Old Testament Exegesis I (narrative literature)

Teacher(s)

Richelle Matthieu;

Language

French

Main themes

In order to achieve this end,
- some significant text from Old Testament narrative literature will be studied, with an explanation of the exegetical method and an illustration of the interest of exegetical basic tools;
- some scientific literature about the texts will be read;
- anthropological and theological aspects of the analysed texts will be developed, and their particular contribution in the context of biblical thought enlightened.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	- understand the main procedures of biblical exegesis and apply them on a narrative text of the Old Testament ;
2	- situate the anthropological and theological contribution of significant texts of the Old Testament narrative literature ;
3	- understand and criticise scientific works in Old Testament exegesis.

Content

The Books of Kings
This course will examine selected texts from the Books of Kings (mostly 1 Kgs 17-19).

Teaching methods

We will apply to the selected texts the main exegetical procedures relevant for narrative texts and pertaining to:

• translation
• textual criticism
• compositional criticism
• literary context
• history and geography
• literary structure
• intertextuality
• narrative criticism
• reception history

Not all of these approaches will receive the same degree of attention, but all will be illustrated during the course. 
The active participation of students is required.

Evaluation methods

The evaluation will be bases on written assignments:

1. Brief reviews of scientific articles (summary + critical assessment) during the quadrimester (30% of the final grade).
2. An exegetical paper to submit at the end of Q1 (70% of the final grade).

Except for students who follow this course exclusively at a distance, attendance at the classes is mandatory. In case of at least 3 injustified absences, it will not be possible to validate this course.
The evaluation requirements are the same in Q3 as in Q1. The student will need to submit the same written assignements as those demanded in Q1 (except those which he would have already submitted in Q1 and for which he obtained at least 10/20).

Bibliography

Guide pour l’exégèse de l’Ancien Testament. Méthodes, exemples et instruments de travail (Vaux-sur-Seine/Charols : Edifac/Excelsis, 2012).
Une liste détaillée sera disponible sur Moodle. 
A detailed list shall be available on Moodle.

Teaching materials

• M. Richelle, Interpreting Israel’s Scriptures: A Practical Guide to the Exegesis of the Hebrew Bible / Old Testament (Peabody: Hendrickson, 2022).

Faculty or entity

TEBI