Bethel Seminary San Diego

Bethel Seminary San Diego OT502: 1 Samuel - Song of Songs Summer 2010

Faculty Information Norah W. Caudill, Ph.D. Home Phone: 858-530-0505 (before 9 pm PDT) E-mail: [email protected]

1. Course Catalog Description This course will examine the books of 1 Samuel through Song of Songs, including the contents, major themes, and theological messages of each. Special emphasis is placed on the human and divine dimensions of the kingdom of God, as well as continuity of themes with earlier Scriptures. Special attention also is given to legitimate ways of reading the Bible. This involves understanding the particular qualities of Hebrew poetic and wisdom texts, and developing a valid hermeneutic for interpreting them. Exposure to proper methods of interpreting Old Testament narrative texts is presupposed.

2. Course Objectives To provide the student with an understanding of the basic contents, literary structures and/or poetic features of 1 Samuel through Song of Songs. To introduce the student to the critical issues involved in the interpretation of each book including literary genre, social and historical backgrounds, and issues of composition and authorship. To help the student to identify key theological themes of each book and to reflect on how these themes fit within the larger contexts of the Old and New Testaments. To provide a context for the student to learn how to appropriate the messages and theological themes of each book to his/her own life and ministry context. To help the student cultivate an appreciation for these books of the Old Testament. To provide an opportunity for each student to deepen his/her knowledge of and love for God.

3. Course Materials 3.1 Required Textbooks The Bible (Use a standard translation such as TNIV, NASB, ESV, NKJ, etc.; avoid paraphrases or excessively "contemporary" versions). Arnold, Bill T. and H. G. M. Williamson, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books. Downer's Grove, IL.: InterVarsity Press, 2005. Brueggemann, Walter. The Message of the Psalms: A Theological Commentary. Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1984. Hamilton, Victor P. Handbook on the Historical Books. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2001. Longman, Tremper III and Peter Enns, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings. Downer's Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2008.

3.2 Course Documents (Available in Blackboard) Davies, Philip R. "What Separates a Minimalist from a Maximalist? Not Much." Biblical Archaeology Review 26/2 (Mar/Apr 2000): 24-27, 72-73. Dever, William G. "Save Us from Postmodern Malarkey." Biblical Archaeology Review 26/2 (Mar/Apr 2000): 28-35, 68-69.

1 Estes, Daniel J. "Proverbs." Pages 213-69 in Handbook on the Wisdom Books and Psalms. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005. Noll, K. L. "What Is 'History'?" and "What Was 'History' in the Perception of the Ancients?" Pages 31-82 in Canaan and Israel in Antiquity: An Introduction. The Biblical Seminar 83. London: Sheffield, 2001. Satterthwaite, Philip E. and J. Gordon McConville. "The Ancient Near East, 1550-63 BC." Pages 29- 40 in Exploring the Old Testament: Volume 2, A Guide to the Historical Books. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2007. Shanks, Hershel. "The Biblical Minimalists: Expunging Ancient Israel's Past." Bible Review 13/3 (June 1997): 32-39, 50-52.

4. Course Requirements

4.1 Reading Assignments and Reading Reports ( 30% of course grade)

4.1.1 Reading Assignment Instructions. I have allocated 6-8 hours per week to complete the reading assignments and reading report. These assignments are designed to expose you to a variety of views about the background and theology of each book as well as to provide some commentary to help guide you through the reading.

4.1.2 Reading Report Instructions. Each week the assigned reading must be finished and the reading report must be completed and submitted into Blackboard by 12 midnight on Sunday night (PDT). The Reading Report forms are located in Blackboard's "Assignment" folder. Each week's assignment has a linked file with a reading report "form" listing the specific assignments for that week. You should save this form to your computer, complete it, and then submit it into Blackboard. Please submit each report as an attachment and use Microsoft Word .doc format (or .rtf) and name your file by your last name + the due date of the assignment. Assigned reading may not be completed after this deadline. Any report submitted after this deadline will be penalized by 5% per each day it is late (except in extenuating circumstances).

The reading report must contain the following information: (1) A statement of how much of that week's assigned reading you have completed. If you did not read 100% of the assigned reading, then let me know exactly what percent of each assignment you have read.

(2) A paragraph (200-250 words) detailing your response to the reading. You may choose to respond to the assigned reading in either "academic" or "personal" terms (or both). For example:

In an "academic" response you could discuss what questions might have arisen as you read (and whether you found any answers), what theological or historical issues were interesting to you (and why), and whether there were theological differences that you noted between your beliefs and those of the authors. Be specific here!

Or, in a "personal" response you could discuss what you've learned that will have an effect in your own life and ministry. For example, what did you learn that made an impact on your views about God, about your relationship with God and others, about faith and doubt, about obedience and disobedience, about worship, etc.

2 4.2 Discussion Board ( 25% of course grade) The Discussion Board will be a weekly part of the course where you will answer specific questions about the reading. These questions are designed to help you think through what you have been reading and to grapple with some of the difficult issues and/or major themes of the various reading assignments. The Discussion Board is a crucial tool in this "distance" class, allowing you an opportunity to interact with and learn from other students.

4.2.1 Guidelines for Participation in the Discussion Board. Common sense dictates that you complete the reading assignments before you turn to the discussion board questions.

Each week you will prepare your answers to the discussion questions, then post these answers on the board. Please limit yourself to 250 words total for both questions combined. Feel free to bring up additional questions or issues that relate to the topic.

After you have posted your answers on the Discussion Board, you will write at least two brief responses to comments made by the other students. In your responses you might ask a question, commend an insight, make an observation, or argue for a different point of view. Your responses should contain some substance, i.e. more that "I agree" or "Interesting." Please keep the discussion respectful.

4.2.2 Deadlines. Your 250 word answers to the Discussion Board questions must be posted by 12 midnight (PDT) on the Sunday night of each week. You may take an additional 2 days (until Tuesday midnight) to write your two responses. Late answers and responses will be penalized by 5% per day late (except in extenuating circumstances).

4.2.3 Grading. I am looking for thoughtful participation. Your work should show me that you have engaged with each part of each question by writing thorough answers and that you have carefully interacted with the work of other students. I will keep track of the postings and give feedback each week.

4.3 Annotated Bibliography (20% of course grade) During the 5th week of the quarter you will read 5 journal articles of your choice dealing with any of the biblical books covered in this course. Each journal article should be at least 10 pages in length and you should choose no more than 1 article per biblical book (e.g. 1 article on Samuel, 1 on Kings, 1 on Chronicles, etc). The articles can be chosen from those listed in the bibliographies in the textbooks (Dictionary of the OT: Historical Books, Dictionary of the OT: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings, Handbook on the Historical Books) or you can find articles by using a topical search in the ATLA library on-line database. (Please let me know if you need help learning how to search for an article!)

You will write a short summary and personal evaluation of each article (250 words total) and submit the "Annotated Bibliography" into the Assignment section in Blackboard by 12 midnight (PDT) on July 25. You must submit your paper as an attachment using Microsoft Word .doc format (or .rtf). Please name your file by your last name + date. If this assignment is submitted after the due date it will be penalized by 5% per day late (except in extenuating circumstances). Additional details about this assignment will be provided in the Syllabus Supplement.

3 4.4 Integrated Theology Paper (25% of course grade) During the last few weeks of the quarter you will write an "integrated" theology paper (10-12 pages in length) on a theological theme that is of interest to you from one of the biblical books we've covered in the course. The paper will have two parts.

In Part I of the paper you will discuss the theological theme and demonstrate, with specific references to the biblical text, the significance of the theme in its Old Testament context and, if applicable, explain how this theme is developed in the New Testament.

In Part II of the paper you will discuss the relevance of this theme for Christians in today's culture, show how the theme could be utilized in your own ministry context and/or consider how the theme could have an impact in your personal life. If applicable, you should also note points of integration of this theme to other courses you have taken.

4.4.1 Topic Approval. Your must choose a topic and submit your topic for approval to the instructor (by e-mail) by 12 midnight (PDT) on August 8.

4.4.2 Deadlines. You must submit your paper into Blackboard as an attachment using Microsoft Word .doc format (or .rtf). Please name your file by your last name + date. The paper is due by 12 midnight (PDT) on August 29. Late papers will not be accepted (except in extenuating circumstances).

In addition to submitting this assignment to the instructor, you may also be required to upload your assignment to your Integrative Portfolio (This is not a requirement for those enrolled in the MACFM InMinistry OT502DE, but may be a requirement for those enrolled in OT502DI). For important uploading instructions, visit your Integrative Portfolio Blackboard course (GS004). This requirement applies to all degree seeking students who initiate their degree program from fall of 2008 forward.

Additional instructions for the paper (including topic ideas, sample papers, formatting guidelines and grading guidelines) will be available in the Syllabus Supplement.

5. Course Evaluation:

5.1 Grading Scale. The grade for this course will be based on the following scale:

A 95.00 - 100 Excellent Work A- 91.00 - 94.99 B+ 88.00 - 90.99 B 85.00 - 87. 99 Good Work B- 81.00 - 84.99 C+ 78.00 - 80.99 C 75.00 - 77.99 Satisfactory Work C- 71.00 - 74.99 D+ 68.00 - 70.99 D 65.00 - 67.99 Poor Work D- 61.00 - 64.99 F Below 61 Unsatisfactory Work

4 5.2 Course Assignment Values. The grade for this course will be determined as follows:

Reading Reports 30% Discussion Board 25% Annotated Bibliography 20% Theology Paper 25%

6. Course Policies

Academic Integrity: Written material submitted must be the original work of the student. Academic dishonesty constitutes a serious violation of scholarship standards at Bethel and can result in denial of credit and possible dismissal from the school. Academic dishonesty includes cheating on assignments or exams, plagiarism, fabrication of research, multiple submissions of work in different courses, misrepresentation of academic records, the facilitation of academic dishonesty, and depriving others of necessary academic resources.

6.3 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 or by email at [email protected]. Please also visit www.bethel.edu/disability for detail information about related policies and procedures. Since the director is off-site, you may want to contact the office of Student Life in San Diego if you have disability-related concerns which need immediate attention.

Extensions: After the last day of the course, there will be no further extensions for work, except for extenuating circumstances, such as family emergencies or medical reasons. In such cases an Incomplete Contract Form must be filled out, approved by the professor, and returned to the Associate Registrar prior to the last day of the course.

7. Course Schedule

7.1 Overview of Weekly Assignments

DATES WEEKLY TOPIC ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES Wk #1 Jun 21-27 The Bible, "History" Due 6/27: and "Historiography" Reading Report & Discussion Board Questions Wk #2 Jun 28-Jul 4 1-2 Samuel Due 7/4: Reading Report & Discussion Board Questions Wk #3 Jul 5-11 1-2 Kings Due 7/11: Reading Report & Discussion Board Questions Wk #4 Jul 12-18 1-2 Chronicles, Ezra, Due 7/18: Nehemiah, Esther Reading Report & Discussion Board Questions Wk #5 Jul 19-25 Work on Annotated Due 7/25: Bibliography Annotated Bibliography

5 DATES WEEKLY TOPIC ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES Wk #6 Jul 26-Aug 1 Hebrew Poetry Due 8/1: and Psalms Reading Report & Discussion Board Questions Wk #7 Aug 2-8 Hebrew Wisdom Due 8/8: and Proverbs Reading Report & Discussion Board Questions Paper Topic Must Be Approved by 8/8 Wk #8 Aug 9-15 Job Due 8/15: Reading Report & Discussion Board Questions Wk #9 Aug 16-22 Ecclesiastes Due 8/22: Reading Report and Song of Songs No Discussion Board Questions this week Wk #10 Aug 23-29 Work on Integrated Due 8/29: Theology Paper Integrated Theology Paper

7.2 Details of Weekly Assignments

Week #1 (June 21-27): The Bible, History and Historiography Reading Report and Discussion Board Questions Due 6/27

Reading Assignments: Read these articles in the following order: Satterthwaite, Philip E. and J. Gordon McConville. "The Ancient Near East, 1550-63 BC." Pages 29-40 in Exploring the Old Testament: Volume 2, A Guide to the Historical Books. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2007. (Available in Blackboard) Noll, K. L. "What Is 'History'?" and "What Was 'History' in the Perception of the Ancients?" Pages 31-82 in Canaan and Israel in Antiquity: An Introduction. The Biblical Seminar 83. London: Sheffield, 2001. (Available in Blackboard) Shanks, Hershel. "The Biblical Minimalists: Expunging Ancient Israel's Past." Bible Review 13/3 (June 1997): 32-39, 50-52. (Available in Blackboard) Davies, Philip R. "What Separates a Minimalist from a Maximalist? Not Much." Biblical Archaeology Review 26/2 (Mar/Apr 2000): 24-27, 72-73. (Available in Blackboard) Dever, William G. "Save Us from Postmodern Malarkey." Biblical Archaeology Review 26/2 (Mar/Apr 2000): 28-35, 68-69. (Available in Blackboard) Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books, "Historiography, Old Testament," pp. 418-25

Discussion Board Questions: (discuss both) 1. In his article on "Historiography" in the Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books McKenzie says "... To attempt to read the account of Israel's history in the Bible from a modern perspective as strictly a record of actual events is to misconstrue its genre and force it to do something that it was not intended to do" (DOTHB, 420). Do you agree with McKenzie's statement? Or, does your view of Scripture require you to read the "historical" books in the Old Testament as "strictly a record of actual events"? Explain.

2. Define a "minimalist" and a "maximalist." Could an evangelical Christian hold to either the "minimalist" or "maximalist" approach? Why or why not?

WEEK 2 (June 28-July 4): 1-2 Samuel

6 Reading Report and Discussion Board Questions Due 7/4

Reading Assignments: 1. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books, "Samuel, Books of," pp. 866-77 2. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books, "Davidic Covenant," pp. 206-11 3. Bible Reading, 1 & 2 Samuel 4. Hamilton, Handbook on the Historical Books, pp. 211-28, 253-88, 297-300, 326-45

*Note: Always read the article(s) from the Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books first. Then read the chapters in the Bible by sections, according to how they coordinate with Hamilton's discussion of those chapters. For example, for this week, after you read the articles on Samuel and the Davidic Covenant in the DOTHB, you should read 1 Samuel 1-7 from your Bible first, then read Hamilton's discussion of those chapters in pp. 211-228, etc.

Discussion Board Questions: (discuss both) 1. Hamilton speaks of a rise, a turning point, and a decline in 1-2 Samuel's depiction of David's life (p. 299). What would you identify as the turning point in David's life? Why? What poor choices did he make as a leader and as a husband and father?

2. Compare Saul and David. How do their character qualities and attitudes toward God differ? Cite some examples.

WEEK 3 (July 5-11): 1-2 Kings Reading Report and Discussion Board Questions Due 7/11

Reading Assignments: 1. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books, "Kings, Books of," pp. 623-34 2. Bible Reading, 1 & 2 Kings 3. Hamilton, Handbook on the Historical Books, pp. 415-68

Discussion Board Questions: (discuss both) 1. Hamilton points out that "of the eighteen Israelite kings who follow Jeroboam I, fifteen of them are said to have walked in the way/sins of Jeroboam, or refused to depart from the way/sins of Jeroboam . . . " (p. 420). What was Jeroboam's chief "crime"? Why were his actions/sins singled out as the ultimate bad example?

2. In his discussion of Elijah's exploits in 1 Kings 19 Hamilton points out that "this chapter is a powerful object lesson on how victory and celebration can give way to discouragement and withdrawal in the life of any of God's servants" (p. 434). Have you ever faced discouragement in ministry? What lessons have you learned from Elijah's story that would have been helpful then or might be helpful in the future? Be specific.

WEEK 4 (July 12-18): 1-2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther Reading Report and Discussion Board Questions Due 7/18

Reading Assignments: 1. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books, "Chronicles, Books of," pp. 161-81 2. Bible Reading, 1 Chron 10-29; 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther

7 3. Hamilton, Handbook on the Historical Books, pp. 503-49

Discussion Board Questions: (discuss 2 of 3) 1. 1 & 2 Chronicles were written to address some of the issues facing the postexilic community. Describe one of these issues and explain how the Chronicler addressed this issues in his arrangement of the genealogies, in his portrayal of the lives of David and Solomon, or in his account of the kings.

2. What positive or negative leadership qualities do you see in Ezra's and Nehemiah's lives? Be specific.

3. In his discussion about the book of Esther Hamilton points out that the book never mentions God by name (p. 539). Why do you think God is not explicitly mentioned in the book? What does the book of Esther teach about God?

WEEK 5 (July 19-25): Annotated Bibliography Due (7/25) See the Syllabus Supplement for specific instructions

WEEK 6 (July 26-Aug 1): Hebrew Poetry and Psalms Reading Report and Discussion Board Questions Due 8/1

Reading Assignments: 1. Dictionary of the OT: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings, "Psalms 1: Book of," pp. 578-92 2. Bible Reading (Read the following Psalms in coordination with the appropriate section in Brueggemann's book): Psalms of Orientation: Psalm 145, 104, 33, 8, 1, 119, 15, 24 Psalms of Disorientation: 13, 86, 35, 74, 79, 137, 88, 109 Psalms of New Orientation: 30, 40, 138, 34, 65, 66, 124, 114, 29 3. Brueggemann, The Message of the Psalms, pp. 9-23, 25-42, 51-89, 123-43, 168-76

Discussion Board Questions: (discuss both) 1. Brueggemann contends that the church's practice of singing "songs of orientation" is "less an evangelical defiance guided by faith, and much more a frightened, numb denial and deception that does not want to acknowledge or experience the disorientation of life" (p. 51). Do you agree? Why or why not? Do you think worship in your church would be enriched by focusing on the "songs of disorientation"? Why or why not?

2. Describe something that has sparked your interest or seemed particularly applicable to your life or ministry from your reading of the Psalms this week. Be specific.

WEEK 7 (Aug 2-8): Hebrew Wisdom and Proverbs Reading Report and Discussion Board Questions Due 8/8 **Theology Paper Topic Due 8/8** (submit your topic by e-mail to the professor)

Reading Assignments: 1. Dictionary of the OT: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings: "Proverbs 1: Book of," pp. 539-51 2. Bible Reading, Proverbs

8 3. Estes, "Proverbs," in Handbook on the Wisdom Books and Psalms, pp. 213-61 (Available in Blackboard)

Discussion Board Questions: (discuss both) 1. Estes discusses several "virtues" of a life characterized by wisdom. Which of these virtues struck you as significant for this time in your life? Why?

2. In his article "Proverbs 1: Book of" in the Dictionary of the OT: Wisdom, Poetry, Writings, Tremper Longman discusses how the book of Proverbs shares many features found in wisdom literature from other ancient Near Eastern cultures (pp. 545-47). Is it true that "wisdom" be found anywhere? Or does "biblical" wisdom have certain characteristics? If so, what are they?

WEEK 8 (Aug 9-15): Job Reading Report and Discussion Board Questions Due 8/15

Reading Assignments: 1. Dictionary of the OT: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings, "Job 1: Book of," pp. 333-45 2. Dictionary of the OT: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings, "Retribution," pp. 647-54 2. Bible Reading, Job

Discussion Board Questions: (discuss both) 1. Review what the "retribution principle" is (see DOTWPW, 647ff). How does the book of Job modify this principle? Be specific. Do you see evidence of the "retribution principle" in the church today? Explain.

2. Name 2 main themes in the dialogue between Job and God in Job 38-41? How are these themes applicable to life today?

WEEK 9 (Aug 16-22): Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs Reading Report Due 8/22; No discussion questions this week

Reading Assignments: 1. Dictionary of the OT: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings: "Ecclesiastes 1: Book of," pp. 121-31 2. Dictionary of the OT: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings: "Song of Songs 1: Book of," pp. 737-49 3. Bible Reading, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs

Discussion Board Questions: No Discussion Questions this week. Work on your Theology Paper

WEEK 10 (Aug 23-29): Integrated Theology Paper Work on Integrated Theology Paper; Paper is Due on 8/29 See the Syllabus Supplement for specific instructions. Your topic must be approved by Aug. 8.