Engaging with the Old Testament (BA0141W)

Content

This unit is designed for students whose first language is not English. You will be introduced to some of the tools, and perspectives for studying and interpreting the Hebrew biblical text (Old Testament) and aided in developing interpretive and hermeneutical skills, as you survey the narratives of Scripture, including some major events and figures. In this introductory unit, you will examine biblical books and literature in their contexts, and consider the relevance of the Bible today. This unit will introduce you to:

1. The nature of Biblical Text in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament)
2. The general organization of the Hebrew Bible and an overview of its content
3. Tools for biblical interpretation such as dictionaries, commentaries and surveys
4. Interpretive and hermeneutical skills and techniques

Learning outcomes

Pedagogy

5x Transformation Saturdays consisting of lectures, tutorials, workshops and group discussions

Indicative Bibliography

• Brueggemann, W., An Introduction to the Old Testament: The Canon and Christian Imagination. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2003.
• Collins, John J. A Short Introduction to the Hebrew Bible : And Deutero-Canonical Books. Third edition. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2018.
• Hernández, Dominick S. Engaging the Old Testament : How to Read Biblical Narrative, Poetry, and Prophecy Well. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2023.
• Hwang, Jerry. Contextualisation and the Old Testament: Between Asian and Western perspectives. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2023.
• Imes, Carmen Joy. Bearing Yhwh’s Name at Sinai: A Reexamination of the Name Command of the Decalogue. University Park, Pennsylvania: Eisenbrauns, 2018.
• Longman III, Tremper. Introducing the Old Testament: a short guide to its history and message. Zondervan, 2012.
• Smith-Christopher, D., The Old Testament: Our Call to Faith & Justice. Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press, 2007.
• VanGemeren, Willem. Interpreting the Old Testament Theologically : Essays in Honor of Willem A. VanGemeren. Edited by Andrew T. Abernethy. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2018.
• Wintle, Brian C., ed. South Asia Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2015.
• Wright, Christopher. How to Preach the Old Testament for all its Worth. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2015.
• Yee, Gale, The Hebrew Bible: Feminist and Intersectional Perspectives. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2018.

Assessment