OT101M: Mod Q1 Syllabus Dr. George Kenworthy

OT101M: Mod Q1 Syllabus Dr. George Kenworthy Mar. 29 – June 7, 2004 Bethel Theological Seminary Monday 8:00-10:00 p.m. Office: 763-473-9463 Saturday, 5/8, 12:45-4:45 p.m. [email protected]

OT101: GENESIS TO RUTH

COURSE DESCRIPTION: An investigation of the pre-history of the nation of Israel (Genesis), the events and characteristics that set it apart from the other nations (Exodus-Deuteronomy), and the settlement of the people in the land (Joshua-Ruth). This class retraces how the divine purpose for humanity from the beginning, and the nation of Israel from its inception, was possible because of God's promises of blessing on all who would maintain their covenant relationship with God.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Students will be able to 1. Know the content of Genesis-Ruth. 2. Be able to trace the major theological themes of Genesis-Ruth. 3. Understand the main critical problems that scholars have debated regarding this literature. 4. Understand the basic background in Ancient Near Eastern culture as it illumines the meaning of the OT. 5. Have a "love" for the OT, a fascination for the contribution to the life and theology of the Church 6. Respect the OT literature as literature.

REQUIRED TEXTS: Alter Robert, The Art Of Biblical Narrative. Basic Books, 1983. ISBN 046500427X Alexander, T. Desmond, From Paradise To The Promised Land. Baker, 2002. ISBN 0801025974 (Hereafter DA) Dillard, Raymond B., and Tremper Longman. An Introduction to the Old Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, 1994. ISBN: 0310432502 (Hereafter D/L)

Required Reading: An article on “Atonement” from either a Bible dictionary or Bible encyclopedia. Block, Daniel I. “The Period of the Judges: Religious Disintegration Under Tribal Rule.” Israel’s Apostasy and Restoration, ed. Avraham Gileadi, 39-57. Grand Rapids: Baker Book, 1988. Inrig, Gary. "God's Place for You." Hearts of Iron Feet of Clay. Chicago: Moody Press, 1979, pp. 44-54.

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Pritchard, J. B. “Hammurabi Law Code.” The Ancient Near East: An Anthology of Texts and Pictures. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1958, pp. 138-167. Ross, A. P. Creation and Blessing: A Guide to the Study and Exposition of Genesis. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1988, pp. 23-36, 65-97. Wright, C. “Ten Commandments.” ISBE 4 (1988) 786-90.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1. BEFORE CLASS: Since the time together in class is limited, it is important to read all assignments and complete projects on time so that students can respond to questions and ask for further explanations on issues they do not understand. Readings and written assignments are specified in the schedule below. Since written assignments will be discussed in the class in which they are due, late papers will not be accepted.

2. CLASSES: Classes will include lectures, student reports, small group discussions, and question and answer periods. We will take a break or two in each class. Topics for each class are listed in the schedule.

3. MAJOR PAPER: Write a position paper on a major OT issue covered in this course, e.g., creation/evolution, the date of the exodus, the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch, etc. This paper should demonstrate familiarity with the major views. It should reference a minimum of 10 sources and should carefully defend one position. It should be 12-15 pages in length and is DUE on June 7. Late papers will be penalized one letter grade for any part of each week they are late.

COURSE GRADING: Weekly Assignments 33% Final Exam 33% Final Paper 33%

ACCESSIBILITY: Please contact the instructor as soon as possible if disability-related accommodations are needed. Accommodations for students with documented disabilities are set up through the Office of Disability Services. Contact Kathy McGillivray, Director of Disability Services, at (651) 635- 8759.

COURSE SCHEDULE:

Date Subject of Lecture / Assignments Mar. 29 Introduction and Genesis Reading: Genesis 1-50 Robert Alter, The Art of Biblical Narrative DA: Genesis D/L Intro. To Pentateuch and Genesis Ross, Creation and Blessing: 23-36, 65-97 Apr. 5 Genesis (cont.) Discuss expectations for the major paper

Apr. 12 Genesis (cont.) Written Essay: Write an essay (3-4 pp.) on the JEDP theory (see DA, D/L and R: 23-36). Be prepared to discuss these issues in class.

Apr. 19 Exodus Reading: Exodus 1-40 DA: Exodus D/L Exodus Wright, “Ten Commandments” Pritchard, The Ancient Near East: 138-67

Apr. 26 Leviticus Reading: Leviticus 1-27 DA: Leviticus D/L: Leviticus Written Essay: Write an essay (3-4 pp.) listing the similarities and differences between Hammurabi's law and Israel's. Based on your findings give a series of applications that could be used with teenagers. May 3 Numbers Reading: Numbers 1-36 DA: Numbers D/L: Numbers

May 8 Deuteronomy Reading: Deuteronomy 1-34 DA: Deuteronomy D/L: Deuteronomy Written Essay: Using Leviticus 16 and a Bible dictionary or Bible encyclopedia article on "Atonement," prepare a message (3-4 pp.) for adults on this key sacrificial theme.

May 10 Joshua Reading: Joshua 1-24 D/L: Joshua G. Inrig, "God's Place for You" Written Essay: Based on Judges 3:7-31, prepare a talk (3-4 pp.) for a leaders group. Use Gary

Inrig's discussion of this passage as a resource.

May 17 Judges Reading: Judges 1-21 D/L: Judges D. Block, "The Period of the Judges" May 24 Ruth Reading: Ruth 1-4 D/L: Ruth June 7 Final Exam and Final Paper DUE

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