 OT
511: Pentateuch
ASHLAND THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Winter Quarter 2004 Ashland Campus Mondays, 8 - 12 a.m. Dr. Paul Overland |
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Quick-Link Syllabus Index (click on underscored text for additional information):
I. Course Description
Questions of introduction and content of the Pentateuch will be addressed with special emphasis upon themes and passages of great theological import. Comparisons of the life, laws, literature, customs and institutions of Israel with those of the Ancient Near East will be made. The place of the Pentateuch in the religion of Israel, the totality of Scripture and in current life will be discussed.Please note that IT 501 Biblical Hermeneutics must be completed before beginning OT 511 Pentateuch. This course builds on and reinforces exegetical methods the student learned in Hermeneutics.
A personal introduction to the course may be found on the Course
Web Page.
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II. Course Objectives
| A. | Cognitive Objectives (what you should know). |
| 1. Interpret the Pentateuch and the OT as a whole with skill.
2. Identify the various literary forms used in the Pentateuch. 3. Arrange the events of Pentateuch in relative chronological order. 4. Relate each book to its historical background. 5. State the general content of each book. 6. Identify and trace key theological motifs as they run through the Pentateuch. 7. Analyze and critique the current scholarly positions on such critical matters as the authorship, date and unity of the Pentateuch. 8. Apply the Pentateuch to Christian life and ministry. |
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| B. | Affective Objectives (what you should feel and do). |
| 1. Appreciate the unique message of each book.
2. Desire to do further study in each book. 3. Anticipate God's unfolding development of his promises. 4. Avoid the sinful attitudes and actions denounced in the Pentateuch. 5. Obey the commands and principles in the books that are relevant to one's spiritual life. 6. Share the information and insight gleaned from the study of the Pentateuch with others. |
III. Course Format
This is a ten-session course involving lecture and discussion in a face-to-face format.Return to Top
IV. Summary of Academic Requirements
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See below under "Papers and Projects" for guidelines informing many of these assignments. A major portion of the evalution reflects the degree to which guidelines are followed. |
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| 1. Reaction Papers (2) | Read two (2) journal articles relating to the Pentateuch. Interact according to guidelines below, resulting in two 3-4 page reaction papers. First due Week #3. Second due Week #8. |
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| 2. Exegetical Paper and Peer Review | One 15-page exegetical paper focusing on a selected portion from the prophets. The paper will be due Week #7 (draft), with peer review due Week #8, and final draft of exegetical paper due Week #10. |
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| 3. Bible Reading Log | Read through the Pentateuch two (2) times, recording notes as you read. Submit notes. |
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| 4. Annotated Reading Report | A listing in bibliographical format of 380 pages of textbook and secondary readings completed for the course. Report by annotated bibliography, due Week #10. |
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| 5. Quizzes and/or Study Questions | There may be two or three brief quizzes. Also study questions will be assigned periodically. Responses to study questions will be typed and submitted by each student prior to respective class lectures. |
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| 6. Applications or Meditations | Each student will prepare three (3) applications or meditations. Due Week #5. |
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| 7. Attendance and Participation | Attend each class session prepared to respond to any study questions
distributed and generally ready to contribute to discussion of the announced
topics. If absent, submit auxiliary reading report (one page in length)
summarizing additional 60 pages per class missed.
If more than two classes are missed, the student's registration will become an "Audit". |
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V. Evaluation
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When writing commentary reviews, reaction papers or a course project,
you should consult the seminary's approved guide for research papers: A
Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations, by Kate
Turabian (the sixth edition allows for the use of endnotes and parenthetical
citations). Papers are to typed and doubled-spaced. If the paper is computer-generated,
please select 12 point font, double spaced, max. 1.5 inch margins. If using
a typewriter, you may use either pica or elite type, but all margins must
be set at one inch. Any paper which deviates from these parameters will
be subject to a deduction in mark of up to one letter grade.
Marks for the above papers will be based on depth of critical interaction with the topic, organization of ideas, clarity of writing and proper citation of sources. |
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Each day late penalizes score by 1/2 letter grade. Study assignments will receive no credit for late submission |
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Attendance and adequate preparation are expected for all classes. A
total of two absences are allowed. For each of these absences
submit a one-page summary of 60 additional pages in secondary reading
(beyond annotated reading report pages) Label make-up submittals clearly
at top: “For Absence On ________ [date absent].”
At the third absence, your grade will automatically be changed to "Audit," meaning that you must repeat the course. |
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Course must be completed in normal quarter time frame (no extensions except in case of emergency). |
Quality Expectations
The following summarizes the ATS grading scale:
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VI. Bibliography
| Required Texts: | |
| Holy Bible. | In order to develop insights and interpretations most fully grounded on the Hebrew text, please utilize one of the following modern translations: New International, New American Standard, New Revised Standard, Revised Standard, or Jewish Publication Society. |
| LaSor, W.S., D. A. Hubbard, and F. W. Bush. | Old Testament Survey, 2nd edition. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996. ISBN 0-802-3788-3. |
| Marshall, I. H., ed. | New Bible Dictionary, 3rd ed. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1996. ISBN: 0-8308-1439-6. (Second edition is also acceptable.) |
| Walton, John H. and Victor H. Matthews. | IVP Bible Background Commentary: Genesis - Deuteronomy. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997. ISBN: 0-8308-1456-6 (paper), or ISBN 0-8308-1406-X (cloth). OR: IVP Bible Background Commentary: [entire] Old Testament. Also IVP, 2000. ISBN: 0-8308-1419-1 (cloth). |
| Recommended Bibliography | |
| Alexander, T. Desmond, and David W. Baker | Dictionary of theOld Testament: Pentateuch. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003. |
| Dembski, William A. | Intelligent Design: The Bridge Between Science and Theology. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999. |
| Gorman, Michael J. | Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. Peobody, MA: Hendrickson, 2001. ISBN 1-56563-485-3(p). |
| Harrison, R. K | Introduction to the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1969. Out of print. |
| Hoffmeier, James K. | Israel in Egypt: The Evidence for the Authenticity of the Exodus Tradition. NY: Oxford University Press, 1997. ISBN 0-19-513088-X (paperback). |
| Kitchen, K. A. | Ancient Orient and Old Testament. Chicago: InterVarsity, 1966. Out of print. |
| Livingston, G. H. | The Pentateuch in its Cultural Environment, 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1987. ISBN 0-8010-5646. Out of print. |
| Prichard, James B., ed. | The Ancient Near East: An Anthology of Texts and Pictures. Vols. 1, 2. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1958, 1973 (v. 1), 1975 (v. 2). Paperback. |
| Ross, Allen P. | Holiness to the Lord: A Guide to the Exposition of the Book of Leviticus. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002. |
| Sailhamer, John H. | The Pentateuch as Narrative. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992. |
| Soggin, J. Alberto. | Introduction to the Old Testament. OTL. 3rd edition. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1989. |
| Stuart, D. K. | Old Testament Exegesis: A Primer for Students and Pastors, 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1984. ISBN 0-664-24559-5. |
| Walton, John H. | Ancient Israelite Literature in its Cultural Context. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1990 (2nd ed.). |
| Whybray, R. Norman. | Introduction to the Pentateuch. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995. |
VII. Projected Class Outline and Due Dates
| Session | Date | Lecture Theme* | Bible Reading and IVP-BBC | OTS Reading |
| 1. |
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A. Land and Blessing B. Land and Exile |
Gen. 1.1-2.24
2.25-4.26 |
OTS 1: The Pentateuch |
| 2. | Jan. 12 |
D. Babel and Family of Shem E. Account of Abraham F. Story of Isaac |
5.1-10.32
11.1-26 11.27-25.10 25.11-26.35 |
OTS 2: Genesis: Primeval Prologue |
| Jan. 19 |
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No Class. | ||
| 3. | Jan. 26 |
Due: Exegetical Paper Selection Due: Reaction Paper #1 |
27.1-36.43 | OTS 3: Patriarchal History |
| 4. | Feb. 2 |
I. Blessing of Jacob Due: First Bible Reading Log |
37.1-50.26
49.1-33 |
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| 5. | Feb. 9 |
A. Birth and Call of Moses B. Deliverance from Egypt Due: Applications or Meditations (3) |
Ex. 1.1-4.31
5.1-15.21 |
OTS 4: Ex.: Historical Background |
| 6. | Feb. 16 |
D. Covenant at Sinai E. Tabernacle F. Golden Calf and Restoration G. Construction of Tabernacle |
15.22-18.27
19.1-24.18 25.1-31.18 32.1-34.35 35.1-40.38 |
OTS 5: Exodus: Message |
| 7. | Feb. 23 |
A. Offerings and Sacrifices B. Holiness in the Life of the People Due: Exegetical Paper (Draft) |
Lev. 1.1-17.6
18.1-27.34 |
OTS 6: Leviticus |
| 8. | Mar. 1 |
A. Approaching Canaan B. Retreat from Canaan C. Wandering outside Canaan Due: Reaction Paper #2 Due: Peer Review (2 copies) |
Num. 1.1-12.16
13.1-14.45 15.1-36.13 |
OTS 7: Numbers |
| 9. | Mar. 8 |
A. Historical Review and Moses’ Call to Obedience B. The Law and its Principles C. Instructions for Life in the New Land D. Covenant Ceremony in Moab E. New Covenant Due: Second Bible Reading Log |
Deut. 1.1-4.43
4.44-11.32 12.1-26.19 27.1-28.68 29.1-34.12 |
OTS 8: Deuteronomy |
| 10. | Mar. 15 |
E. New Covenant Due: Exegetical Paper (Final Copy) Due: Annotated Reading Report |
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VIII. Papers and Projects
If you have an ATS Box, kindly include your Campus Box Number in the upper right corner of each assignment.
A. Reaction Papers (2)
There is substantial secondary literature on the various issues raised by the Pentateuch. You may choose to read and evaluate articles written on a topic that interests you. Each paper will be 3-4 pages in length, typed and double-spaced, and will respond to the following questions. Please use headings and subheadings to track each component in your paper. Do not omit any pieces, please.1. What particular issue is being addressed?
2. What is the author's thesis in response to the issue?
3. How does the author lay out the argument or present his or her case?
4. What evidence does the author bring in support of his or her argument?
5. Does the author succeed in persuading the reader? Why or why not?
6. What significance does this article have for the interpretation and preaching/teaching of the Pentateuch in the church?
At least one of the articles you read must be 10 or more pages
in length. None may be under 5 pages in length. All articles must deal
in some fashion with the interpretation of the Pentateuch and must be selected
from the list of journals below. You may find it helpful to look through
the Religion Index or the ATLA database, as well as the bibliographies
of commentaries, for possible articles on a given passage. Full bibliographic
information must be given at the beginning of the paper, and a copy of
the article must accompany the paper.
Reaction Paper Sources
Articles may be selected from the following list of periodicals, all
of which are found in the Ashland Theological Seminary library. Some of
these may be found in ATLAS (full-text online journals, a service ATS subscribes
to--see librarian for information). Articles must have relevance
to the theology, history, archaeology, philology or exegesis of on or more
of the books covered in this course.
Andrews University Seminary Studies Asbury Theological Journal
Ashland Theological Journal Bible Review
Biblica Biblical Archaeology
Biblical Archaeology Review Biblical Theology Bulletin
Bibliotheca Sacra Bulletin of the American Schools of Orienta Research
Calvin Theological Journal Catholic Biblical Quarterly
Churchman Evangelical Quarterly
Expository Times Grace Theological Journal
Harvard Theological Review Horizons in Biblical Theology
Interpretation Israel Exploration Quarterly
Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Journal of Biblical Literature
Journal of Cuneiform Studies Journal of Near Eastern Studies
Journal of the American Oriental Society Journal of the Evangelical
Theological Society
Orientalia Palestine Exploration Quarterly
Presbyterian Review and Expositor
Revue Biblique Scandinavian Journal of the Old Testament
Semeia Southwestern Journal of Theology
Themelios Toronto Journal of Theology
Trinity Journal Tyndale Bulletin
Vetus Testamentum Vox Evangelica
Zeitschrift für die Alttestamentliche Wissenschaft
Back to Summary of Academic Requirements.
B. Exegetical Paper and Peer Review
| A 15-page paper investigating a 10-20 continuous-verse passage from
one of the books of the Pentateuch, resulting in an exegetical study of
the passage.
Please submit passage selected on or before Week #3. Aim for approx. 15 resources in bibliography, including three journal articles. Draft Copy: Draft is due Week #7. Peer Review: A classmate will critique your paper. This Peer Review is to be typed, up to 2 pages plus marks in paper itself. Provide two (2) copies of Peer Review. Due Week #8. Final Copy: Final copy is due at beginning of class on Week #10. Provide self-addressed, stamped envelop (otherwise paper will be put in campus mail). Paper (beginning with draft copy) should include the following, each
marked by a heading:
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C. Bible Reading Log
Read through the Pentateuch (Genesis-Deut.) two (2) times.Each time, keep a log showing date of reading, section read, and insights / observations (i.e., a fresh insight or blessing, a future preaching text, a verse you want to research in depth sometime because it is a meaningful or obscure to you, etc.). The purpose of this is to help you develop a sensitive and observant eye when reading the Scriptures, and to provide you with materials for further Bible studies, devotional reading, sermons, etc. While not precluding thought and reflection, this reading is more devotional in character and supplements an exegetical study. This may be handwritten, if legible.
First Reading Log is due Week #4.
Second Reading Log is due Week #9.
Back to Summary of Academic Requirements.
D. Annotated Reading Report
Read 380 pages. These readings may come from text books for
this class or from resources used for class papers, from the enclosed bibliography,
or other sources you discover pertinent to this period of Israelite history.
For annotation, briefly comment on a) author's qualifications, b) readability, c) for what aspect of Pentateuch study the resource is best suited. Give annotation (max. of four sentences per resource) for any resource which you include in bibliography.
Follow customary under-hung bibliographical style, single space each entry, double space between entries, alphabetical order, and PLEASE give a pages-read total for the entire report. Due at beginning of Week #10.
In case the under-hung bibliographical format is unfamiliar to you, see linked sample. Note: you will need to add your annotations between the entries, as this sample is not annotated.
Back to Summary of Academic Requirements.
E. Quizzes and Study Questions
There may be two or three brief quizzes. Also study questions
will be assigned periodically. Responses to study questions will
be typed and submitted by each student prior to respective class lectures.
F. Applications or Meditations
Complete any combination resulting in a total of three (3) meditations
and / or applications. These should be typed, and should be approx.
3/4 of a page each.
Be sure that your three selections come from different books of the Pentateuch.
Meditation Components. (Click
here for sample meditation.)
Select a brief passage. Then record the following three components
for each passage treated as a "meditation".
1. Meditation: Prayerfully ponder the passage, and record
insights.
2. Paraphrase: Express the passage in your own words.
3. Prayer: Write out a brief prayer inspired by the insights
from this passage. Total length: not to exceed 1 page per meditation.
Applications Components. (Click
here for sample application.)
Each application is to be at least one paragraph based on a particular
verse or passage. The application must be specific, indicating how
you practically plan to respond (in attitude or action) to the truths you
select from the indicated passages. Your report should include the reference
to the verse(s) being applied as well as your response including the words,
"I will..." A principle or truth observed is not a sufficient response.
It must be followed by specific plans with time frame
of execution, for a change of attitude, plan for memorization, obedience
to commands, etc. Aim for short-range experimental applications (e.g.,
I will pray daily about insight for 2 weeks; will memorize 2 verses for
1 week; will locate and read one book further illuminating the insight),
rather than whole-life commitments (e.g., I will preach about this the
rest of my life).
Due Week #5.