OT070-812 - Theological Exegesis of Esther (Hebrew Text)

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

Prerequisites

LA003 and LA004, OT002 or OT003

Exclusions

OT063

Set Text Hebrew

This unit counts towards the "set text" unit requirements of courses, and the original language set text requirement of the Master of Divinity.

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 Hebrew text, and of the process of Christological exegesis

2. Demonstrate knowledge of unique syntax, vocabulary, and loan words in the Hebrew text of Esther.

3. Explain the significant translation challenges in Esther 7:4 as well as its theological significance.

4. Choose an additional key verse in the Hebrew text of Esther and Explain its translation challenges and theological significance.

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. Translate and Exegete selected chapters of the Hebrew text of Esther

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

5. Evaluate two of the six Greek Additions by a close reading of the Hebrew text

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

3. Evaluating theological differences between ancient versions of Esther (MT, AT, LXX) and making a case for the theological contribution of at least one of them

Content

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

1. literary features

2. exegetical challenges

3. exilic and post-exilic context

4. comparison between the Masoretic Text and the LXX

        a. translate Esther chapter 1 and chapter 6

        b. examine the peculiar challenges of Hebrew Esther 7:4

c. examine the places in MT Esther where LXX Esther inserts additions

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

 

Section A: The text of Esther - its literary features, exegetical challenges, and theological implications

Section B: Hermeneutics - the contributions of various hermeneutical approaches to discerning the message of Esther

Section C: Application - discern the difference between tangentially forced applications and organic applications which grow out of the text itself

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)

Berlin, A., Esther (Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 2001)

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 of Esther.” 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)

Levenson, Jon D. Esther (Old Testament Library. Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1997)

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

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

Screnock, John. Esther: A Handbook on the Hebrew Text (Waco, TX: Baylor Univ Press, 2015)

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)