11
Interpreting the Historical and Poetic Books
Assignment Handbook
Name: Date:
Focus: “Behind the Text”
Objectives: To become familiar with the major campaigns and sites of the Conquest and to visualize the subsequent tribal allotments. To become more aware of geographical realities in Scripture and the value of atlases in Bible study.
Assignment 1 – Joshua
1) On the first map provided, (a) draw three arrows to locate the central campaign (Joshua 1 through 8), the southern campaign (Joshua 9 and 10), and the northern campaign (Joshua 11); (b) Circle in red the three cities that were burned (Josh. 6:24; 8:28; 11:11) and (c) highlight the two mountains where the covenant was renewed (Josh.8:30-35 ).
2) On the second map provided, (a) write in the names of each tribe in its appropriate allotment/division and (b) list the cities and towns in the tribe of Benjamin on the right side of the page (Josh. 18:21-27).
Please use the maps provided. (Submitted work consisting of internet maps with campaigns, sites, and tribal allotments already marked will not be accepted.)
It is recommended that you utilize, along with your Bible, at least one of the resources below, familiarizing yourself with the reference section in the Charlotte campus library. Please note which resources you use. If you choose instead to work with internet sites, please compare at least two to verify your site identifications and note the website addresses.
Recommended Bible Atlases
Beitzel, Barry J. The New Moody Atlas of the Bible. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2009.
Currid, John D., and David P. Barret. ESV Bible Atlas. Wheaton: Crossway, 2010.
Lawrence, Paul. The IVP Atlas of Bible History. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2006.
Pritchard, James B. and Nick Page. HarperCollins Atlas of Bible History. New York:
HarperCollins, 2008.
Rasmussen, Carl G. NIV Atlas of the Bible. Rev. Ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010.
Name: Date:
Focus: “In Front of the Text”
Objective: To recognize patterns of human and divine behavior in the Bible, especially those that correspond to our own experience.
Assignment 2 – Judges and Ruth
In the book of Judges, there is a recurring four-part cycle that serves as the primary literary and historical pattern for the central section of the book (2:6-16:31). The cycle is: sin/rebellion, judgment (via enemies), repentance (“crying out to the Lord”), and deliverance, with the emphasis on a specific deliverer (“judge”). The book of Ruth provides an epilogue, illustrating that even in such times of faithlessness, God uses the faithfulness of a few to bring about his good purposes. This little book ends with an ancestor in the line of King David, the next major figure anticipating the Messiah.
In a brief, one page essay, describe a situation or relationship that fell apart because of sin but later benefited from God’s restoring grace. Note links to the four-part cycle where appropriate.
Name: Date:
Focus: “In the Text”
Objective: To recognize the progressive and diverse ways that the Bible characterizes key figures.
Assignment 3 – 1 & 2 Samuel
On the surface, 1 Samuel is primarily about Israel’s great prophet, Samuel, and Israel’s first king, Saul. However, the book anticipates the coming of King David, the leading figure of 2 Samuel. Describe how the author “sets the stage” for God’s chosen arrival as specifically as you can (e.g., beginning with Hannah’s prayer). Then summarize how the two books characterize David. In what ways is he portrayed as an ideal king and in what ways is he portrayed as a man under judgment? Use specific references where possible.
Name: Date:
Focus: “In the Text”
Objective: To take an Interpretive Journey through an OT narrative text in order to discover important literary themes and theological principles.
Assignment 4 – 1 Kings
Your assignment is to examine the demise of Solomon in 1 Kings 11. To complete the assignment, you will need to do the following:
1) Read chapter 18 in Grasping God’s Word (pp. 305-325). You can find the chapter in its entirety at the following link: donconwell.edu/resources/Class-Assignments.cfm. In the OT assignment area, click on the PDF file entitled: Grasping God’s Word, Ch. 18. The password for opening the document is: OT.
2) Make a photocopy of 1 Kings 11. As you study the text, mark your observations directly on the copy of the text. Limit your marks to major observations.
3) Explain in a couple of paragraphs how the narrative fits into the overall story/theology of the book, specifically identifying links to Deuteronomic themes and passages as found in Deuteronomy and Joshua-Kings. You will want to include the Davidic covenant and the covenant with Israel (including blessings and curses for both), as well as the rise and role of prophets/prophecy in assessing the faithfulness of Israel and the monarchy to covenant stipulations. For this step, you will need to consult a concordance for key Deuteronomic terms (i.e., covenant, blessing, curse, etc.), a reference Bible for key passages, and a Bible Dictionary or Bible Encyclopedia (searching for articles and listings under Deuteronomic/Deuteronomistic). For a list of recommended dictionaries and encyclopedias, see the following bibliography: donconwell.edu/resources/documents/annotated-survey-ot.pdf .
**** A good resource to begin one’s research is:
Hays, J. Daniel, and J. Scott Duvall, eds. The Baker Illustrated
Bible Handbook. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2011, pp. 184-209.
4) Take Grasping God’s Word’s Interpretive Journey by completing all 5 steps as summarized in pp. 304 and 323-325. Write out one or more statements for each step.
Name: Date:
Focus: “Behind the Text”
Objective: To understand the political background of the fall of Judah by researching historical and archaeological sources.
Assignment 5 – 2 Kings
The fall of Judah and, particularly, Jerusalem was perhaps the most cataclysmic event in Old Testament history. All of God’s promises for a “promised land” and eternal dwelling place were long in coming to fruition. Yet within a few centuries Israel and its capital were lost. Knowing what was going on internationally at the time will better help us understand the context in which Judah’s kings made their political and theological choices.
Using a Bible atlas, dictionary, and/or illustrated Bible background commentary, write a 1-2 page summary of the political background of Hezekiah’s resistance to Assyrian King Sennacherib in 701 B.C. Specifically, name key events, alliances, building projects, and battles. In your summary, briefly explain the significance of Hezekiah’s decision to show the Babylonian envoy the temple treasures. Finally, list the key biblical and extra-biblical sources and archaeological remains that help us put these pieces together.
Required Resources (on reserve or available for copy at the library desk):
Zondervan Atlas of the Bible (2010 edn) pp. 165-168.
Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary (@ 2 Kings 18-20)
Optional Resources for those interested in doing more in-depth research:
Go to the following link: donconwell.edu/lifelong_learners/bibliographies_old_testament_research At this link, there are two important bibliographies that will help you in researching the topic: 1) “Bibliographic Handbook for the World of the Bible: Old Testament” and 2) “A collection of resources on the history, land, culture, and texts of the Old Testament world.
Annotated Survey of Old Testament Reference Tools.” From the Bibliographic Handbook choose a recommended Bible atlas to understand the geography of 2 Kings 18-20. From the Old Testament Reference Tools, choose a commentary to write your essay. These resources are available in the library reference section.
To go deeper still: at www.gordonconwell.edu/biblejourney click on “Research Tools,” then click on “Bibliographies,” then click on “Bibliographic Handbook for the World of the Bible: Old Testament.” Choose one or two resources from the sections entitled “Socio-Political World of Israel” or “Urban Society, Monarchical Politics, and Warfare.”
Name: Date:
Focus: “In the Text”
Objective: To understand how structural literary elements and biblical imagery are featured in God’s Word, particularly in its poetry.
Assignment 6 – Psalms
Interpreting biblical poetry requires attention both to structure and images. These are described on pages 352-360 in “Grasping God’s Word” (the larger text which “Journey into God’s Word” condenses) and in chapters 19 and 21 of “Encountering the Old Testament.” Structure at the verse level is often called parallelism. This term has to do with how the second line relates in predictable ways to the first line. Psalms also typically follow formal conventions of structure at the macro level. They may be songs of lament, trust, hymns of praise, etc. All psalms use imagery to convey their meaning. A variety of figures of speech create verbal images that are often packed with emotion.
Your assignment is to 1) read carefully Psalm 102, along with the texts mentioned above, 2) identify the type of psalm it is, 3) provide one example each of synonymous, antithetic, and synthetic parallelism, and 4) provide one example each of any figures of speech listed in “Grasping God’s Word.”
Required Resources:
Encountering the Old Testament, chapters 19 and 21 (textbook)
Grasping God’s Word. Duvall and Hays (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005) 2nd ed.
(available on the reserve shelf and pp. 349-360 are available to copy at the circulation desk)
Supplementary Resources:
Dictionary of Biblical Imagery. Ryken, Wilhoit, and Longman, eds. (Downers Grove:
IVP Academic, 1998)
Name: Date:
Focus: “In Front of the Text”
Objective: To personally engage the theological questions posed by the book of Job.
Assignment 7 – Job
The book of Job is a classic story of the seemingly unjust suffering of an innocent person. It explores various theological responses to suffering, ranging from “curse God and die” (Job’s wife) to “you deserve it” (Job’s friends). Job himself persists in seeking an audience with God, and in chapters 38-41 God overwhelms him with questions and revelations. Having seen God, Job “repents in dust and ashes” (42:6). He is then restored to a new kind of ministry with his friends.
Your assignment is to write a 1-2 page essay explaining a form of suffering in your own life or in the life of someone else that seemed completely unjustified. Identify the theological responses of the person suffering and of those around you/them. Describe how the book of Job provides light on this suffering and how you counsel those who suffer “innocently.”
Name: Date:
Focus: “Behind the Text”
Objective: To more fully appreciate the nature of biblical revelation by comparing Proverbs with wisdom literature from Egypt.
Assignment 8 – Proverbs
On page 319 in “Encountering the Old Testament” you will find “Excerpts from the Teachings of Amenemope.” Compare and contrast these instructions with Proverbs 22:17 – 23:11. List what is similar and different. Focus on content (themes, topics, and phrases) and structure. Then write a paragraph describing how this comparison impacts your understanding of the nature of biblical revelation.