OT069-812 - Theological Exegesis of Esther (English Text)

  • 3,288 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 8
    AQF level
  • Category developing unit
    B
  • Old Testament Unit Discipline

Prerequisites

OT002 or OT003

Exclusions

OT063

Set Text

This unit counts towards the "set text" unit requirements of courses.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

1. Demonstrate Advanced knowledge and understanding of the contents, themes, and character of the book of Esther in the English text, and of the process of Christological exegesis

B. Be able to

1. Examine the ‘introductory’ issues in understanding the book of Esther

2. Evaluate alternative interpretations of the themes and theological teachings of the book of Esther

3. Exegete the English text of the book of Esther

4. Assess different approaches to Christological exegesis and justify the validity of a chosen approach

C. Be in a position to

1. Applying the teaching of the book of Esther to contemporary Christian living and ministry practice

2. Practicing theological exegesis of other difficult biblical texts

Content

Section A: Exegesis of the English text of Esther chapters 1-10

1. literary features

2. exegetical challenges

3. exilic and post-exilic context

4. comparison between English translations of the Masoretic Text and the LXX

5. theological themes

a. divine providence

b. divine absence

c. relationship with God

d. mediation

e. intercession

f. God as King

g. God as Husband

 

Section B: The hermeneutics of Esther

1. contributions of grammatical-historical exegesis

2. contributions of redemptive-historical exegesis

3. defining and practicing theological exegesis

        a) identifying one’s theological presuppositions

        b) Trinitarian exegesis as practiced through the centuries

4. narrative analogy

5. kingship analogy

6. qal wahomer argumentation

 

Section C: Application

1. contribution of Esther to an understanding of the person and work of Christ

2. the theology of Esther in relation to issues concerning personal identity, minority identity in majority cultures, acculturation, sanctification, and mission

Set Readings

This unit's indicative bibliography is currently being revised. Students should contact their home college for further details at the time of taking this unit.

 

Beckett, Michael. Gospel in Esther. (Carlisle, Cumbria: Paternoster Press, 2002)

Conti, Marco, ed. 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther. ACCS, vol. 5 (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2008)

Day, Linda. Three Faces of a Queen: Characterization in the Books of Esther. JSOTSup 186. (Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1995)

Duguid, Iain. “But Did They Live Happily Ever After? The Eschatology of the Book ofEsther.” WTJ 68 (2006): 85-98.

Fox, Michael V. Character and Ideology in the Book of Esther. 2d ed. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001)

Gertel, Elliot B. “Divine and Human Anger and Grace: Scroll of Esther and Exodus 32-34.” JBQ 40, no. 3 (2012): 151-158.

Goswell, Gregory R. “Keeping God out of the Book of Esther.” EvQ, 82.2 (2010): 99-110.

Gregory, Bryan R. Inconspicuous Providence: The Gospel According to Esther. (Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishing, 2014)

Grossman, Jonathan. Esther: The Outer Narrative and the Hidden Reading. (Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 2011)

Hazony, Yoram. God and Politics in Esther. (New York: Cambridge University Press,2016)

House, Paul. Old Testament Theology. (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1998)

Jobes, Karen H. Esther. NIVAC. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1999)

Koller, Aaron. Esther in Ancient Jewish Thought. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2014)

Laniak, T.S., Shame and Honor in the Book of Esther (SBLDS 165. Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1998)

Lau, P.H.W., Esther (Asia Bible Commentary. Carlisle: Langham, 2018)

Linafelt, T., and T.K. Beal, Ruth & Esther (Berit Olam. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1999)

Queen-Sutherland, K., Ruth and Esther (Macon: Smyth & Helwys, 2016)

Treier, Daniel J. Introducing Theological Interpretation of Scripture: Recovering a Christian Practice (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2008)

Van Pelt, Miles V., ed. A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: the Gospel Promised. (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2016)

Walfish, Barry Dov. Esther in Medieval Garb: Jewish Interpretation of the Book of Esther in the Middle Ages. (Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 1993)

Wells, Samuel, and George Sumner. Esther and Daniel. BTCB. (Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2013)