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Syllabus for OT 431: Psalms

Lee M. Fields

Office Hours: MWF 1:00-4:00

Phone: 2080 (Office), 331-7032 (Home)

334-2074 (Weather Number)

Fall 2011

TR 12:30-1:50

Room 213

University Mission What’s the big idea we are all about?

Mid-Atlantic Christian University is an undergraduate institution of Christian

higher education whose mission is to impact the world by transforming ordinary people

into extraordinary Christian leaders.

Description What is this course about?

This course surveys the book of Psalms. Introductory matters such as authorship,

date and canonicity are treated briefly. Three emphases are: 1) how to study the psalms

and use them in personal devotional life, 2) some of the major themes of the psalms, 3)

direct study of a selection of psalms.

Please note that there are two tracks for this course: English Bible exegesis and

Hebrew Bible exegesis. Students who have completed one year of Hebrew are eligible to

pursue the Hebrew Bible exegesis track. The syllabus describes the requirements for the

English Bible exegesis. At relevant points in the syllabus the distinctive requirements for

Hebrew Bible exegesis will be indicated.

Relation to the University Mission How does this course contribute?

One of the distinctive of the Christian university is the basis in the truths of

Scripture. In order to prepare extraordinary leaders that are truly Christian, study of

Scripture and learning to learn are essential.

Rationale Why should I take this course?

The mission of MACU is “to educate men and women for career and volunteer

Christian service.” Ishodad of Merv, a Syrian Christian of the ninth century, in the

introduction to his commentary on Psalms, section 5, gave five reasons that the church

should read the Psalms:

it is in poetry and therefore is more easily memorized

it contains all the key doctrines of Scripture, whereas doctrines are scattered

throughout all the other books of Scripture

it speaks to the affairs of earthly life and heavenly life

Note: This syllabus is subject to

change without notice.

2 Error! Reference source not found. Syllabus

it proves wrong the chief heresies of false teachers

it causes the angels to listen when the Psalms are sung

Perhaps he goes too far in some of his claims. Perhaps instead our modern minds

lack the imagination to recognize the beauty and importance of the message of the Psalms

and the pleasure that it must give God when we allow him to speak to us through the

Psalms and when we allow the Psalms to help us speak to God.

Texts What Resources Should I have handy?

Bullock, C. Hassell. Encountering the Psalms. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2004. (978-

0801027956) (Available in Logos)

Tesh, S. Edward, and Walter D. Zorn. Psalms. College Press NIV Commentary. 2 vols.

Joplin, MO: College Press, 1999, 2004. (978-0899008875; 978-0899008882)

(Available in Logos)

Wendland, Ernst R. Analyzing the Psalms. 2nd

ed.; Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 2002.

(978-1556711299)

It is strongly recommended that all students have Logos Bible Software, version 4, at

the Leader’s Library or above.

Hebrew Bible Exegesis Substitutions:

Instead of Tesh and Zorn, substitute Mark D. Futato, Interpreting the Psalms. Grand

Rapids: Kregel, 2007. (978-0825427657)

It is strongly recommended that students have Logos Bible Software, version 4, at the

Scholar’s Library or above.

Objectives What are the big ideas I should learn in this course?

Bible/Theology Division Objectives

The Bible Theology Division at Mid-Atlantic Christian University has adopted

nine Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs). One of those is that students should

demonstrate the ability to study independently an entire book of the Bible using

proper methods and tools. Learning a biblical language aids the student in fulfilling this

objective at the most fundamental level, that of reading the text of Scripture with

understanding.

Course Objectives

My schema of the processes of studying a book of Scripture is in the figure below.

The parallelogram represents data; rectangles represent the main processes of studying a

book of the Bible. The hexagons represent preparation necessary to study Scripture

well. The ovals represent processes that contribute to the main processes. The bold

capsule represents products.

Error! Reference source not found. Syllabus 3

Course Procedures How am I going to meet these goals?

As a result of this course, students should be able to do the following (steps from

the main line and categories from Bloom’s taxonomy are listed):

SLO Bloom’s

A Describe the structure and contents. Content Knowledge

Analysis

B Discuss matters of special introduction. Content Comprehension

C Understand the genre. Interpretation Comprehension

Application

D Research a passage.

Content,

Interpretation,

Application

Analysis

E Apply lessons taught by the author to modern

culture. Application Application

F Prepare a presentation to a modern culture based

on exegesis of a passage. Proclamation Synthesis

G Apply lessons to student’s personal life. Life Change Application

H Evaluation sources for Bible study Interpretation Evaluation

Grading & Late Work How am I going to get a good grade ?

The list of grading elements and their weights is as follows:

Assignments 0%

Memorization Work 10%

Quizzes 15%

Term Project 25%

Hermeneutics

Special

Introduction

General

Introduction Church History Homiletics &

Pedagogy

Cultural Milieu

Archaeology

Contemporary History

Contemporary Literature

Content

Life change

in self and

others

Theology Memorize

Outline

Read

Interpretation Application Proclamation

Testimonial Experiential

Reflectional


1. Assignments (SLOs A-C)

The assignments are the heart of the course. “Wrong” answers are not penalized, but

not doing the assignments is. The final course average will be reduced by 1% for each

assignment not done on time and by ½% for each assignment done within 5 school

days of the original due date.

2. Memorization Work and Class Devotion (E-F)

Students will write from memory the assigned passages in class. For full credit, the

version must be indicated.

In addition, each student will choose one of the days indicated on the syllabus to

bring a 5 minute devotion to the class. This should be based on the student’s reading

of the psalms and reading two commentaries on the psalm.

3. Quizzes (A-C)

The quizzes are objective and very basic, mostly memorization of announced

material.

4. Term Project (D-G)

The term project involves two components: a research component (100 pts) and a

proclamation component (25 pts).

The grading scale is as follows:

Letter Grade Scale Description Quality Points A+ 99-100

Excellent

4.000

A 94- 98 4.000

A- 90- 93 3.667

B+ 87- 89

Good

3.333

B 83- 86 3.000

B- 80- 82 2.667

C+ 77- 79

Satisfactory

2.333

C 73- 76 2.000

C- 70- 72 1.667

D+ 67- 69 Improvement needed for competency, but passing

1.333

D 63- 66 1.000

D- 60- 62 0.667

F Below 60 Failing 0.000

Attendance and Late Work What if I miss class or am late with work?

Attendance

Attendance is required. Policies regarding presence and tardiness will follow the

handbook. Rewarded is perfect attendance; 1% is added to final grade for those with

perfect attendance. This sounds very small, but if one is a fraction of a point from a better

letter grade, then it becomes very important. “Tardy” is defined as entering the room after

roll has been called.


For a TTh class, 2 cuts (= one week) are allowed. Every cut after the number

allowed reduces the final grade by one-third of a letter. Three tardies equals one cut.

After every tardy or personal absence the student will receive an “Attendance

Report” in his or her mailbox (see box below). Receiving these should not cause undue

worry; they do not mean the student is in the professor’s doghouse, they are just a way

for all of us to keep accurate track of attendance and know where we stand at all times.

Late Work

Late is defined as turned in after 4:30 p.m. on the date due. Scores are reduced

10% for each weekday the assignment is late. Since adults often have special

circumstances, penalties will not be imposed until after 48 hours. Assignments turned in

by the set due date will receive “full service” grading, with full comments to maximize

learning. Assignments turned in after that will simply receive “minimal service” grading,

i.e., a grade without comment. (If you have read the syllabus to this point, email me at the

address given at the beginning with the subject line “I read Psalms syllabus” for extra

credit for doing homework. For credit, the email must be received by 12 midnight the day

before the second class session.) The most that will be taken off for late work is 50%. No

assignment will be accepted one week after its due date, and the student will receive a

grade of zero for that assignment.

ATTENDANCE REPORT

Student ________________

Date __________________

You were counted tardy/absent for the date __________ for the course BO 109 Personal Hygiene. This brings your total for the semester to:

_____ tardies

_____ absences If you have any questions, please see me within two days from the date above. Remember that 3 tardies = 1 cut and every cut

after 3 (or after 2 for a T Th class) reduces your final course grade by one letter.

Prof. Fields


Academic Honesty What about cheating?

As noted in the Catalog, “Dishonesty is both a sin and a violation of the rules of

Mid-Atlantic Christian University. A student suspected or accused of academic

dishonesty will be approached by his or her teacher; if a student is judged guilty of

dishonesty, he or she will be warned that a second offense will result in suspension or

dismissal from the College. Any work on which it is judged that the student was

dishonest will be nullified; this may result in failure of the course. The teacher will

inform the Vice President for Academic Affairs; the VPAA will notify the College

faculty.

Dishonesty includes misrepresenting the truth about completion of assignments,

cheating on any form of assignment, plagiarism, or in any way passing off the work of

others as your own or permitting another student to pass off your work as his own.

Learning Enhancement Services What if I have special learning needs?

Students with disabilities: Any student in this course who has an identified

disability that might prevent her/him from fully demonstrating her/his abilities should

meet with the Director of the Learning Enhancement Services Office as soon as possible

to initiate disability verification and discuss accommodations that may be necessary to

ensure his/her full participation in the successful completion of course requirements.

Support services are available in the Learning Resource Center for persons

desiring additional assistance in the course.

Instructor/Student Covenant How do teachers and students work together?

As instructor of this course, I covenant with each student that I will model Christ-

like behavior, value and respect each student as a child of God, come to class prepared,

begin and end class on time, make appropriate assignments and grade them fairly, and be

available for consultation outside of class. In return, I expect each student to model

Christ-like behavior, show proper respect to me as the instructor, come to class prepared,

arrive and leave class on time, and submit assignments and participate in ways that

demonstrate your integrity.

Tentative Schedule When are things due?

In the following chart I present a tentative schedule of topics. Should we alter it,

the scheduled readings still must be completed on the days given. Symbols used refer to:

(*) = assignment substitutions for Hebrew Bible exegesis students

* = assignment additions for Hebrew Bible exegesis students

W = Wendland, followed by section numbers

F = Futato, Interpreting the Psalms, followed by page numbers

Lu = Lucas, Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Psalms & Wisdom Literature

B = Bullock, followed by page or chapter number (all Bullock readings are optional unless

marked as required) TZ = Tesh and Zorn, followed by volume and page number


L = Longman, followed by chapter number (on reserve)

M = Memory Quiz followed by passage

Q = Quiz

Ex = Exercises from Wendland followed by section and item numbers

Date Topic Readings Due Assignments Due Quizzes

Aug 23 Introducing Psalms

25 Introducing Psalms W 1.1-1.4

TZ 1:21-40

B pp 22-23 (required)

Pss 1-14

30 Introducing Psalms W 1.5-8

B pp 57-82, 24-34

(required)

TZ 1:45-49, 49-70

(*F, 57-72)

Pss 15-30

Ex 1.2:3, 4, 8

Ex 1.3:1-4

Q1: Biblical

Periods

Sept 1 Major Psalm Genres

Petition Psalms

W 2.3

W 2

W 2.1

W 2.1.1

B ch 7

Skim TZ 1:52-67

(*not required)

TZ 67-70

(*F, 117-138, 139-

145, 150-158, 176-

177, 160-165, 177-

179)

Pss 31-38

Ex 1.5:1

Ex 1.6:3-5

Ex 1.7.1:2

Ex 1.7.4:6-7

Q2: 10 genres

6 Thanksgiving

Psalms

W 2.1.2

B ch 8

*F, 158-160, 177

Pss 39-54

Ex 2.1.1a:4, 6

Ex 2.1.1b:1

Student devo

Q3: Petition

components

8 Praise Psalms W 2.1.3

B ch 6

*F, 146-150, 173-176

Pss 55-67

Ex 2.1.2:6-9 Q4:

Thanksgiving

components

13 Instruction Psalms W 2.1.4

B chs 12-13

*F, 171-173, 180-181

Pss 68-78

Ex 2.1.3:7

Student devo

Q5: Praise

components

15 Profession of Trust

Psalms

W 2.1.5

Pss 79-89

Ex 2.1.4:5, 9,

11

Q6: Instruction

elements

20 Minor Psalm Genres

Repentance Psalms

Remembrance

Psalms

W 2.2

W 2.2.1-2

B ch 5

Pss 90-104

Ex 2.1.5:5-6

Student devo

M: Ps 1

22 Retribution Psalms

Liturgical Psalms

W 2.2.3

B ch 14, 4

Pss 105-111

Ex 2.2.1:3 (for

Ps 130), 4

Ex 2.2.2:4-5



27 Royalty Psalms

W 2.2.4

B chs 10-11 (required)

Longman, How to

Read the Psalms, ch 4

(*F, 165-171, 179-180,

181-182)

Pss 112-125

Ex 2.2.3:7

Ex 2.2.5:6

Student devo

29 Summary of psalm

genres

Reread 2.3

Pss 126-142

Ex 2.2.4:5

Oct 4 Connected

parallelism

(W 3.1-2)

W 3

W 3.1-2

B pp 35-43 (required)

Pss 143-150

Ex 2.3b:41-50

Student devo

Q7: Genre ID

6 (W 3.3.1-2) W 3.3

W 3.3.1a

W 3.3.1b

W 3.3.2

TZ 1:13-18

(*F, 23-41)

Ex 3.2:1 (Ps

11)

10-14 Mid-semester Break

18 (W 3.3.3) W 3.3.3.1-3 Ex 3.3.1b:1

Ex 3.3.2:3

Student devo

20 (W Ex 3.4d) W 3.4 Ex 3.4a (Pss

17.3; 139.11-12;

78.21-22; 109.28)

25 Distant parallelism

(W 4.1)

W 4

W 4.1

W 4.1.1-4

Ex 3.4e

Student devo

27 (W 4.2-3) W 4.2

W 4.2.1-2

W 4.3

Ex 4.1.4:6 M: Ps 121

Nov 1 (W 4.4) W 4.4.1-2e Select a psalm

or portion of

about 5-10 verses

& begin the

process (7.1.1-4)

3 Poetic Features TZ 1:19-21

(*F, 41-56)

W 5

W 5.1

W 5.2

W 5.2.1-2

(work on

project; 7.1.5-6)

8 W 5.2.3-8 (work on

project; 7.1.7)

10 W 5.3-6 (work on

project; 7.1.7-9)

15 Themes W 6-6.2.11

*F, 72-116

(complete

project)

17 LMF gone to

ETS/SBL

22 LMF gone to

ETS/SBL



24 Thanksgiving

29 Presentations

Pss 73-75

Dec 1 Presentations

Pss 76-79

Written

project due

M: Psalm

6 Presentations

Pss 80-84

8 Presentations

Pss 85-89

NO FINAL EXAM

Select Bibliography

Journals and Abbreviations1

Journals for General Readers Journals for Advanced Students and Specialists

Bible Review (BR)

Biblical Archaeologist (BA)

Biblical Archaeology Review (BAR)

Bibliotheca Sacra (BSac)

Ex Auditu (ExAu)

Expository Times (ExpT)

Evangelical Quarterly (EvQ)

Interpretation (Int)

Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society

(JETS)

Near East Archaeological (NEA)

Themelios

Trinity Journal (TrinJ)

Tyndale Bulletin (TynB)

Westminster Theological Journal (WTJ)

Biblica (Bib)

Biblical Interpretation (BI)

Bulletin for Biblical Research (BBR)

Biblical Theological Bulletin (BTB)

Catholic Biblical Quarterly (CBQ)

Currents in Research: Biblical Studies (CRBS)

Filologia Neotestomentaria (FN)

Harvard Theological Review (HTR)

Horizons in Biblical Theology (HBT)

Jewish Quarterly Review (JQR)

Journal of Biblical Literature (JBL)

Journal for the Study of the NT (JSNT)

Journal for the Study of the OT (JSOT)

Journal of Theological Studies (JTS)

Neotestamentica (Neot)

New Testament Studies (NTS)

Novum Testamentum (NovT)

Palestine Exploration Quarterly (PEQ)

Vetus Testamentum (VT)

(Note: Many books are on reserve in the library)

The following bibliography is meant to be suggestive. Call numbers are provided

for the convenience of the student. If no call number is given, the card catalogue should

still be checked. Some entries in series are found both in the reference section and in the

stacks. Usually only the number for the stacks is given. If not found, check the reference

or reserve sections.

Abbreviations:

AB Anchor Bible Commentary Series

CBSC Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

DSB-OT Daily Study Bible-Old Testament

EBC Expositor’s Bible Commentary, ed. F. E. Gaebelein

1 This list taken from William M. Klein, Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (rev. ed; Dallas:

Word, 2003) 537-8. If you want to use others, please discuss with your instructor for guidance.


EvBC Everyman’s Bible Commentary

FOTL Forms of Old Testament Literature

ICC International Critical Commentary

NICOT New International Commentary on the Old Testament

OTL Old Testament Library Commentary Series

TOTC Tyndale Old Testament Commentary

WBC Word Biblical Commentary

The following code is used in the entries below:

C

L

M

K

J

D

I

G

*

= conservative

= liberal

= moderate

= Catholic

= Jewish

= detailed; i.e., discusses words in original language (still valuable for English-only user)

= intermediate; i.e., original language details in transliteration or footnotes

= general; i.e., limited presentation of material in original languages

= item of special significance

Call No. Titles

Introductions to the Old Testament

221.61

A671

Archer, Gleason L., Jr. A Survey of Old Testament Introduction. Rev. ed. Chicago: Moody,

1974. C

Dillard, Raymond B., and Tremper Longman, III. An Introduction to the Old Testament. 2nd

ed., Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009. C *

221.61

D782

Driver, S. R. An Introduction to the Literature of the Old Testament. Rpt., Cleveland: World

Publishing, 1956. L

221.61

E361

Eissfeldt, Otto. The Old Testament: An Introduction. Peter R. Ackroyd, trans. New York:

Harper and Row, 1965. L D

221.61

H321

Harrison, Roland Kenneth. Introduction to the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans,

1969. C

Hill, Andrew E. and John Walton H. A Survey of the Old Testament. 3rd

ed. Grand Rapids:

Zondervan, 2009. C *

221.61

K271

Keil, C. F. Introduction to the Old Testament. 2 vols. 1869; rpt., Peabody, MA:

Hendrickson, 1988. C

Pfeiffer, Robert H. Introduction to the Old Testament. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1941.

L

221.95

S387

Schultz, Samuel. The Old Testament Speaks. 4th

ed. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1990.

Sellin, Ernst, and Georg Fohrer. Introduction to the Old Testament. David E. Green, trans.

Nashville: Abingdon, 1968. L

Walton, John H. Ancient Israelite Literature in Its Cultural Context. Grand Rapids:

Zondervan, 1989. C I

Introductions to Old Testament Wisdom and Poetry

809.9352

A466

Alter, Robert. The Art of Biblical Poetry. New York: Basic Books, 1985. M I *


223.06

B938

Bullock, C. Hassell. An Introduction to the Old Testament Poetic Books. Rev. ed. Chicago:

Moody, 1988. C

223.06

C915

Crenshaw, James L. Old Testament Wisdom: An Introduction. Atlanta: John Knox, 1981.

223.106

K46

Kidner, Derek. The Wisdom of Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes: An Introduction to Wisdom

Literature. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity, 1985. C

Lucas, Ernest C. Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Psalms & Wisdom Literature.

Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity, 2003.

Murphy, Roland E. Wisdom Literature. FOTL, vol. XIII. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1983. L

K

Scott, R. B. Y. The Way of Wisdom. New York: Macmillan, 1971. G

Septuagint and Dead Sea Scrolls Helps for English Users

R 221.48

B582 1980 Brenton, Lancelot C. L., trans. The Septuagint Version of the Old Testament and Apocrypha.

London: Samuel Bagster and Sons, 1851.

This is a parallel version with the Greek and English texts. It has been reprinted by

Hendrickson. Note: this is exactly what is stated, namely, a translation of the

Septuagint, rather than simply some English version of the Hebrew, which would

be of little use. This is included in Logos Scholar’s Library and above.

The Apostolic Bible. Apostolic Press, 2004.

This is a modern translation of the LXX into English under the auspices of the

Greek Orthodox church. Currently it is available only in e-text at http://septuagint-

interlinear-greek-bible.com/downbook.htm, but is free and printable on-line in

Adobe format. A hard copy edition is expected in 2005. The translation is based on

the 1709 edition of the LXX published by Lambert Bos, which ultimately derives

its text from Codex Vaticanus.

The Apostolic Bible Polyglot. Apostolic Press, 2004.

This is the Greek and English text of the LXX plus the English translation is

available on CD or on-line at http://septuagint-interlinear-greek-bible.com/. It can

be downloaded for a fee.

The Lexical Concordance to the Apostolic Bible. Apostolic Press, 2004.

This is the concordance to The Apostolic Bible Polyglot of the LXX. It is available

on CD or on-line at http://septuagint-interlinear-greek-bible.com/. It can be

downloaded for a fee.

R 221.44

B582 Abegg, Martin G., Peter Flint, Eugene Ulrich. The Dead Sea Scrolls Bible. 1999; San

Francisco: HarperOne, 2002.

Word Study Books and Tools

R 221.44

B75

Botterweck, G. J., and H. Ringgren, eds. Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament. Eng.

Trans. 15 vols. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1974-2006. Often L. Abbr.: TDOT

R 492.403

B877 1997

Brown, F., S. R. Driver, and C. A. Briggs. The New Hebrew –English Lexicon of the ld

Testament. Peabody. MA: Hendrickson, 1979. [Coded to Strong’s Numbering

System.] Abbr.: BDB.

R 221.48

B93

Bullinger, E. W. Figures of Speech Used in the Bible: Explained and Illustrated. 1898; rpt.,

Grand Rapids: Baker, 1968. C *

http://septuagint-interlinear-greek-bible.com/downbook.htm

http://septuagint-interlinear-greek-bible.com/downbook.htm

http://septuagint-interlinear-greek-bible.com/

http://septuagint-interlinear-greek-bible.com/


Clines, David A., ed. Dictionary of Classical Hebrew. 6 vols. of projected 8. Sheffield:

Sheffield Academic, 1993-.

R 221.44

T391

Harris, R. L., et al., eds. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testmament. 2 vols. Chicago:

Moody, 1980. [Coded to Strong’s numbering system.] Abbr.: TWOT. C

Jenni, Ernst, and Claus Westermann, eds. Theological Lexicon of the Old Testament.

Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 1997.

R 220.52

G655

Kohlenberger, J. R., and E. Goodrick. The NIV Exhaustive Concordance of theBible. Grand

Rapids: Zondervan, 1990. [Coded to KB numbering system and cross referenced to

Strong’s numbers; based on NIV.]

R221.44

K 79

Kohlenberger, J. R., and E. Goodrick. The Hebrew-English Concordance to the Old

Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998. [Coded to GK numbering system;

based on NIV.]

Mounce, William D., ed. Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New

Testament Words. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006.

R 221.3

N532

Van Gemeren, W., et al., eds. New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology. 5

vols. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996. Abbr.: NIDOTT. C

R221.44

W 645

1980

Wigram, George V. The New Englishman’s Hebrew Concordance. Rev. by Jay P. Green.

Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1984. [Coded to Strong’s numbering system; based on

KJV.] (We have only the old edition.)

Commentaries and Special Works

223.207

A 376 1977

Alexander, Joseph A. Commentary on the Psalms. 1864; rpt., Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1991.

C G

R 221.77

W924

Allen, Leslie. Psalms 101-150. WBC. Rev. ed.; Waco: Word, 2002. M D

Anderson, A. A. Psalms. NCB. London: Oliphants, 1972.

Berry, Donald K. Psalms and Their Readers: Interpretive Strategies for Psalm 18. Sheffield,

2009.

Broyles, Craig C. Conflict of Faith and Experience in the Psalms: A Form-Critical and

Theological Study. Sheffield, 1989.

Chakam, Amos. Sepher Tehillim [in Hebrew]. Jerusalem: Mossad Harav Kook, 1979.

Cole, Robert L. The Shape and Message of Book III (Psalms 73-89). Sheffield, 2000.

R 221.77

W924

Craigie, Peter. Psalms 1-50. WBC Waco: Word, 1983. C D

Creach, Jerome F. D. Yahweh as a Refuge and the Editing of the Psalter. Sheffield, 1996.

Croft, Steven J. L. The Identity of the Individual in the Psalms. Sheffield, 1987.

Eaton, John H. Psalms of the Way and the Kingdom: A Conference with the Commentators.

Sheffield, 2009.

Futato, Mark. Interpreting the Psalms. Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis. Grand

Rapids: Kregel, 2007.

223.20663

G383 1988

Gerstenberger, Erhard S. Psalms, Part 1, with an Introduction to Cultic Poetry. FOTL XIV.

Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988.

223.20663

G383 2001

Gerstenberger, Erhard S. Psalms, Part 2, and Lamentations. FOTL XV. Grand Rapids:

Eerdmans, 2001.


Goldingay, John. Psalms Volume 1: Psalms 1-41. Baker Commentary on the Old Testament.

Grand Rapids: Baker, 2006.

Goldingay, John. Psalms Volume 2: Psalms 42-89. Baker Commentary on the Old

Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2008.

Goulder, Michael D. Psalms of Asaph and the Pentateuch: Studies in the Psalter. Sheffield,

1996.

Goulder, Michael D. Psalms of the Return (Book V, Psalms 107-150): Studies in the Psalter.

Sheffield, 1998.

Goulder, Michael D. The Psalms of the Sons of Korah. Sheffield, 1983.

Hauge, Marvin Ravndal. Between Sheol and Temple: Motif structure and Function in the I-

Psalms. Sheffield, 1995.

Hilber, John W. “Psalms.” Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary. Grand

Rapids: Zondervan, 2009.

Kidner, Derek. Psalms 1-72. TOTC. Downer’s Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity, 1973.

Kidner, Derek. Psalms 73-150. TOTC. Downer’s Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity, 1975.

Kirkpatrick, A. F. The Book of Psalms. 3 vols. In CBSC. Cambridge: University Press,

1912-1917. G

Knight, G. A. F. Psalms. DSB. Edinburgh: At. Andrews, 1982.

223.2077

K 91

Kraus, Hans-J. Psalms 1-59. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1988. L

223.2077

K 91

Kraus, Hans-J. Psalms 60-150. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1989. L

223.206

K91

Kraus, Hans-J. Theology of the Psalms. Keith Crim, trans. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1986. L

Leupold, H. C. Exposition of the Psalms. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1959.

223.206

L 673

Lewis, C. S. Reflections on the Psalms. New York: Harcourt, 1958. C G

Limburg, James. Psalms for Sojourners. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2002.

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Longman, Tremper, III. How to Read the Psalms. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity, 1988.

C

Mandolfo, Carleen. God in the Dock: Dialogic Tension in the Psalms of Lament. Sheffield,

2003.

Mays, J. L. Psalms. Interpretation. Louisville, Ky.: John Knox, 1994.

McCann, J. Clinton, Jr. Shape and Shaping of the Psalter. Sheffield, 2009.

Mitchell, David C. Message of the Psalter: An Eschatological Programme in the Book of

Psalms. Sheffield, 1999.

Nasuti, Harry P. Defining the Sacred Songs: Genre, Tradition, and the Post-Critical

Interpretation of the Psalms. Sheffield, 2009.

Oswalt, John N. The Bible among the Myths: Unique Revelation or Just Ancient Literature.

Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009. C

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1989. C D

Peterson, David L., and Kent Harold Richards. Interpreting Hebrew Poetry. Guides to

Biblical Scholarship. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1992.


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Society. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1980.

Peterson, Eugene H. The Message: Psalms. NavPress.

Rabbe, Paul R. Psalm Structures: A Study of Psalms with Refrains. Sheffield, 2009.

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Spurgeon, C. H. The Treasury of David. 7 vols. 1882-1887; rpt., Grand Rapids: Baker, 1983.

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Waltke, Bruce K., and James H. Houston. The Psalms as Christian Worship: A Historical

Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2011.

Watts, James W. Psalm and Story: Inset Hymns in Hebrew Narrative. Sheffield, 2009.

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Weiser, Arthur. The Psalms: A Commentary. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1962.

Whybray, Norman. Reading the Psalms as a Book. Sheffield, 1999.

Wilson, Gerald H. Psalms, Volume 1. NIVAC. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002.

Term Project

I. General Requirements for Term Project (125 pts). There are two components,

research and proclamation.

A. Double spaced, with 12 point font and margins 1" (TRB) and 1 ½" (L).

B. Follow Turabian/Chicago style for the humanities (see Charles Lipson, Doing

Honest Work in College [Chicago: Univ. of Chicago, 2004]). Of the many helpful

websites, see http://www.libs.uga.edu/ref/chicago.html#docnote.

C. Title page should include: title, type of project selected, course, name, date

submitted.

D. Include a Works Cited page.

E. Total number of sources used (not counting English Bible versions, which need

not be listed in Works Cited) will determine the starting point for the final grade

of the paper. Using 11 or more, including at least one journal article,2 starts

grading at 100 (96 for 11 without journal article); 9-10 at 93; 7-8 sources at 85. If

you use fewer than 7, your score will be zero and I will not read the paper. To find

journal articles, use the Christian Periodical Index, NCLive or Religion and

Philosophy (EBSCO) resources in the library.

2 For a suggested list of approved journals, see the bibliography above.

http://www.libs.uga.edu/ref/chicago.html#docnote


II. Special Instructions for Research Portion of Projects. Use the following

guidelines as a checklist when working on your project.3

A. Title Page (1 page)

B. Main Idea and Outline (1 page)

1. Identify your passage, then summarize the main idea of the passage in one

sentence or phrase.

2. Present outline of the major section and flowchart of your passage showing

how the main idea unfolds.

3. Introduction (1/2 page)

4. Gain the reader’s attention (imagine a readership of last year’s MACU

graduates).

5. Introduce main idea of your passage.

C. Context (1-2 pages)

1. Brief discussion of the historical-cultural context of the book; tell readers

what they need to know about the author, original audience, and their world in

order to grasp the meaning of the book.

2. Discuss the literary context of your passage: describe author’s flow of thought

in the book and discuss how your passage fits into and contributes to the flow

of thought, paying particular attention to how your passage relates to the

passages immediately preceding and following your passage.

D. Content (5-8 pages)

1. Use the main points of your outline for section headings.

2. Explain what the text says and means in context; include significant things

you observed from close and repeated reading of the text and from the

passage’s historical-cultural context.

3. Explain the meaning of critical words and concepts.

4. You must consult and cite at least four commentaries; qualifying

commentaries are listed in the attached bibliography; if there are any doubts,

consult the instructor; the “A” paper will interact with the views of the

commentators and feel free to disagree.

5. Discuss the details of the text, but move beyond details to show how they

come together to form a meaningful unit.

E. Application (1 page)

1. Discuss several applications of this passage to contemporary audiences.

2. Be practical and realistic.

3 For further instructions, see J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays, Grasping God’s Word (Grand

Rapids: Zondervan, 2001).


F. Works Cited (1 page)

G. Total length 9-13 pages (not counting title page and Works Cited)

H. Suggested topics: any paragraph unit from Hebrews

I. Grading based as follows:

Form & style (typing, spelling, grammar, etc.) 15%

Research (use of sources) 20%

Main idea & outline 10%

Context 15%

Content 30%

Application 10%

III. The Proclamation Component (25 pts). Here the goal is to demonstrate that your

research can be used to help others grow in the faith especially in the area of your

minor field.

A. Determine and describe a scenario in which you make your proclamation that

fits your professional minor. Be creative here.

B. Give a 2-3 page detailed outline of your presentation. The essential elements are

introduction, main points, summary of content and transition statements. The

rubric is as follows:

Introduction (including scenario) 5 pts

Main points and content 10 pts

Transition Statements 5 pts

Tie into research text 5 pts

Editing and Proofreading Marks

In order to use time and space more efficiently in marking papers, I use a system

of marks:

Instruction In-Text Mark Margin Mark

delete I do not not think it is right

close up some times words combine

insert mesianic

lower case the Bridegroom

upper case jesus

transpose

words/phrases player football

spell out 7

correct spelling roght

begin paragraph … the cat was dead. Years later he

owned a dog …

insert space BarKokhba


Instruction In-Text Mark Margin Mark

capitalize all niv

italicize The Lord of the Rings

roman type His thesis was wrong.

wrong font This story is crazy.

insert

punctuation 2 Sam 231

insert

parentheses Jesus loves the world 3:16

insert comma Jesus though only 30, was wise.

insert quoation

marks I am the way and the truth and the life.

avoid

contractions I can’t break the habit.

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