Rel 301: The Old Testament (Genesis - 2 Samuel, Psalms)

Dr. Eric D. Huntsman

Associate Professor of Ancient Scripture

316-L JSB, ext. 2-3359

eric_huntsman@byu.edu, http://www.erichuntsman.com

Fall 2009 Syllabi and TAs

Course Description: Rel A 301 is an introductory survey to the first half of the Hebrew Bible or Tanakh, commonly known as the "Old Testament." In addition to reading most of Genesis thru 2 Samuel and a sampling of the psalms, this course will introduce students to the basic historical context and the literary and theological issues that surround this important work of scripture.

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes: This section of Rel 212 has three major objectives, which are in harmony with the College of Religious Education’s Learning Outcomes (see Appendix B):

First, to increase the student’s knowledge of the first half of the Old Testament—that is, to familiarize him or her more fully with its basic storylines, characters, themes and theological concepts.

Second, to help the student read, analyze, discuss, and write about the Bible as both a source of scriptural knowledge and as a sacred text, examining them in their historical, literary, and theological contexts.

Third, to strengthen individual testimonies of sacred truths, particularly by an increased understanding God and his interactions with his people throughout history.

 

Commentaries and Other References: The greatest benefits from scripture study come from reading, pondering, and praying about the scriptures themselves. Still, serious, university-level study of scripture can often be aided by looking at or consulting various commentaries. A few such works that some may find useful in their lifelong study of the Old Testament include the following:

Bandstra, Barry L. Reading the Old Testament. Belmont, Calif.: Wadsworth Publishing Co. , 1999. [Bandstra, excerpts online on blackboard]

The HarperCollins Study Bible. Revised and Updated. Harold W. Attridge, general editor. News York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2006.

Ludlow, Daniel H. A Companion to Your Study of the Old Testament. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1981.

Rasmussen, Ellis T. A Latter-day Saint Commentary on the Old Testament. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1993. [Rasmussen, excerpts in packet]

Soggin, J. Alberto. Introduction to the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden. Third Edition. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1989.

Studies in Scripture vol. 3: Genesis to 2 Samuel. Edited by Kent P. Jackson and Robert L. Millet. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, ?. [SS 3, excerpts in packet]

In addition to the introductions and reference works above, for papers and future in-depth research students should be aware of major commentary series such as the following:

The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries. John J. Collins, General Editor. New Haven: Yale University Press.

The Forms of the Old Testament Literature. Series Editors: Rolf P. Knierim, Gene M. Tucker, and Marvin A. Sweeney. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wm. B. Eerdmans.

The New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Edited By: Robert L. Hubbard Jr. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wm. B. Eerdmans.

    The Old Testament Library. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press.

A volume or volumes is published for each biblical book in each series.

 

Class Schedule

  • W03Sep Introduction
  • M08Sep Historical and Literary Background. The World of the Old Testament—peoples and places. Introduction to Torah; Documentary Hypothesis and other theories of composition; Exegesis and Exegetical Method.
  • Reading: Rasmussen, xi–xviii (packet, 3–7); Jackson, "God’s Testament to Ancient Israel," and Brown, "Approaches to the Pentateuch," SS3 3–23 (packet, 18–28); Bandstra, 9–16, 18–20, 34–47 (online); Huntsman, "Teaching through Exegesis: Helping Students Ask Questions of the Text" (packet, 150–159).
    •
  • W10Sep Creation and Fall. Overview and Structure of Genesis. First and Second Creation Accounts—Priestly and Yawehistic? Sample Exegetical Questions for the First Account. The Temptation. The Judgements. An LDS Allegory of the Fall. Genesis 1:1–3:24; cf. Moses 2:1–5:12, 6:48–68; Abraham 4–5; 2 Nephi 2:14–29.
  • Additional Reading: Rasmussen, 1–2 (packet, 7–8); Jackson, "Genesis and the Early Experiences of Mankind," SS3 25–28 (packet, 28–30).
    •
  • M15Sep The Flood and Its Aftermath. Cain and Abel; The Beginnings of Civilization; Adam’s Descendents to Noah; Wickedness of Mankind; Preparations for the Flood and the Great Deluge; Emerging from the Ark: Sacrifice and Commandments; the Noah Covenant; Noah’s Sons and the Division of the Nations. Genesis 4:1–11:26; cf. Moses 5:13–8:30.
  • Additional Reading: Jackson, "Genesis and the Early Experiences of Mankind," SS3 29–33 (packet, 30–32).
    •
  • W17Sep Abraham. Noah to Abraham; Abram’s Early Career; Melchizedek; Abraham’s Posterity; Establishing the Covenant; Lessons from Sodom and Lot; "Other" Nations in Genesis; the Problem of Seeming Patriarchal Misbehavior. Genesis 11:27–20:18.
  • Additional Reading: Bandstra, 20–21 (online); McConkie, "The Promises Made to the Fathers," SS3, 47–61 (packet, 33–40).
    •
  • M22Sep Isaac. Later Career of Abraham and Early Life of Isaac: Command to Sacrifice Isaac; Marriage of Isaac and Rebekah. Abraham’s Final Days. History of Isaac and His sons: Esau Sells His Birthright to Jacob; Isaac and Abimelech—not again! Esau’s Hittite Wives set the stage for his loss of blessing. Genesis 21:1–26:35.
  • W24Sep Jacob. Isaac Blesses Jacob. A Parting of the Ways. Jacob’s Dream at Bethel. Jacob and the Daughters of Laban. Jacob’s Return to Canaan. Jacob Wrestles at Peniel. The Tragedy of Dinah. Final Phases of the Jacob Story—Return to Bethel, Birth of Benjamin and Death of Rachel, Death of Isaac. Genesis 27:1–36:40. Take-home quiz #1 distributed.
  • M29Sep Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset.  Take-home quiz #1 due. Joseph. Genesis 37:1–41:57.
  • W01Oct Israel in Egypt. Joseph’s Children in Egypt; Joseph Tests his Brothers; Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh; Jacob’s Blesses his other Descendents Genesis 42:1–50:26.

    • EXAMINATION 1  Th02–Sa04Oct; M06Oct (late)

     

    EXAMINATION 2  W05Nov–Sa08Nov; M10Nov (late)

     

    Tu17Dec FINAL EXAM, 7–10:00 a.m. (In class!)

     

     

  • W03Sep Introduction
    •
  • M08Sep Historical and Literary Background. The World of the Old Testament—peoples and places. Introduction to Torah; Documentary Hypothesis and other theories of composition; Exegesis and Exegetical Method.
  • Reading: Rasmussen, xi–xviii (packet, 3–7); Jackson, "God’s Testament to Ancient Israel," and Brown, "Approaches to the Pentateuch," SS3 3–23 (packet, 18–28); Bandstra, 9–16, 18–20, 34–47 (online); Huntsman, "Teaching through Exegesis: Helping Students Ask Questions of the Text" (packet, 150–159).
    •
  • W10Sep Creation and Fall. Overview and Structure of Genesis. First and Second Creation Accounts—Priestly and Yawehistic? Sample Exegetical Questions for the First Account. The Temptation. The Judgements. An LDS Allegory of the Fall. Genesis 1:1–3:24; cf. Moses 2:1–5:12, 6:48–68; Abraham 4–5; 2 Nephi 2:14–29.
  • Additional Reading: Rasmussen, 1–2 (packet, 7–8); Jackson, "Genesis and the Early Experiences of Mankind," SS3 25–28 (packet, 28–30).
    •
  • M15Sep The Flood and Its Aftermath. Cain and Abel; The Beginnings of Civilization; Adam’s Descendents to Noah; Wickedness of Mankind; Preparations for the Flood and the Great Deluge; Emerging from the Ark: Sacrifice and Commandments; the Noah Covenant; Noah’s Sons and the Division of the Nations. Genesis 4:1–11:26; cf. Moses 5:13–8:30.
  • Additional Reading: Jackson, "Genesis and the Early Experiences of Mankind," SS3 29–33 (packet, 30–32).
  •
  • W17Sep Abraham. Genesis 11:27–20:18.
  • Additional Reading: Bandstra, 20–21 (online); McConkie, "The Promises Made to the Fathers," SS3, 47–61 (packet, 33–40).
  • M22Sep Isaac. Genesis 21:1–26:35.
    •
  • W24Sep Jacob. Genesis 27:1–36:40. Take-home quiz #1 distributed.
  • M29Sep Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset
  • Take-home quiz #1 due. Joseph. Genesis 37:1–41:57.
    •
  • W01Oct Israel in Egypt. Genesis 42:1–50:26.

    • EXAMINATION 1

    Th02–Sa04Oct; M06Oct (late)

    Be sure to check hours at https://testing.byu.edu/info/center_hours.php

  • M06Oct Even if you are still studying for or taking the exam, come to class for this important introductory lecture!
  • Oppression and Deliverance. Introduction to Exodus; Moses the Deliverer; Plagues and Release. Exodus 1:1–12:32.
  • Additional Reading: Rasmussen, 83 (packet, 8); Bandstra, 21 (online).
    •
  • W08Oct Yom Kippur begins at sunset
  • The Road to Sinai. Exodus 12:33–19:2.
  • Additional Reading: Lunquist, "The Exodus," SS3, 111–123 (packet, 41–47).
  • M13Oct Sukkot begins at sunset
  • The Revelation at Sinai. Exodus 19:3–24:18, 31:18–34:35.
  • Additional Reading: Wright, "The Laws and the Sanctuary," SS3, 143–149 (packet, 48–51).
  • W15Oct The Tabernacle: A Pattern of Heaven, A Pattern of Holiness. Exodus 25:1–31:17, 35:1–40:38.
  • Additional Reading: Wright, "The Laws and the Sanctuary," SS3, 149–152 (packet, 51–52).
  • M20Oct The Way to God: Sacrifices and Priests. Introduction to Leviticus; offerings; establishing a priesthood. Leviticus 1:1–10:20.
  • Additional Reading: Rasmussen, 127–28 (packet, 9); Jackson, "The Law of Moses and the Atonement of Christ," SS3, 153–172 (packet, 53–62).
  • W22Oct The Walk with God: Sanctification. Laws of purity; the Day of Atonement; ritual and moral holiness; priestly standards; festivals. Leviticus 11:1–27:34.
  • M27Oct Lessons in the Wilderness I. Introduction to Numbers; the order of Israel; a people sanctified; the first march–murmurings arise. Numbers 1:1–12:16.
  • Additional Reading: Rasmussen, 144–45 (packet, 10);
  • W29Oct Lessons in the Wilderness II. Report of the spies; the people quail; divine discipline; marching to Moab; Balak and Balaam; offerings and festivals once more; final events and directions. Numbers 13:1–27:23, 32:1–34:15. Take-home quiz #2 distributed.
  • M03Nov Take-home Quiz #2 due.
  • Deuteronomy: The "Retelling" of the Law. Introduction to Deuteronomy. Israel’s wilderness wanderings reviewed; Commands concerning God, festivals, leaders, and relationships; Israel’s covenant ratified; Moses’ farewell; The "rediscovery" of the law and its later impact Deuteronomy 1:1–13:18, 27:1–34:12; 2 Kings 22.
  • Additional Reading: Rasmussen, 167–68 (packet, 11); Bandstra, 184–198 (online).
    •

    EXAMINATION 2

    Tu04Nov–F07Nov; Sa08Nov (late)

    Be sure to check summer hours at https://testing.byu.edu/info/center_hours.php

     
  • W05Nov Even if you are still studying for or taking the exam, come to class for this important introductory lecture!
  • Joshua and the Conquest. Introduction to the Deuteronomic History—the "Former Prophets of the Nevi'im; book of Joshua. Entering the Land of Canaan; "conquering" the Land of Canaan; dividing the Land of Canaan. Joshua 1:1–12:24, 23:1–24:33 (read chapter headings for Joshua 13–22 and review
  • Additional Reading: Rasmussen, 194 (packet, 12); Lundquist, "The Israelite Conquest of Canaan," SS3, 225–236 (packet, 63–68); Bandstra, 21–22, 198–199, 204–209. (online).
  • M10Nov Judges I. Introduction to Judges; the political and spiritual background; early enemies and leaders; Deborah and Barak; Gideon’s call and fall; Abimelech’s tyranny. Judges 1:1–9:57.
  • Additional Reading: Rasmussen, 194 (packet, 12); Parry and Ricks, "The Judges of Israel," SS3, 239–247 (packet, 69–73).
    •
  • W12Nov Judges II. Ephemeral leaders; Samson; apostasy during the time of the judges; tribal trauma: Dan and Benjamin. Judges 10:1–21:25.
  • Additional Reading: Banstra, 247–251 (online).
    •
  • M17Nov Ruth. Introduction to Ruth: placement—topic, chronology, or genre? The Ketuvim or "Writings." The story of Ruth—resolve, rights, request, and reward. Ruth.
  • Additional Reading: Rasmussen, 224 (packet, 13); Bandstra, 384–386, 441, 445–449 (online).
    •
  • W19Nov Samuel. Introduction to 1–2 Samuel. Samuel’s early life and call; his judgeship; Israel’s demand for a king; The rise of Saul; Samuels’ farewell address. 1 Samuel 1:1–12:25.
  • Additional Reading: Rasmussen, 230–31 (packet, 14); Seely, "An Introduction to 1 and 2 Samuel," SS3, 259–270 (packet, 74–79).
    •
  • M24Nov Saul and David. Rejection of Saul; David anointed as king; David and Goliath; David and Saul’s family—Jonathan and Michal; Saul and David at odds; David in Gath; the death of Saul and his sons. 1 Samuel 13:1–31:13.
  • Additional Reading: Bandstra, 22–24 (online).
  • W24Nov No class.
  • M01Dec David the King I. David’s coronation; consolidation of power; the selection of Jerusalem; the Davidic covenant; David’s wars and conquests. 2 Samuel 1:1–10:19.
  • Additional Reading: Rasmussen, 254–55 (packet, 15); Madsen, "David, the King of Israel," SS3, 293–306 (packet, 80–86).
    •
  • W03Dec David the King II. David’s crimes—Bathsheba and Uriah; conflicts within the Davidic kingdom; Absalom’s rebellion; last words and deeds of David. 2 Samuel 11:1–24:25.
  • Additional Reading: Madsen, "David, the King of Israel," SS3, 306–314 (packet, 86–90).
    •
  • M08Dec A Taste of the Psalms I. Overview of Hebrew poetry; introduction to Psalms; types of psalms—prayers, laments, thanksgivings, imprecations, hymns, royal/messianic, sanctuary. Psalms 1–8.
  • Additional Reading: Bandstra, 386–391, 403–419 (online).
  • W10Dec Taste of the Psalms II. Psalms 15, 19; 22–24, 27, 30, 42, 45, 63; 84; 96, 100, 104, 106, 113–118; look at 119; 122, 127, 146–150. Exegetical Paper Due.

    • Tu17Dec FINAL EXAM, 7–10:00 a.m. (In class!)
  • Su21Dec Chanukah begins at sunset
    •