to Biblical Interpretation and will broaden the abilities of the student to carry out Old Testament exegesis in the original language. The student will exegete the Hebrew text with an emphasis on investigating Old Testament historical, cultural, literary and theological contexts. Hermeneutical questions and principles are itemised, discussed and applied in practice to the different biblical genres; OT narrative, law, history, poetry, wisdom, and prophecy. The appropriate biblical criticisms for each of the genres will be examined and critiqued. Particular attention will be given to the exegesis of significant portions of at least one OT book. A methodology utilising a range of biblical criticisms appropriate to exegeting the genres will be followed to give students practical insights into the uses of and the strengths and limitations of the different criticisms and hermeneutical principles. Broader issues related to the exegetical task including a selection of the following will also be debated; the role of the reader in interpretation, the Old Testament in the New Testament, using a biblical narrative as the basis for a sermon, and Postmodernism and hermeneutics. Issues of relevance in translating the Hebrew text will be explored, shaped largely by student interest and the text used.
Teaching Strategies
Teaching strategies include: lectures and tutorials; weekend schools; class discussions; presentation of instructional material in the form of printed documentation, DVD, video and audio tape and on-line interaction; and weekly exegetical assignments.
Textbook Information
Stuart, D. (2001). Old Testament exegesis: A handbook for students and pastors. (3rd ed.). Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox.