B7226A Psalms

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This course unit studies the poetry and prayer in Israel’s worship as represented in the Psalter. It examines the Psalter in context of the temple service and aids the development of exegetical skills in the analysis of biblical poetry in general. As an Advanced Elective unit, this unit builds on the interpretive and exegetical skills formed in prerequisite units and forms a part of a major in the Discipline of Biblical Studies.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of how biblical poetry operates and how it shapes the meaning of the Psalms both individually and in groups
2. discuss the relevant historical, cultural and religious contexts of the Psalms
3. exegete selected Psalms from the Psalter
4. access and review recent scholarship on the Psalms and biblical poetry in general
5. Apply their insights on the Psalms to ministry and worship

Weekly Topics

1. Introduction to the unit; St Athanasius on the characteristics of the Book of Psalms
2. What kind of book is the Book of Psalms: authorship, structure, genres and major themes
3. Characteristic features of Hebrew poetry
4. Doing exegesis on Psalms: methods and principles
5. Psalms of Praise: Creation and Salvation
6. Psalms of Wisdom and Torah
7. Psalms of Lament: Sin and Suffering
8. Psalms of trust and thanksgiving: Messiah and Eschaton
9. Communal Lament Psalms and Psalms of Ascent: Jerusalem
10. Other Old Testament canticles
11. Psalms in Orthodox worship
12. Gregory of Nyssa on Psalms and Christian spirituality