From Joshua to Solomon
| Theme: | (Exploring) / Scripture and Exegesis//Hebrew Bible |
| ECTS: | 5 |
| Module Code: | SF6 |
| Contact Hours | 22 |
| Mode of Delivery | 16 lectures and 6 seminars |
| Lecturer: | To be appointed (Lecturer in Scriptural Studies) |
Module Description:
The question of how the people of Israel entered the land west of the Jordan is laden with debate. This module addresses the books of Joshua and Judges at a time when Israel may be seen as “emerging,” and will continue exploring questions about Israel in 1-2 Samuel and 1-2 Kings. The question of what Israel was like will be addressed up to the time of Solomon (c. 950 BCE). Attention will be given to the literary characteristics and content of the biblical literature and be placed in dialogue with archaeology and material culture. Historical and sociological approaches will be used alongside rhetorical analysis. The theological significance of the biblical narratives will be explored with attention at points to how it has influenced religious traditions in broader terms than Ancient Near Eastern Studies.
Indicative Bibliography:
Alter, D., The David Story: A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel (New York/London: W.W. Norton & Company, 2000).
Arnold, B. T. and Beyer, B.E., Readings from the Ancient Near East: Primary Sources for Old Testament Study (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002).
Curtis, A., Oxford Bible Atlas, 4th ed. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009).
Mayes, A.D.H., Joshua in the Period of the Judges (SBTS 29; Allenson-Breckinridge, 1974).
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
- Articulate various viewpoints on how Israel ‘emerged’ west of the Jordan (e.g. “conquest” vs. other views of settlement).
- Identify crucial features of geography as they relate to the periods of concern.
- Contextualize Israel’s religious claims within Ancient Near Eastern religious cultures, especially the Canaanites.
- Discuss the differences between the narrative constructs of a “united Kingdom” and historical interpretations of Saul, David, and Solomon as tribal leaders.
- Relate the figure of David as expressed in writings of the Hebrew Bible to the history of consequences in later Second Temple literature.
- Apply rhetorical analytical approaches to reading the books of Joshua through to 2 Kings.
Methods of Assessment and Student Workload:
Annual examination and essay.