ot-558 – i and ii samuel in-depth (nj) syllabus · r. w. klein, 1 samuel, 1983 _____ 2 samuel,...

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Hispanic Ministries Program

OT-558 – I and II Samuel In-Depth (NJ) Syllabus

25-28 October 2018 Jim Critchlow, PhD Thursday 17:00 – 21:30; Friday 9:00 – 21:00 [email protected] Saturday 9:00 – 21:00; Sunday 9 – 15:30 603-978-8991

PURPOSE OF THE COURSE

The primary emphasis of this course is to explore basic exegetical tools and methods that assist students in stating what may be confidently asserted about a biblical passage, e.g., Hebrew & Greek word studies, background and map investigations, etc. Secondarily, the course is a thorough examination of the books of I - II Samuel in English. The Hebrew and Greek alphabets will be studied so students can gain a working vocabulary of words and phrases that will assist them in reading the biblical / scholarly materials for themselves. (Cf. MDiv degree goals: 1-3, 5.)

STRUCTURE OF THE COURSE

This class will meet as an intensive session over 4 days in October 2018. We will study the books of Samuel with class work and proctored exam due to the instructor by 7 December 2018. Each class period will include some of the following: discussion of texts, Hebrew and Greek alphabets, discussions, and presentations. After each block, we will summarize what must be studied for quizzes and the exam.

I and II Samuel are appropriate for study for the principles that can be gleaned for life in the 21st Century A.D. Students will attend each session prepared to interact with the readings and lectures, and contribute to the discussions. Three quizzes and a final exam will measure mastery of the material. Interaction with ideas will be assessed through three papers (a word study, a background study, and an exegesis paper on an approved student-selected passage). Each student must read I - II Samuel twice during the fall term in addition to 250 pages of reading from a suggested bibliography. The Bible in the student’s native language is the only required text. CORE COURSE ("C"-LEVEL) REQUIREMENTS:1

1) Regular class attendance and participation in small and large group discussions. 2) Read the 57 chapters of I Samuel 1 – I Kings 2 twice during the Fall 2018.

3) 250 pages of independent reading from a suggested bibliography. 4) Three take-home quizzes – open book, open notes; essays based upon lectures, discussions, and readings. All quizzes must be typed (double-spaced) and submitted by due date. 5) Two-part proctored Final Exam – Hebrew & Greek alphabets and vocabulary (closed book); content exam (only Bibles permitted).

1 I am indebted to my Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary colleague Dr. David Currie for his suggestions and outline of this contract-grading scheme.

OT-558 – I and II Samuel In-Depth (NJ) Syllabus [email protected]

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"B"-LEVEL REQUIREMENTS: 1) All of the Core Course Requirements.

2) An additional 250 pages of independent reading (500 pages total). 3) Two Reflection Papers (background study and word study) of no less than 2 and no more than 4 double-spaced pages each. "A"-LEVEL REQUIREMENTS: 1) All of the Core Course Requirements. 2) An additional 500 pages of independent reading (750 pages total). 3) Two Reflection Papers (background study and word study) of no less than 2 and no more than 4 double-spaced pages.

4) Exegesis Paper. The papers should be typed and in correct form, and no less than 10 pages and no more than 15 pages double-spaced, including bibliography and footnotes. This paper must be mailed to the professor to arrive not later than 7 December 2018 at the Boston campus of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, or to 48 River Rd, Lebanon, ME 04027 with a return envelope and postage. CONTRACT GRADING: Grading will be based upon both fulfilling the grade level requirements and the quality of work submitted. Contracts for grades will be due Friday, 26 October 2018. Exams and papers will be graded according to the contract and will primarily contain comments, not letter grades. A summary evaluation will be given in terms of a "√" ("check") meaning that the work has met the level of the grade contract, a "+" ("plus") meaning that the work has exceeded the level of the grade contract, a "-" ("minus") meaning that the work has not met the level of the grade contract, or combination thereof (e.g. √- "check-minus" for work that minimally meets the level of grade contract or √+ "check-plus" for work that exceeds the level of the contract). It is not possible to receive a letter grade higher than contracted, though it is possible to receive a letter grade lower than contracted. For example, if a student who contracts for a "B" performs "A" quality work on their exams, that student would receive a "+" on exams, but no higher than a "B+" grade. However, a student who contracts for "B" and performs "C" quality work on their exams would receive a "-" on their exams and could receive a "C" for the course. Students may adjust their grade contract simply by requesting in writing (or e-mail).

GRADING

If you contract for course requirements (“C” Grade), your course grade will be determined by four elements: average for three quizzes (50%) and a final examination (50%). If you contract for “B” your course grade will be determined by six elements: average for three quizzes (35%), two papers (20%) and a final examination (45%). If you contract for “A” your course grade will be determined by seven elements: average for three quizzes (25%), two papers (20%), exegesis paper (30%) and a final examination (25%). The grading scale is the common ten-point scale: 94–100 (A), 90–93 (A–); 87-89 (B+), 84–86 (B), 80–83 (B–); 77–79 (C+), 74–76 (C), 70–73 (C–); 67–69 (D+), 64–66 (D), 60–63 (D–); 59 or lower (F). If you are at “Grade Contract Plus” on all assignments you will have the option to waive the final exam.


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LEARNING IN COMMUNITY

This class will exemplify learning in community: a group of Christians working together, respecting and supporting one another, in pursuit of a common purpose. As members of the body of Christ, we bear the greater responsibility to exercise Christian courtesy to one another as well. With this in mind there are a few basic ground rules that will help us in our times together:

1. Please make every effort to be on time for and to remain throughout class.

2. Please refrain from drinking from uncovered cups in the classrooms.

3. Please switch phones, pagers, blackberries and other remote devices off.

4. Please be encouraging toward students who work at a different pace.

5. We will make accommodation for students with different abilities.

6. Students will have opportunity to share their spiritual autobiographies.

BIBLIOGRAPHY2

R. Alter, The Art of Biblical Narrative, 1981 _______, The David Story, 1999 – (strongly endorsed by the instructor!) J. Baldwin, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1988 – (very good Evangelical treatment) B. C. Birch, The Rise of the Israelite Monarchy, 1976 J. Bosch, David: The Biography of a King, 1966 W. Brueggemann, First and Second Samuel, 1990 – (post-modern but adequate) _______, David’s Truth in Israel’s Imagination and Memory, 1985 A. F. Campbell, The Ark Narrative, 1975; R. A. Carlson, David, the Chosen King, 1964 C. Conroy, Absalom Absalom! Narrative and Language in 2 Sam 13–20, 1978 D. Cooper, David, 1943 S. R Driver, Notes on the Hebrew, 2nd ed., 1913 D. V. Edelman, King Saul in the Historiography of Judah, 1991 – (technical) L. M. Eslinger, Kingship of God in Crisis, 1985 J. W. Flanagan, David’s Social Drama, 1988 J. P. Fokkelman, Narrative Art and Poetry in Samuel (4 vols.),1981, 86, 90, 93 M. Garsiel, The First Book of Samuel: A Literary Study, 1985 R. P. Gordon, 1 and 2 Samuel (OT Guides), 1984 – (excellent but technical) _______ 1 and 2 Samuel. A Commentary, 1986 2 This bibliography (with additions and deletions) is primarily from R.P. Gordon, “Samuel” in NIDOTTE IV: 1168-77 and S. L. McKenzie, King David: a Biography, 2000


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D. M. Gunn, The Story of King David, 1978 _______ The Fate of King Saul, 1980 J. Hercus, David, 1968 H. W. Hertzberg, I and II Samuel, 1964 S. Heym, The King David Report, 1973 G. H. Jones, The Nathan Narratives, 1990 W.C. Kaiser, Archaeology Study Bible, 2005 W. P. Keller, David I, 1985 – (Bible study format, a bit lite) _______, David II, 1986 R. W. Klein, 1 Samuel, 1983 _______ 2 Samuel, 1989 J. M. Landay, David: Power, Lust and Betrayal in Biblical Times, 1998 V. P. Long, The Reign and Rejection of King Saul, 1989 P. K. McCarter, I Samuel, 1980 _______ II Samuel, 1984 S. L. McKenzie, King David: a Biography, 2000 – (Critical but readable) P. D. Miller and J. J. M. Roberts, The Hand of the Lord, 1977 J. M. Miller and J. J. Hayes, A History of Ancient Israel and Judah, 1986 P. D. Miscall, 1 Samuel: A Literary Reading, 1986 M. Noth, The Deuteronomistic History, 1981 R. Phillips, The Heart of an Executive: Lessons on Leadership, 1999 R. Polzin, Samuel and the Deuteronomist, 1989 L. Rost, The Succession to the Throne of David, 1982 F. G. Slaughter, David, Warrior and King: A Biblical Biography, 1962 J. Strong, The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, 1984, 90, etc. R. N. Whybray, The Succession Narrative, 1968 Y. Yadin, The Art of Warfare in Biblical Lands, 1963 S. Zodhiates, Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible, 1996

SAKAI/CAMS:

Students are encouraged to check Sakai, the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Learning Software suite, frequently. There will be announcements and resources there before the October residency and throughout the semester. If you have difficulty gaining access contact the Helpdesk at [email protected] or call (978) 646-HELP (4357).


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TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE Thurs, 25 Oct

Syllabus and Expectations Introductory Testimonies Hebrew alphabet, pronunciation, God’s Covenant Name hwhy I Samuel 1-3 Samuel’s Birth and Calling I Samuel 4-7 Travels of the Ark

Fri, 26 Oct Grade Contracts due Greek alphabet, pronunciation, God’s Salvation Name vIhsou/j Cri,stoj

I Samuel 8-10 Demand for a King I Samuel 11-15 Saul’s Victories and Disobedience I Samuel 16-20 Fall of Saul and Rise of David Assignment: Take-home Quiz 1 / Word Study (Due 2 Nov)

Review I Samuel 1-20 I Samuel 21-24 Saul’s Declining Reign I Samuel 25-26 David’s Response in Trial I Samuel 27-31 Saul’s Final Battle and David’s Reliance on God Review I Samuel 21-31

Sat, 27 Oct

II Samuel 1-4 House of Saul and House of David II Samuel 5-10 Jerusalem, Ammon and Syria Student Presentations, Panels, News Conference Assignment: Take-home Quiz 2 / Background Study (Due 16 Nov)

Review II Samuel 1-10 II Samuel 11-12 David’s Sordid Affair II Samuel 13-15 Consequences of Sin in David’s House

Sun, 28 Oct

II Samuel 16-17 Activities in Jerusalem II Samuel 18-19 David’s Return to Jerusalem II Samuel 20-24 Final Words and Deeds I Kings 1-2 Transition to Solomon Review II Samuel 11 – I Kings 2 Assignment: Take-home Quiz 3 and Exegesis paper (Due 30 Nov)

Fri, 7 Dec

Final Exam (if not waived) due from proctor 7 Dec 2018


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Tackle the Text: OT5583 Sixstepstohelpyouinterpretthebiblicaltext.

Translations: • Comparetranslations(e.g.ESV,NKJV,NASB,NIV). • Notethemajordifferencesintranslations. Usethistoalertyoutokeywordsandgrammaticalissues.Author: • Whowrotethebook/letter? • Whendidtheauthorwritethebook/letter? • Whatformofwritingdidtheauthorusetocommunicate?e.g.,narrative,gospel,prophecy,poetic,apocalyptic,letter.Circumstances: • Whatwasgoingonatthetimeofwriting? • Whydidtheauthorwritethebook/letter? • Whatcircumstancesdoestheauthoraddress? BackgroundStudy______________________________________________________________________________

Keywords: • Dothreewordstudiesonthemostimportantwordsinyourpassage. (i)UsetheHebrew-GreekKeyWordStudyBibletolocatetheStrong's#. (ii)LookupwordsineithertheHebreworGreekConcordance. (iii)Summarizethe“rangeofmeaning,”thendecidewhatmeaning bestsuitsthecontextinwhichthewordoccurs.Why? • NTGrammar: (i)Notestructuralrelationships("therefore,""sothat,""but,"). WordStudy______________________________________________________________________________

LiteraryContext: • Howisthebiblicalbookstructured? • Howdoesyourpassagefitintotheargument,storyorstructure? • Howdoesyourpassagecontributetothemessage(s)ofthebook?ExplaintheText: • WhereisyourtextlocatedinGod'sredemptivestory? • IsyourpassagediscussedelsewhereintheBible?Where? • WhatdoesyourpassageteachaboutGod,Hispeople,anyotherissues?

• Howdoesyourpassagerelatetoustoday? ExegesisPaper

3 I am indebted to my GCTS colleague, Dr. Carol M. Kaminski for the outline of this TACKLE the Text format. She also has an exceptional Old & New Testament resource available at casketempty.com.

ot-558 – i and ii samuel in-depth (nj) syllabus · r. w. klein, 1 samuel, 1983 _____ 2 samuel,...

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