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Note: This is a draft syllabus. Check for a final syllabus in late July on Blackboard. The required books will not change.
Critical Interpretation of the Old Testament (GB 5083)
Fall 2017
Lipscomb University
Instructor: Dr. Phillip Camp Office: Ezell 212
Phone: 615-966-6130 E-mail:
Course Description (from the graduate catalog): This course will introduce students to the hermeneutical issues and methods necessary for competent interpretation of the Old Testament. Special attention will be given to the characteristics of the different genres of this literature. In addition to exegetical skills, students will gain the ability to trace and analyze the theological streams within the Old Testament.
Learning ObjectivesStudents completing this course will: / How Delivered / How Assessed / Goals
Know the basic principles, resources, and methods of OT exegesis and hermeneutics. / Readings, lectures, in class practice / Exams, term paper, quizzes. / Minimum grade: 70%
Know the general historical and cultural contexts of ancient Israel and how those relate to understanding and interpreting the biblical text. / Readings, lectures / Exams, quizzes. / Minimum grade: 70%
Be familiar with the formation and nature of the Hebrew canon. / Readings, lectures / Exams, quizzes. / Minimum grade: 70%
Be familiar with the major introductory/critical issues that arise in the study of the Old Testament. / Readings, lectures. / Exams, quizzes, reflection papers / Minimum grade: 70%
Know the various genres in the OT and how those affect interpretation. / Readings, lectures, in class practice. / Exams, quizzes, paper, homework / Minimum grade: 70%
Be able to discern the theology of a biblical text and the major theological streams across the OT and into the NT. / Readings, lectures, in class practice / Exams, paper, homework / Minimum grade: 70%
Become competent interpreters of OT texts who can hear OT texts, as God’s word, to Christians and the church today. / Readings, lectures, in class practice / Exams, paper, homework / Minimum grade: 70%
1. Enns, Peter. Inspiration and Incarnation: Evangelicals and the Problem of the Old
Testament. 2nd ed. Baker, 2015.
Note: The first edition, published in 2005 is also fine to use.
2. Matthews, Victor H. and James C. Moyer. The Old Testament: Text and Context.
3rd ed. (Baker, 2012).
3. Powell, Mark A., ed. HarperCollins Bible Dictionary, 3rd ed. (HarperOne, 2011).
4. Wright, Christopher J. H. How to Preach and Teach the Old Testament for All Its Worth
(Zondervan, 2016).
4. A modern, committee translation of the Bible (e.g., NIV, ESV, NRSV, NASB). Do not use "looser" translations and paraphrases such as The Message, NLT, or "easy-to-read" versions.
Going On-Line in Blackboard:
This course will be run through Blackboard, which you can access through your "My Lipscomb" page. To receive credit, all assignments, unless otherwise instructed, must be sent through Blackboard. Therefore, it is essential that you familiarize yourself with Blackboard, its components (e.g., Content Page, the Discussion Board, Grade Book, Quizzes, etc.), and its functions before the class begins. You cannot access the course on Blackboard until you are officially registered for it.
Weekly assignments will be posted under the "Weekly Assignments" link on Blackboard, and there will be a link for each week. Items under that link will include additional readings, notes, and reading questions (see below under course requirements). You will need to go through everything for the week along with the assignments in the course schedule for the textbooks.
Plan to go to the web course at leastthree times each week. ByMondayof each week, check under "Weekly Assignments" then that week's link (folder) to get video lectures and posts and additional readings and to acknowledge on the discussion board that you read all of the posts for the previous week (see below). By Wednesday, post your answers from the readings for the instructor (see below) under the "Study Questions" link for the week. Also turn in Reading Questions or complete Quizzes, according to the schedule below. By Thursday,go to the discussion board to post your question for the instructor and your response to the instructor's prompt. You should also check your e-mail each time you go to Blackboard.
It is assumed that the student is competent when it comes to using his/her computer, the internet, and Blackboard. The student is responsible for solving his/her technical problems. If you are having trouble, please contact Lipscomb's Computer Center ASAP.
Keep in mind that strange things happen in cyberspace (e.g., messages get lost, servers go down, etc.). Therefore, do not wait until the last minute to do your work and send it in. Allow plenty of time to meet deadlines in case of computer problems. The student is solely responsible for getting work in on time. Also, back up all of your work and returned assignments on a jump drive. Save everything in this way until you receive your final grade in the course.
For the writing assignments (answers to study questions, homework, and papers) files must be saved in Word format (.docx) . Please save files and reopen them before sending them to make sure there are no corruption issues.If I cannot open it because the program won't open in Word or because the file is corrupted, it will be counted late.
In determining whether work is turned in on time, the only consideration will be the date on the message or Discussion Board post. The assignment must come within the due date. That is, I will look at the date, not the time on assignments.All deadlines are according to Central Time.
Course Requirements:
1. Readings, lecture notes, other weekly assignments. Do the assigned readings each week according to the course schedule and reador watch whatever additional materials there are under the link (folder) for the week under "Weekly Assignments."
2. Quizzes. Most weeks, the student will take timed (maximum 30 minutes), open-book, open-note quizzes on any videos and readings in the folder for the week, and on the assigned readings inthe required textbooks. Though the student may use the books on the quizzes, it is strongly recommended that he/she read the chapter(s) before taking the quiz, since the quiz is timed. For videos, the student should take notes on the videos and then he/she can use those notes on the quiz.
The quizzes must be completed by11:59 PM (Central Time) onWednesday of a given week. Except for an emergency, missed quizzes cannot be made up.Note on taking quizzes: When submitting an answer, click "submit" only once and wait for the answer to go through. If you click "submit" more than once, you may be kicked out of the quiz.
3. Discussion Board.Most weeks the student will post a response to the threaded discussion question given by the instructor each week andwill post a question for the instructor that arises for her/him from the readings or the other class materials. The questions for each week will be under the "Discussion Board" link and then under links for the class week. Simply click "reply" to the appropriate threads and write your response and your question.
These posts should be made by Thursday each week.
The responses to the instructor's question need not be long (but consider 75-100 words a minimum). Respond fully to the instructor’s question, be thoughtful, and reflect an awareness of the readings and lectures for the week in some way.A good response will demonstrate critical thinking on the issue raised in light of the readings and lectures for the week, whether in agreement or disagreement. That is, you are being asked for your opinion, but an informed opinion.
At the end of the week (by the end of the day Saturday), the instructor will make a summary post in light of the discussion on the instructor's question. By Monday of the following week, go back to the discussion board and reply to the instructor's post with a simple "yes" indicating that you have read all the posts and replies for that week. Reading all the posts and indicating so to the instructor is part of the Discussion Board grade. You are not required to read any posts made after the instructor's post.
The grade for this component is based both on completing the assignment and on the quality of the responses. You will be informed if your responses are not meeting expectations. A student who meets all the requirements will receive a grade of 90 for the Discussion Board. Students who regularly engage other posts, within the week the posts are made, over the term can raise the grade by as much as ten points.
Keep in mind that there may be disagreements in the course of the threaded discussions, and that is fine. But responses must be polite, respectful, and address the person’s comment not the person him/herself (i.e., no personal attacks or impugning another student's motives or character). The grade will be lowered significantly for inappropriate participation. And do not use the Discussion Board to send personal messages to the instructor or other students. Use e-mail for that.
Please do not get behind on the Discussion Board requirement. The grade for this requirement will be lowered for late and missed responses. If you should miss a deadline, post the response(s) ASAP and get some credit. But no post will be accepted more than a week after the due date.
4. Homework. On the weeks we practice the interpretive process, students will answer questions based on a selected biblical text. The completed assignment will be submitted as a Word document in Blackboard under the link provided in the folder for the week.
The assignments are due by 11:59 PM on theFridaysof weeks when such assignments are made. Late homework is penalized 10 points/day.
5.Book Review. The student will write a 4-5 page (typed, doubled-spaced) review of Enn'sInspiration and Incarnation, which should include: (1) the general purpose and theme(s) of the work; (2) identification of the author's presuppositions; (3) a summary of the general content and main points each chapter; (4) the strengths and weaknesses of the work. This last item should deal with the author's approach to his topic, application of his method, how his presuppositions influence his work, his logic, etc. It should not simply be a list of what you like and don't like about the book, though you may include that as well. The grade is based on demonstrating that the book has been read, understood, thoughtfully engaged, and thoughtfully critiqued. Note:You demonstrate that you understand the book, in part, by being able to put the author's ideas in your own words. That is, do not fill the paper with quotations from the book. The paper is due by 11:59 PM on Sept. 6, and late reviews will be penalized.
6. Final Exam. A comprehensive, take-home final exam will cover the lectures, class discussions, and the readings. Further instructions will be given near the exam date.
7. Interpretation Paper. The student will write a 2500-3000 word (8-10 page, typed, double-spaced) paper that interprets and applies a biblical text in light of the methods and principles we learn in class. The paper is due no later than 11:59 PM on April 30. Late papers will be penalized 10 points/day. Further instructions will be given on the paper.
Grading Percentages:Quizzes, 20%; Discussion Board, 15%; Homework, 15%; Book Review 10%; Final Exam, 20%; Interpretation Paper, 20%.
Grade Scale: 100-93 = A; 92-83 = B; 82-70 = C; below 70 = F.
E-mail communication and Blackboard: The instructor will often make announcements for the class through e-mail and will post relevant information for the class on Blackboard. Every student has a Lipscomb e-mail account, and every student enrolled in this class has access to Blackboard for this class. Check your e-mail and Blackboard regularly for announcements and information relating to this course. The student is responsible for any problems that arise from failing to check e-mail or because the student's mailbox is full, preventing the reception of new messages. The student is also responsible to make sure he/she can log into Blackboard and make use of its features. For problems in this regard, contact the computer center.
Class Schedule Disruption Policy
Except in the very rare instances, Lipscomb University does not cancel classes or close offices. However, should an event (weather-related or otherwise) occur that requires disruption of the entire Lipscomb University class schedule, students will be notified via multiple venues including the Lipscomb homepage ( a text message sent through LU ALERT ( and theLipscomb Weather Information Line (615-966-1836). For information on possible snow-related closures or “late starts,” students should consult local television stations (2-WKRN, 4-WSMV, 5-WTVF and 6-WZTV, and Channel 9 on campus). Students should look for information regarding “Lipscomb University,” not "Lipscomb Academy.”
Student’s Responsibility for Notification of Extended Absence
In the case of individual absences, students should contact their professors directly. However, students who find themselves in circumstances which would cause them to miss classes for an extended period of time(e.g., missing a week or more of classes due to illness) should contact Steve Prewitt, Associate Provost for Student Academic Support, (; 615-966-5804). The Associate Provost for Student Academic Support will communicate the student’s situation to the appropriate faculty members. Students are expected to provide timely notification to the Associate Provost for Student Academic Support regarding any extended absence and may be required to provide supporting documentation for their absences.
Dropping the Course: A decision to stop attending class does not constitute dropping the course. Consult the "Undergraduate Catalog" for the official policies and procedures for dropping a course. If a student's name appears on the roster at grading time and the course has not been officially dropped, he/she will receive a grade based on the course requirements and grading percentages above.
Students Requiring Accommodations: If you require classroom accommodations for a documented disability, please discuss your circumstances with the instructor immediately. If you are entitled to accommodations but have not yet registered with the Counseling Center, contact that office immediately at 615-966-1781.
Additional Resources for Old Testament Interpretation
Books on OT Exegesis and Hermeneutics
Fee, Gordon D. and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, 4th ed. Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 2014.
Sandy, D. Brent and Ronald L. Giese, Jr. Cracking Old Testament Codes: A Guide to Interpreting the
Literary Genres of the Old Testament. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1995.
Sharpe, Carolyn J. Wrestling the Word: The Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian Believer. Louisville:
Westminster John Knox, 2010.
Stuart, Douglas. Old Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors, 4th ed. Louisville:
Westminster John Knox, 2009.
Wright, Christopher J. H. How to Preach and Teach the Old Testament for All Its Worth. Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 2016.
Old Testament Introduction
Coogan, Michael D. The Old Testament: A Historical and Literary Introduction to the Hebrew
Scriptures. New York: Oxford University Press, 2006.
Longman, Tremper, III and Raymond B. Dillard, An Introduction to the Old Testament. 2d. ed. Grand
Rapids: Zondervan, 2006.
Bible Dictionaries (General)
Freedman, David N., et al, Eerdmans Bible Dictionary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000.
Powell, Mark Allan, ed. HarperCollins Bible Dictionary, revised and updated edition. HarperCollins,
2011.
Bible Dictionaries (Specialized)
Ryken, Leland, James C. Wilhoit, Temper Longman III, eds. Dictionary of Biblical Imagery. Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1998.
Vanhoozer, Kevin J., ed. Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Old Testament. Downers
Grove,IL: InterVarsity, 2005.
Old Testament Backgrounds
Hoerth, Alfred J. Archaeology and the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1998.
King, Philip J. and Lawrence E. Stager. Life in Biblical Israel. Louisville: Westminster John Knox,
2001.
Matthews, Victor H. Manners and Customs in the Bible, rev. ed. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1991.
Vos, Howard F. Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Manners and Customs. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1999.
Walton, John H. Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2006.
Walton, John H., Victor H. Matthews, and Mark W. Chavalas. The IVP Bible Background Commentary:
Old Testament. Downers Grove, IL., 2000.
Walton, John H. Zondervan Illustration Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Old Testament. Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 2009.
Theological and Historical Interpretation
Heine, Ronald E. Reading the Old Testament with the Ancient Church: Exploring the Formation
of Early Christian Thought. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007.
Treier, Daniel J. Introducing Theological Interpretation of Scripture: Recovering a Christian
Practice. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2008.
Dealing with Difficult OT Texts
Copan, Paul. Is God a Moral Monster? Making Sense of the Old Testament God. Grand Rapids:
Baker, 2011.
Lamb, David T. God Behaving Badly: Is the God of the Old Testament Angry, Sexist and Racist?
Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity, 2011.
Wright, Christopher J. H. The God I Don't Understand: Reflections on Tough Questions of Faith.
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008.
Commentary Series
Anchor Bible(formerly Doubleday, now Yale Univ. Press). A standard, critical commentary. Each volume offers a translation of the text, technical translation notes, and comments. Often technical and some facility with Hebrew is helpful. Some older volumes are being replaced.
Ancient Commentary on Christian Scripture (InterVarsity). This series presents ancient commentator's remarks on individual verses/texts of the Bible. While this approach often provides interesting insights into how our ancestors in the faith read Scripture, its "snippet" approach often leaves the modern reader without the fuller context of the commentators' thoughts.