David M. Howard, Jr. Bethel Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota Telephone: 651-638-6197 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.bethel.edu/~dhoward Reformed Theological Seminary – Orlando January 14-18, 2008 THE PSALMS Reformed Seminary - Orlando (2OT704/01) Course Description: This course covers the major types of psalms, the use to which they have been put throughout history, and legitimate ways of reading and interpreting them today. Consideration is also given to the contexts of the psalms: their ancient Near Eastern context, their context in Israelite history, their theological context within the Biblical canon, and their literary context within the Book of Psalms. Selected topics arising from the psalms are also covered. Course Goals: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated a proper grasp of 1. The overall message of the Book of Psalms. 2. The major critical and theological issues associated with the Book of Psalms. 3. Proper ways of interpreting and using the Psalms in the present day. 4. Good research, exegetical, and reading skills. In addition, the course seeks to stimulate in students a new appreciation for the messages of this book and to hear God's word for today speaking through it. Required Textbooks: 1. The Bible. NASB, ESV, RSV, NRSV, NIV, NJPSV, NLT, HCSB are recommended English versions. Use of the Hebrew Bible is encouraged, though not required. 2. Derek Kidner, Psalms 1–72, 73–150. Tyndale OT Commentaries. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1973, 1975. ISBN: 978-0-8778-4264-4 and 978-0-8778-4265-1 (paper).Howard – “The Psalms” – RTS – January 2007 2 3. Mark D. Futato, Interpreting the Psalms: An Exegetical Handbook. Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2007. ISBN: 978-0-8254-2765-7 (paper). 4. David Firth and Philip S. Johnston, eds., Interpreting the Psalms: Issues and Approaches. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 2005. ISBN: 978-0-8308-2833-3 (paper). Course Requirements: 1. Reading, Class Preparation, and Discussion (40 points) A. Book of Psalms (12 pts): You will read the Book of Psalms through twice in its entirety for this course. First (6 pts.), you should read it through in two sittings, Psalms 1-72 in the first sitting and Psalms 73-150 in the second. You should do this before the course begins, and account for it by signing the reading-report form at the end of this syllabus. The two-sitting requirement is an indispensable requirement and may not be altered. A second time (6 pts.), you should read the book more slowly, in a devotional fashion, roughly 10-11 psalms per day, from January 14-28. Each day, you are to record the number of total psalms you read, and then the following for two psalms (of your choice) from that day’s section: (1) a summary of the psalm’s message in two or three sentences; (2) personal interactions with the psalm, three or four sentences in length. These interactions may be of many different types (praise, thanksgiving, lament, intercession, confession, etc., stimulated by the psalm), but it must be your personal response to the psalm. The notes you make on the psalms must be turned in twice: Psalms 1–72: January 21 Psalms 73–150: January 28 In addition, you must read and outline each psalm to be covered in class—separately from the reading above—prior to coming to class, and you should be prepared to contribute to class discussion based on this reading. Usually, I will give you special instructions as to how they are to be read. B. Required Textbooks (18 pts.): You are to read portions of Kidner and Firth and Johnston, and all of Futato, before the course begins (see below for specific pages). You may account for the Kidner reading using the form at the end of the syllabus. For the Firth and Johnston and the Futato books, you are to write a 4-5 (double-spaced) page summary and reaction paper for each one. In these papers, you should summarize their basic content and special emphases, and then provide a critical evaluation. If you do not feel competent to evaluate the works, then include a series of questions for clarification or further study that arise from your reading of these books. You must have these papers ready to submit on the first day of class.Howard – “The Psalms” – RTS – January 2007 3 2 pts: Kidner, pp. 1-46 8 pts: Firth and Johnston, chaps. 1-5, 8-9, 11-13 8 pts: Futato, entire book In addition, you should read the relevant pages in Kidner’s commentary for every psalm covered in class, before coming to class that day. C. Other Reading (5 pts): Other readings are assigned (see schedule below), of which copies will be handed out in class or Web site addresses furnished. These are due as indicated on the schedule or by in-class instructions. D. Class preparation and participation (5 pts): Daily discussion will be based upon the readings for each class, which are to be done prior to coming to class. The grade here will be determined by degree of completion of the reading assignments, and class attendance, participation, and interaction. 2. Papers (50 points) Two papers are required in the course, one topical and one exegetical. You may choose any topic relevant to the course, and any psalm (except ones covered in class). The text of each paper of these shall consist of 7–8 pages (excluding title page, endnotes, bibliography, etc.). These papers are due at 4:00 pm at Ceci Helm’s desk on the following dates: Topical Paper: February 8 Exegetical Paper: February 22 Late papers will be penalized proportionately. Instructions for the papers are attached at the end of the syllabus. You should steer clear of study Bible notes or simple Bible handbooks, and primarily do your own work, relying occasionally on more substantive resources, such as those discussed in class. 3. Integrative Project (10 points) At the end of the course, you will write an essay during the final hour of class explaining the Book of Psalms to an adult Sunday School class. You may use your Bible and any notes of your own in writing this essay, but no other outside helps. The essay should be comprehensive and should outline for laypeople why and how they should use the Book of Psalms with profit.Howard – “The Psalms” – RTS – January 2007 4 Due Dates January 14: Reading: Psalms 1-150 (two sittings) Required textbooks (and