DESCRIPTION:

This is an exegetical course based on the Hebrew text of the book of Psalms. The class has four main goals: (1) an introduction to an exegetical method that uses historical-critical tools to interpret Hebrew passages; (2) an introduction to the principles of Hebrew poetry; (3) interpretation of larger passages and themes of Psalms; and (4) an introduction to the basic issues pertaining to the collection of books known as the Writings.

Traditionally the Psalms have had a special place in the Christian community. Therefore, our teaching and preaching should reflect this special place in our pulpits and in our Christian education. In addition, the Hebrew Psalter is one of the most quoted books in the New Testament, making obvious, thus, its significance for the contemporary church.

We will meet twice a week, two hours each session. Tuesday sessions will be for class lecture and discussions and Thursdays for analysis and exegesis of texts from the Psalms.

Alonso Schökel, Luis. Salmos. 2 vols. Madrid: Los Libros Sagrados, 1988.

Brown, Francis; S. R. Driver; and Charles A. Briggs, eds. A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Peabody: Hendrickson. 1979.

Elliger, Karl and Wilhelm Rudolph, eds. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1990.

Morla Asensio, Victor. Libros Sapienciales y otros escritos. Navarra: EVD, 1998.

See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.

Alonso Schökel, Luis. Manual de poesía hebrea. Madrid, 1987.

Brueggemann, Walter. The Message of the Psalms. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1984.

__________. The Psalms and the Life of Faith. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1995.

Mays, James L. The Lord Reigns. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1994.

Westermann, Claus. The Psalms: Structure, Content and Message. Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1980.

__________. Praise and Lament in the Psalms. Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1981.

1. Students are expected to be present at all class sessions.

2. Before each class session students should have: (a) completed all assigned readings, (b) translated the biblical passages to be exegeted, (c) prepared an exegetical handout that reflects their linguistic and rhetorical analysis of the texts.

3. Exegetical paper (10 pages plus translation and sermon outline).

LG502; Spanish.

Meets M.Div. core requirement in Old Testament "c" (OTCE).

Yes.