Dr. Mark Hahlen
E-mail: mhahlen@dallas.edu
Use the link below to access the Zaption lesson for Session 5. This is required of all students who did not attend this class session live (either on campus or via Zoom). Remember, the due date for watching is still 6:00 p.m. the evening before session 6, regardless of whether Moodle is back up or not. Anyone who does not satisfy this requirement will be counted absent for the week.
Watch the Session 5 Class Recording
(You will need to enter your name in order to be counted)
The assignment below is to be submitted to its assignment space on Moodle once the site has been made available again. The description is for informational purposes only so that you can still work on the your assignment while the site is down.
- Week 5 Written Assignment -- Due June 28, 8:00 a.m.
After you have completed your assigned reading for the week, answer the questions given below.
Submit your answers in one Microsoft Word document. (Word processing programs other than Microsoft Word allow you to save your file as a Word document.) There is no need to copy the question into your document, nor is there a need to answer the questions in the order given below. Simply make sure you indicate clearly the answer to each question by the question number and question title. Use 1 inch margins all around, 12 point font, and double-spacing. Cite your sources, including giving scripture citation for biblical content you quote, summarize, paraphrase, or allude to. Your essay source citation should include both in-text parenthetical notes and a bibliography of sources consulted.
- Elements of the Esther Narrative
Write a 1-2 page essay on the structure and plot of the book of Esther. Include in your analysis answers to the following:
- What are some of the dramatic reversals in Esther?
- How do banquets, parties, and meals contribute to the literary structure of the book?
- Where is the turning point in the story of Esther?
- Canonicity of Esther
Through the years, people have raised two major theological concerns about the book of Esther:With these concerns in mind, write a 1-2 page defense for including Esther in the canon.
- Esther has no direct reference to Yahweh or God, and
- the book of Esther contains too much violence and vengeance to be worthy of inclusion into scripture.
- The Role of Foreign Rulers in the Restoration of the Jews to Palestine
Discuss how the books of Ezra and Nehemiah portray how foreign rulers impacted (positively or negatively) the return of the Jews to Palestine and their reestablishment in the land. Cite the specific passages and incidents, name the rulers, and the actions of the Jews and their leaders in preparation for or reaction to those actions by the various rulers. (2-3 pages)
- Challenges to the Post-Exilic Community
Identify what challenges (theological, social, economic, etc.) faced the post-exilic community portrayed within the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. You may find that the book introductions in the ESV Study Bible and study notes for various passages will help clarify the issues for you. Be sure to cite, in your discussion, the specific scripture passages where one sees the challenges highlighted. (1-2 pages)
- Attempts to Deter Nehemiah
Nehemiah's opponents made several attempts to deter him from his mission. Consult the following passages and identify the methods they tried to use. Identify also what Nehemiah did in response to guarantee he would not be thwarted: 4:1-6, 7-15, 16-23; 6:1-9, 10-13.
In the event that Moodle is not yet available at the time of the week 6 class session, the information below may be used to enter the web conference. Week 6 class sessions WILL be held regardless of whether Moodle is up and running again or not. Zoom web conferencing operates independently of Moodle and will not be affected by this process.
Click here to enter tonight's Zoom meeting
If you are asked for a password to enter the meeting, the password for this class is: OTHistory
To join the audio conference only, call: +1 (415) 762-9988 or +1 (646) 568-7788
Meeting Number / Access Code: 456 929 122
There is no new reading to complete before the week 6 class session. Likewise, there are no new assignments due before class. Additional time should be devoted to studying for your final exam and writing your final essay.
The assignment below is to be submitted to its assignment space on Moodle once the site has been made available again. The description is for informational purposes only so that you can still work on the your assignment while the site is down.
- Final Essay -- Due July 2, 11:55 p.m.
Submit your answers in one Microsoft Word document. (Word processing programs other than Microsoft Word allow you to save your file as a Word document.) There is no need to answer the questions in the order given below as long as you copy the text of the question and place it in your document. (You may single space the wording of the question, but double-space your answers.) Use 1 inch margins all around and 12 point font. Cite your sources, including giving scripture citation for biblical content you quote, summarize, paraphrase, or allude to. Source citation should include both in-text parenthetical notes and a bibliography of sources consulted.
Answer the following questions in a single document submitted with a cover/title page OR an MLA header in the upper left hand corner of the first page which includes your name, the course number and title, the assignment description, the professor's name, and the due date.
- Write an introduction to two of the following books: Joshua, Judges, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, or 2 Kings (2 to 4 pages each). Include information about background, central characters, content, and themes.
- Identify and describe three events from books you did not select in #1 above that had lasting significance beyond the event themselves. Demonstrate that significance by linking the events to other events in the biblical story or to larger theological themes they exemplify (2 to 4 pages, total).
- List whom you would select as the three most influential kings of the divided kingdom (for good or ill) in 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, and 2 Chronicles. Defend your choices by citing their exploits and the ways in which those actions influenced other people or other events (2 to 4 pages, total).
- Choose two of the following:
- Discuss briefly (1 to 2 pages) the identity, role, and function of the judges.
- Discuss briefly (1 to 2 pages) the significance or purpose of the narratives in Judges 17-21.
- Discuss briefly (1 to 2 pages) major theological themes in the book of Ruth.
- Discuss briefly (1 to 2 pages) the significance of the temple in Hebrew life. What did it represent and signify?
- Write a 3 to 5 page summary of the post-exilic era of Old Testament history. Include key events, people, and trends.
The Final Exam: Part A assignments must be completed on your class site once it has opened back up.