HEBREW EXEGESIS:
SEEING THE TEXT
DR. MARK D. FUTATO REFORMED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
OT5150 (ELECTRONIC TRACK) Fall 2019
1 Hebrew Exegesis: Seeing the Text (Electronic)
General Information: Instructor: Dr. Mark D. Futato Dates: August 28 to December 9 Contact Information: See Communication Protocols at Modules > Course Resources on
Canvas Office Hours: Just click Schedule an Appointment and pick an available day and time
Summary of Due Dates:
Notebooks, Reflections, and Quizzes are due by 4p on Thursdays (see Schedule) Paper is due by Wednesday, December 11, by 11a Final is due by Tuesday, December 17, by 4p
PURPOSE, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES
Purpose: To encourage you in enjoying an abundant life to the glory of God! Goals:
To equip you to exegete the Old Testament with greater depth and accuracy. To reinforce the basic forms of the verb. To deepen your knowledge of the meaning of the verb patterns. To deepen your knowledge of the syntax of Hebrew verbs and nouns.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course you will: Know more about how to exegete Old Testament narratives with greater depth and
accuracy. Know more about the message of the book of Jonah. Know the Hebrew verb forms better. Know how to apply the basic meanings of the verb patterns and how to apply the basic
uses of nouns and verbs, having studied van der Merwe, Christo H. J., Jan H. Kroeze, and J. A. Naudé. A Biblical Hebrew Reference Grammar (Sheffield, England: Sheffield Academic, 1999).
Know how to use commentaries discerningly by analyzing: Futato, Mark D. Jonah: A Commentary (Unpublished). A commentary of your choice. (See the list below.)
Be more like God in terms of your vision for God’s work in the world. Be more like God in your compassion on those who are not like you.
2 Hebrew Exegesis: Seeing the Text (Electronic)
TEXT BOOKS USED IN THE COURSE Required
Estelle, Bryan D. Salvation Through Judgment And Mercy: The Gospel According to Jonah. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 2005. ISBN: 978-0875526560.
Futato, Mark D. Jonah: A Commentary (Unpublished). This document is downloadable from Modules > Course Resources on Canvas.
Schertz, Mary H. and Perry B. Yoder. Seeing the Text: Exegesis for Students of Greek and Hebrew. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2001.
Stuart, Douglas. Old Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2009.
van der Merwe, Christo H. J., J. A. Naudé, and J. H. Kroeze. A Biblical Hebrew Reference Grammar: Second Edition. 2nd ed. London; New York: T&T Clark, 2017. This can be purchased as a hardcopy book or from Logos.com for your Logos library.
One of the following commentaries on the book of Jonah: Alexander, T. Desmond, David W. Baker, and Bruce K. Waltke. Obadiah, Jonah, Micah.
Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988. Baldwin, Joyce. Jonah in the Minor Prophets: An Exegetical and Expository Commentary.
Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009. Bruckner, James. Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan,
2004. Butler, Trent C. Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah. Nashville, TN: Broadman &
Holman, 2005. Limburg, James. Jonah: A Commentary. OTL. Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox
Press, 1993. Page, Frank S., and Billy K. Smith. Amos, Obadiah, Jonah. Nashville, TN: Broadman &
Holman, 1995. Simon, Uriel. Jonah: The Traditional Hebrew Text with the New JPS Translation.
Philadelphia, PA: Jewish Publication Society, 1999. Stuart, Douglas. Hosea-Jonah. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1987. Wolff, Hans Walter. Obadiah and Jonah: A Commentary. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg,
1986. Recommended
Dorsey, David A. The Literary Structure of the Old Testament: A Commentary on Genesis-Malachi. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999.
Futato, Mark D. “Introduction and Notes on the Book of Jonah.” Pages 1683-1691 in ESV Study Bible. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2008.
Futato, Mark D. Beginning Biblical Hebrew. Winona Lake, WI: Eisenbrauns 2003.
3 Hebrew Exegesis: Seeing the Text (Electronic)
Commentaries on the Book of Kings Barnes, William. 1 and 2 Kings. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary. Carol Stream, IL:
Tyndale House Books, 2012. Davis, Dale Ralph. 1 Kings: The Wisdom and the Folly. Fearn, Scotland: Christian Focus,
2007. Devries, Simon J. 1 Kings. Vol. 12. 2nd ed. WBC. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2004. Hobbs, T. R. 1, 2 Kings. WBT. Word Books, 1989. House, Paul R. 1, 2 Kings. Vol. 8. NAC. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 1995. Jones, Gwilym H. 1 And 2 Kings. Eerdmans Pub Co, 1984. Konkel, August H. 1 and 2 Kings. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006. Leithart, Peter J. 1 & 2 Kings. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2006. Nelson, Richard D. First and Second Kings. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press,
1987. Provan, Iain W. 1 and 2 Kings. NIBC. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1995. Wiseman, D. J. 1 and 2 Kings: An Introduction and Commentary. TOTC. Downers Grove, IL:
IVP Academic, 2008.
ASSESSMENTS Notebook Assignments
There are 12 notebook assignments to be turned in weekly. The notebook assignments will give you the opportunity to apply what you are learning
in Seeing the Text to the book of Jonah. Consult "Notes for Seeing the Text" for explanatory and supplemental notes on Seeing
the Text. This document is downloadable from Modules > Course Resources > on Canvas.
Consult the "Notebook Guide" for the details of each assignment. This document is downloadable from Modules > Course Resources > on Canvas.
Submission: Upload each notebook as a PDF on Canvas. In the top left corner of each Notebook document, put your name, the notebook
number, and the biblical reference, e.g., Mark Futato Notebook 02 Jonah 1:1-3
Use the following naming format for each file: Last name_First name_Notebook_## E.g., Futato_Mark_Notebook_01
Each week’s Notebook is worth 10 points and the total constitutes approximately 23% of your course grade.
4 Hebrew Exegesis: Seeing the Text (Electronic)
Reflection Papers You will write 7 short reflections, one on each of the seven sections of Jonah. Each will be
posted on Canvas. The reflections are due the week after each section is completed. The reflections are to be more personal than exegetical. They are to show that you have
grown in your understanding of the text through your exegetical study, but they are to focus on how each text applies to your life or ministry.
The minimum length of each post is 150 words and the maximum length is 200 words. To aid your reflection you will read Estelle's Salvation Through Judgment And Mercy:
The Gospel According to Jonah. It is also recommended but not required that you read Futato, Mark D. “Introduction and Notes on the Book of Jonah.” In ESV Study Bible, (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2008), pp. 1683-1691.
Consult the Schedule for the due dates. Submission:
Upload each reflection as a PDF on Canvas. In the top left corner of each Reflection document, put your name, the Reflection
number, and the biblical reference, e.g., Mark Futato Reflection 01 Jonah 1:1-3
Use the following naming format for each file: LastName_FirstName_Reflection_## E.g., Futato_Mark_Reflection_01
Each reflection is worth 5 points and the total constitutes approximately 11% of your course grade.
Quizzes
There are 12 quizzes to be taken weekly. The quizzes cover:
The assigned Hebrew text from Jonah (translation and parsing). The assigned Hebrew vocabulary. See “Week X Quiz Preparation, Lesson X Vocab
Review” in Modules. The assigned Hebrew verb forms.
You can create a Word List for each assigned section of Jonah to help with the memorization of the vocabulary. See Using Word Lists in Logos on Canvas at Modules > Course Resources.
You can supplement your review of the verb forms by consulting the appropriate chapters in Futato, Beginning Biblical Hebrew.
Consult the schedule below for the dates and details of the weekly assignments. Each quiz is worth 10 points and the total constitutes approximately 23% of your course
grade.
5 Hebrew Exegesis: Seeing the Text (Electronic)
Topical Discussion Questions There are 12 topical discussion questions to be answered on Canvas, one per week. These questions are worth 2 points each and the total constitutes approximately 5% of
your course grade. Paper
There is a paper for this course that is due on December 11 at 11a. The paper will give you the opportunity to apply what you have learned in the course to
1 Kings 17-18. Consult the "Paper Guidelines" for further details. This document is downloadable from
Modules > Course Resources on Canvas. Submission:
Upload the paper as a PDF at Modules > Course Completion on Canvas. Use the following naming format for the file:
LastName_FirstName_Paper E.g., Futato_Mark_Paper
The paper is worth 100 points and the total constitutes approximately 19% of your course grade.
You will submit your paper in four stages: Text divisions and choice of text due on November 7 at 4p (5 points). Segmented text due on November 14 at 4p (5 points). Tabled text due on November 21 at 4p (5 points). Final paper due on December 11 at 11a (85 points).
Final Exam
There is a final exam for this course that is due on December 17 at 4p. The Hebrew text of Jonah (taken from quizzes) The Hebrew vocabulary (taken from quizzes) The Hebrew verb forms (taken from quizzes) The assigned material in A Biblical Hebrew Reference Grammar (hereafter BHRG).
There is a "Study Guide for BHRG." This document is downloadable from Modules > Course Resources on Canvas.
The final exam is worth 100 points and the total constitutes approximately 19% of your course grade.
6 Hebrew Exegesis: Seeing the Text (Electronic)
SCHEDULE
Week 1: Reading Week 1: Assignments
The Book of Jonah
The Hebrew text of Jonah 1:1-3
Estelle, Introduction
Estelle, Chapters 1-2
Futato, Introduction
Futato, Jonah 1:1-3
Grammar
BHRG §19.1
An Exegetical Model: Reading the
Text (Part 1): Delimiting the Sub-
texts
Schertz, Introduction
Schertz, pp. 19-25
Stuart, Introduction
Complete Quiz 01:
Hebrew: Jonah 1:1-3
Vocabulary: Modules: Week 1
Quiz Preparation, Lesson 1
Vocab Review
Verbs: Qal Regular (BHRG §15
and §16.1-2)
Complete Notebook 01
Complete Reflection 01 on Jonah
1:1-3
Complete Topical Discussion
Question 1
Week 2: Reading Week 2: Assignments
The Book of Jonah
The Hebrew text of Jonah 1:4-6
Estelle, Chapters 3
Futato, Jonah 1:4-6
Grammar
BHRG §19.2
An Exegetical Model: Reading the
Text (Part 2): Delimiting the Clauses
Schertz, pp. 25-32
Complete Quiz 02:
Hebrew: Jonah 1:4-6
Vocabulary: Modules: Week 2
Quiz Preparation, Lesson 2
Vocab Review
Verbs: Niphal Regular (BHRG
§16.3)
Complete Notebook 02
Complete Topical Discussion
Question 2
7 Hebrew Exegesis: Seeing the Text (Electronic)
Week 3: Reading Week 3: Assignments
The Book of Jonah
The Hebrew text of Jonah 1:7-9
Estelle, Chapter 4, pp.47-56
Futato, Jonah 1:7-9
Grammar
BHRG §19.3
An Exegetical Model: Tabling the Text
(Part 1): Lexical Analysis
Schertz, pp. 33-40
Complete Quiz 03:
Hebrew: Jonah 1:7-9
Vocabulary: Modules: Week 3
Quiz Preparation, Lesson 3
Vocab Review
Verbs: Piel Regular (BHRG §16.4)
Complete Notebook 03
Complete Topical Discussion
Question 3
Week 4: Reading Week 4: Assignments
The Book of Jonah
The Hebrew text of Jonah 1:10-13
Estelle, Chapter 4, pp.56-61
Futato, Jonah 1:10-13
“The Reliability of the Old Testament
Text” by Bruce K. Waltke
(NIDOTTE)
“The State of the Text” in Futato, Mark
D. Interpreting the Psalms: An
Exegetical Handbook. Grand
Rapids, MI: Kregel, 2007, pp.
125-132.
Grammar
BHRG §§19.4-5
An Exegetical Model: Tabling the Text
(Part 2): Textual Criticism
Schertz, pp. 40-45
Complete Quiz 04:
Hebrew: Jonah 1:10-13
Vocabulary: Modules: Week 4
Quiz Preparation, Lesson 4
Vocab Review
Verbs: Hiphil Regular (BHRG
§16.7)
Complete Notebook 04
Complete Topical Discussion
Question 4
8 Hebrew Exegesis: Seeing the Text (Electronic)
Week 5: Reading Week 5: Assignments
The Book of Jonah
The Hebrew text of Jonah 1:14-2:2
Estelle, Chapter 5
Futato, Jonah 1:14-2:2
Grammar
BHRG §20.1
An Exegetical Model: Contouring the
Text (Part 1): Semantic Patterns
Schertz, pp. 46-56
Complete Quiz 05:
Hebrew: Jonah 1:14-2:2
Vocabulary: Modules: Week 5
Quiz Preparation, Lesson 5
Vocab Review
Verbs: I & II Guttural (BHRG
§18.2)
Complete Notebook 05
Complete Reflection 02 on Jonah
1:4-16
Complete Topical Discussion
Question 5
Week 6: Reading Week 6: Assignments
The Book of Jonah
The Hebrew text of Jonah 2:3-7a
Estelle, Chapter 6
Futato, Jonah 2:3-7a
Grammar
BHRG §§20.2
An Exegetical Model: Contouring the
Text (Part 2): Grammatical Patterns
Schertz, pp. 57-65
Complete Quiz 06:
Hebrew: Jonah 2:3-7a
Vocabulary: Modules: Week 6
Quiz Preparation, Lesson 6
Vocab Review
Verbs: III Hey (BHRG §18.5)
Complete Notebook 06
Complete Topical Discussion
Question 6
9 Hebrew Exegesis: Seeing the Text (Electronic)
Week 7: Reading Week 7: Assignments
The Book of Jonah
The Hebrew text of Jonah 2:7b-11
Estelle, Chapter 7
Futato, Jonah 2:7b-11
Grammar
BHRG §20.3
An Exegetical Model: Plotting the Text
(Part 1): Regions in the Text
Schertz, pp. 66-77
Complete Quiz 07:
Hebrew: Jonah 2:7b-11
Vocabulary: Modules: Week 7
Quiz Preparation, Lesson 7
Vocab Review
Verbs: I Nun (BHRG §18.6)
Complete Notebook 07
Complete Reflection 03 on Jonah
2:1-11 [English 1:17-2:10]
Complete Topical Discussion
Question 7
Week 8: Reading Week 8: Assignments
The Book of Jonah
The Hebrew text of Jonah 3:1-5
Estelle, Chapter 8, pp. 103-109
Futato, Jonah 3:1-5
Grammar
BHRG §§21.1-2
An Exegetical Model: Plotting the Text
(Part 2): Flow of the Text
Schertz, pp. 78-88
Complete Quiz 08:
Hebrew: Jonah 3:1-5
Vocabulary: Modules: Week 8
Quiz Preparation, Lesson 8
Vocab Review
Verbs: I Yod & I Waw (BHRG
§18.7)
Note: Jussive & Cohortative
forms are reversed in Logos
version
Complete Notebook 08
Complete Reflection 04 on Jonah
3:1-3a
Complete Topical Discussion
Question 8
10 Hebrew Exegesis: Seeing the Text (Electronic)
Week 9: Reading Week 9: Assignments
The Book of Jonah
The Hebrew text of Jonah 3:6-9
Estelle, Chapter 8, pp. 109-122
Futato, Jonah 3:6-9
Grammar
BHRG §46
An Exegetical Model: Studying the
Historical Context: Place in History
Stuart, 1.7, 2.7, 3.4
Complete Quiz 09:
Hebrew: Jonah 3:6-9
Vocabulary: Modules: Week 9
Quiz Preparation, Lesson 9
Vocab Review
Verbs: Synopsis of Hollow (II
Waw & II Yod) and Geminate
(BHRG §18.8-9)
Complete Notebook 09
Complete Topical Discussion
Question 9
Complete Text Divisions and Choice
of Text for Your Paper
Week 10: Reading Week 10: Assignments
The Book of Jonah
The Hebrew text of Jonah 3:10-4:3
Estelle, Chapter 9
Futato, Jonah 3:10-4:3
Grammar
BHRG §47
An Exegetical Model: Studying the
Literary Context: Place in Book and
Genre
Stuart, 1.8, 2.8, 3.4
Complete Quiz 10:
Hebrew: Jonah 3:10-4:3
Vocabulary: Modules: Week 10
Quiz Preparation, Lesson 10
Vocab Review
Verbs: Others - Perfect only
(BHRG §18.11)
Complete Notebook 10
Complete Reflection 05 on Jonah
3:3b-10
Complete Topical Discussion
Question 10
Complete Segmenting the Text for
Your Paper
11 Hebrew Exegesis: Seeing the Text (Electronic)
Week 11: Reading Week 11: Assignments
The Book of Jonah
The Hebrew text of Jonah 4:4-7
Futato, Jonah 4:4-7
Grammar
BHRG §§25.1-3
An Exegetical Model: Studying the
Canonical Context: Place in Canon
Stuart, 1.9, 1.10, 2.9, 2.10, 3.5
Complete Quiz 11:
Hebrew: Jonah 4:4-7
Vocabulary: Modules: Week 11
Quiz Preparation, Lesson 11
Vocab Review
Verbs: Others - Imperfect only
(BHRG §18.11)
Complete Notebook 11
Complete Reflection 06 on Jonah
4:1-4
Complete Topical Discussion
Question 11
Complete Tabling the Text for Your
Paper
Week 12: Reading Week 12: Assignments
The Book of Jonah
The Hebrew text of Jonah 4:8-11
Futato, Jonah 4: 8-11
Grammar
BHRG §25.4
An Exegetical Model: Integrating the
Text and Life: Application
Stuart, 1.11, 2.11, 3.6
Complete Quiz 12:
Hebrew: Jonah 4:8-11
Vocabulary: Modules: Week 12
Quiz Preparation, Lesson 12
Vocab Review
Verbs: All Verbs
Complete Notebook 12
Complete Reflection 07 on Jonah
4:5-11
Complete Topical Discussion
Question 12
12 Hebrew Exegesis: Seeing the Text (Electronic)
Course Objectives Related to MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes
Course: OT5150 Professor: Futato Campus: Orlando Date: Fall 2019
MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes In order to measure the success of the MDiv curriculum, RTS has defined the following as the intended outcomes of the student learning process. Each course contributes to these overall outcomes. This rubric shows the
contribution of this course to the MDiv outcomes. *As the MDiv is the core degree at RTS, the MDiv rubric will be used in this syllabus.
Rubric Strong Moderate Minimal None
Mini-Justification
Articulation (oral & written)
Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both
oral and written, of essential biblical, theological,
historical, and cultural/global information, including
details, concepts, and frameworks.
Strong Students write an exegetical paper.
Scripture
Significant knowledge of the original meaning of Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research further into the original meaning of Scripture and to apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances. (Includes appropriate use of original languages and hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical, and cultural/global perspectives.)
Strong Students learn advanced Hebrew grammar.
Reformed Theology
Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and practice, with emphasis on the Westminster Standards.
Moderate Students learn exegesis from a Reformed theological view point.
Sanctification
Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the student’s sanctification.
Moderate Students reflect on their relationship to God throughout the reading of the book of Jonah.
Desire for Worldview
Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of God.
Moderate Students reflect on their worldview through reflecting on the book of Jonah.
Winsomely Reformed
Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians, especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the Gospel in a God-honoring manner to non-Christians; and a truth-in-love attitude in disagreements.)
Moderate Students interact with non-Reformed perspectives in the exegetical paper.
Preach
Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm.
Minimal Students reflect on preaching and teaching the book of Jonah.
Worship
Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christian-worship forms; and ability to construct and skill to lead a worship service.
Minimal Students reflect on worship while reading the book of Jonah.
Shepherd
Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings; and encouraging a concern for non-Christians, both in America and worldwide.
Minimal Students reflect on pastoral ministry while reading the book of Jonah.
Church/World
Ability to interact within a denominational context, within the broader worldwide church, and with significant public issues.
None