Covenant and Theophany 2012 - Gordon-Conwell Theological ...

Covenant and Theophany OT 649
Carol M. Kaminski
Fall 2012
Tuesdays 2:00pm—5:00pm
Provisional Course Outline
Covenant and Theophany 2012
1. Course Objectives:
The primary objective of this course is to help students develop Hebrew language and
exegetical skills in preparation for teaching and preaching from the Old Testament. This will
be achieved through weekly translation exercises, word studies and exegetical questions
(Gordon-Conwell Mission Statement #1—2). The secondary objective of this course is to
introduce students to the content and theology of the covenants in the Old Testament,
which provide the contours for the redemptive narrative in the Old Testament. This will be
achieved through a detailed exegetical analysis of key chapters in the Old Testament that
center of the primary covenant. Attention will be given to theological issues arising from the
text, with an emphasis on how the topic of covenant and theophany contributes to
redemptive history (Gordon-Conwell Mission Statement #1—2).
2. Required Textbooks:
1. Brown, A.P. and B.W. Smith, A Reader’s Hebrew Bible (Zondervan: 2008).
Note: If you do not already have the standard Hebrew Bible, (Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia), you will
probably want to purchase it as well since you will need this Bible long term. However, for this class
we will be using A Reader’s Hebrew Bible. We will be referring to BHS at various times in class,
particularly when we learn about the critical apparatus (which is not in RHB), but the primary
Hebrew Bible for translations will be RHB.
2. Pelt, Miles van, and G. Pratico, The Vocabulary Guide to Biblical Hebrew (Grand Rapids: Zondervan,
2003).
3. Stuart, D., Old Testament Exegesis. A Handbook for Students and Pastors (Fourth edition; Philadelphia:
Westminster Press, 2009).
4. Horton, M. Introducing Covenant Theology (Baker, 2006).
5. Note: if you do not have a Bible software program such as BibleWorks, Logos, or
Gramcord/Accordance, you will need to purchase:
Wigram, G.V., The Englishman's Hebrew Concordance of the Old Testament (Nashville: Broadman
Press.,1980).
3. Hebrew Bible and Language Resources:
Beall, T.S. and W. Banks, Old Testament Parsing Guide (Chicago: Moody, 1986).
Bergen, R.D. ed., Biblical Hebrew and Discourse Linguistics (SIL; Eisenbraus, 1994)
Botterweck, Ringgren, and Fabry, Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament
(Eerdmans), 15+ volumes.
Brotzman, E.R., Old Testament Text Criticism: A Practical Introduction (Baker, 1994).
Brown, F., S. Driver, C. Briggs eds. A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old

Covenant and Theophany 2012
Testament (Oxford: Clarendon Press., 1951).
Holladay, W. L., A Concise Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (Grand
Rapids: Eerdmans, 1971).
Joüon, P. A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew (revised ed.; trans. and rev. by T. Muraoka
(Rome: Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblico, 1993). 2 Volumes.
Kautzsch, E. and A. E. Cowley, eds. Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar (2nd. ed.; Oxford:
Clarendon Press, 1999 [1910]).
Longacre, R.E., Joseph: A story of divine providence: A text theoretical and
textlinguistic Analysis of Genesis 37 and 39—48 (Eisenbrauns, 1989).
Waltke B. K. and M. O'Connor, An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax (Winona
Lake: Eisenbrauns, 1990).
Williams, R. J. Hebrew Syntax: An Outline (Toronto: Univ. of Toronto Press, 1976).
Wolde, Ellen van, ed., Narrative Syntax and the Hebrew Bible (Brill, 2002).
4. Selective Bibliography on Covenants:
Andersen, F., ‘The Scope of the Abrahamic Covenant’, Churchman 74 (1960), pp. 239-44.
Anderson, B.W., ‘Creation and the Noachic Covenant’, in P.N. Joranson and K. Butigan (eds.), Cry of the
Environment (Santa Fe: Bear and Co., 1984), pp. 45-61.
Beckwith, R.T., ‘The Unity and Diversity of God’s Covenants’, TynBul 38 (1987), pp. 93-118.
Busenitz, I.A., ‘Introduction to the Biblical Covenants; the Noahic Covenant and the Priestly Covenant’,
Master's Seminary Journal 10 (1999), pp. 173-89.
Dumbrell, W.J., ‘Kingship and Temple in the Post-Exilic Period’, RTR 37 (1978), pp. 33-42.
—‘The Prospect of Unconditionality in the Sinaitic Covenant’, in A. Gileadi (ed.), Israel’s Apostasy and
Restoration (Festschrift R.K. Harrison; Grand Rapids: Baker, 1988), pp. 141-55.
Eichrodt, W., ‘Covenant and Law: Thoughts on Recent Discussion’, Int 20 (1966), pp. 302-21.
Fensham, F.C., ‘The Covenant as Giving Expression to the Relationship Between Old and New Testament’,
TynBul 22 (1971), pp. 82-94.
Fox, M.V., ‘The Sign of the Covenant: Circumcision in the Light of the Priestly ’ôt Etiologies’, RB 81 (1974),
pp. 557-96.
Freedman, D.N., ‘Divine Commitment and Human Obligation: The Covenant Theme’ Int 18 (1964), pp. 419-
31.
Gerstenberger, E., ‘Covenant and Commandment’, JBL 84 (1965), pp. 38-51.
Hillers, D.R., ‘A Note on Some Treaty Terminology in the Old Testament’, BASOR 176 (1964), pp. 46-47.
Hoenig, S.B., ‘Circumcision: The Covenant of Abraham’, JQR 53 (1962), pp. 222-34.
Kaiser, W.C., Jr, ‘The Davidic Promise and the Inclusion of the Gentiles (Amos 9:9-15 and Acts 15:13-18): A
Test Passage for Theological Systems’, JETS 20 (1977), pp. 97-111.
Karlberg, M.W., ‘Covenant and Common Grace’, WTJ 50 (1988), pp. 323-37.
—‘Legitimate Discontinuities Between the Testaments’, JETS 28 (1985), pp. 9-20.
—‘Reformed Interpretation of the Mosaic Covenant’, WTJ 43 (1980), pp. 1-57.
Kline, Meredith G., Treaty of the Great King (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1963).
___, M.G., ‘Abram’s Amen’, WTJ 31 (1968), pp. 1-11.
—‘Canon and Covenant’, WTJ 32 (1969), pp. 49-72.
—‘Gospel Until the Law: Rom 5:13-14 and the Old Covenant’, JETS 34 (1991), pp. 433-46.
—‘The Old Testament Origins of the Gospel Genre’, WTJ 38 (1975), pp. 1-27.
__, By Oath Consigned (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1968).
___, The Structure of Biblical Authority (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1972).
Kruse, H., ‘David’s Covenant’, VT 35 (1985), pp. 139-64.

Covenant and Theophany 2012
Levenson, J.D., ‘The Davidic Covenant and its Modern Interpreters’, CBQ 41 (1979), pp. 205-19.
Loewenstamm, S.E., ‘The Divine Grants of Land to the Patriarchs’, JAOS 91 (1971), pp. 509-10.
Mitchell, J.J., ‘Abram’s Understanding of the Lord’s Covenant’, WTJ 32 (1969), pp. 24-48.
Moberly, R.W.L., ‘Abraham's Righteousness (Genesis 15:6)’, in J.A. Emerton (ed.), Studies in the Pentateuch
(VTSup, 41; Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1990), pp. 103-30.
Motyer, J.A., ‘Covenant and Promise’, Evangel 1:1 (1983), pp. 2-4.
—‘Covenant, Law and Sacrifice’, Evangel 1:3 (1983), pp. 3-5.
—‘The Normative Covenant’, Evangel 1:2 (1983), pp. 3-5.
—‘The Perfection of the Covenant’ Evangel 1:4 (1983), pp. 3-5.
Muilenburg, J., ‘Abraham and the Nations: Blessing and World History’, Int 19 (1965), pp. 387-98.
—‘The Form and Structure of the Covenantal Formulations’ VT 9 (1959), pp. 347-65.
McCarthy D.J., ‘B erît and Covenant in the Deuteronomistic History’, in G.W. Anderson, et al. (eds.), Studies in
the Religion of Ancient Israel (VTSup, 23; Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1972), pp. 5-85.
—‘B erît in Old Testament History and Theology’ Bib 53 (1972), pp. 110-21.
—‘Covenant in the Old Testament: The Present State of Inquiry’, CBQ 27 (1965), pp. 217-40.
—‘Three Covenants in Genesis’, CBQ 26 (1964), pp. 179-89.
McCarthy, D.J., ‘Covenant Relationships’, in C. Brekelmans (ed.), Questions disputées d’Ancien Testament (BETL,
33; Leuven: Leuven University, 1974), pp. 91-103.
Niehaus, J., “An Argument against Theologically Constructed Covenants,” JETS 50: 2 (2007), pp 259-273.
____, “Covenant: an Idea in the Mind of God,” JETS 52: 2 (2009), pp 225-255.
Pierce, R.W., ‘Covenant Conditionality and a Future for Israel’, JETS 37 (1994), pp. 27-38.
Rendtorff, R., ‘“Covenant” as a Structuring Concept in Genesis and Exodus’, JBL 108 (1989), pp. 385-93.
—‘Noah, Abraham and Moses: God's Covenant Partners’, in E. Ball (ed.), In Search of True Wisdom (Festschrift
R.E. Clements; JSOTSup, 300; Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1999), pp. 127-36.
Robertson, O.P., ‘Current Reformed Thinking on the Nature of the Divine Covenants’, WTJ 40 (1978), pp.
63-76.
—‘Genesis 15:6: New Covenant Expositions of an Old Covenant Text’, WTJ 42 (1980), pp. 259-90.
Ruiten, J. van, ‘The Covenant of Noah in Jubilees 6.1-38’, in S.E. Porter and J.C.R. de Roo (eds.), Concept of the
Covenant in the Second Temple Period (JSJSup, 71; Boston: Brill, 2003), pp. 167-90.
Schreiner, T.R., ‘The Abolition and Fulfilment of the Law in Paul’, JSNT 35 (1989), pp. 47-74.
—‘Did Paul Believe in Justification by Works?: Another Look at Romans 2’, Bulletin for Biblical Research 3
(1993), 131-58.
—‘ Is Perfect Obedience to the Law Possible?: A Re-examination of Galatians 3:10’, JETS 27 (1984), pp.
151-60.
Snijders, L.A., ‘Genesis XV. The Covenant with Abram’, OTS 12 (1958), pp. 261-79.
Stek, J.H., ‘“Covenant” Overload in Reformed Theology’, CTJ 29 (1994), pp. 12-41.
Weinfeld, M., ‘B erît — Covenant vs. Obligation’, Bib 56 (1975), pp. 120-28.
—‘The Covenant of Grant in the Old Testament and in the Ancient Near East’, JAOS 90 (1970), pp. 184-
203.
—‘The Loyalty Oath in the Ancient Near East’, UF 8 (1976), pp. 379-414.
�Class Attendance: Please note that class attendance is required. If you miss more than two classes,
you will not be able to take the class for credit.
�Cell Phones: Please turn cell phones to silent before class.
���� Use of the internet is strictly prohibited during class (including use of the internet on phones,
computers or ipads), but is permissible during breaks.

6. Course Requirements:
Covenant and Theophany 2012
1. Passing of Hebrew Competency Exam:
A Hebrew competency exam is scheduled for the first day of class, Sept. 11 th . The exam will include
vocabulary, parsing of verbs, and translation. Since you will not be given any passage to study prior
to class on Sept. 11 th , the best way to prepare for this exam is to review your first year Hebrew
grammar and review basic Hebrew vocabulary. You need to pass the exam in order to take the class
for credit.
2. In-class Hebrew Translation: points deducted for inadequate Hebrew translation
As a 600-level Hebrew exegesis course, you will be required to translate approximately ten chapters
of Hebrew from the Old Testament on selected texts related to the topic of covenant and
theophany. Each class will have time set aside for Hebrew translation. Several people will be called
upon each week to translate one or two verses from the weekly translation. Please note that you are
not allowed to use your computer for in-class Hebrew translation. This means that you will need to
translate directly from A Reader’s Hebrew Bible or from a notebook or print-out of your translation,
including any translation notes you may have. When you are called upon in class, you will be
required to translate the verse(s), parse every verb, and answer basic Hebrew grammar questions. No
grade will be assigned for this section; however, a two to five point deduction will be taken off your final grade
for this course for one of the following reasons:
a. failure to have completed the assigned translation prior to class.
b. inadequate Hebrew translation in class.
2. Hebrew Vocabulary: 10% of final grade
Since you are allowed to make use of the vocabulary provided in RHB for the Hebrew translation
exam, you are required to know all Hebrew words occurring at a frequency of 79 times or more (450
words according to van Pelt and Pratico, p. 25). Remember that you have already learnt many of
these words in first year Hebrew. You will be tested on this Hebrew vocabulary (450 words) on
Tuesday, November 20 th (details below).
3. Exegesis Paper: 30% of final grade
You are required to submit an exegetical paper using the tools and methods taught in class. The
exegetical paper is worth 30% of your final grade and is due on Tuesday November 13 th (this is
during reading week). Your paper is to be submitted to the mailroom by 4:00pm (Kaminski Box
#255), or it can be placed outside my office in the box provided. If you plan to be away during
reading week, you can send your paper in the mail to the seminary marked Dr Kaminski, but it
needs to be postmarked by the post office on Nov. 12. Please note that no electronic versions will be
accepted; only hard copies of your paper. Late penalties will apply, except in the case of special
circumstances (eg. personal illness, bereavement etc.). The format for the exegesis paper is outlined
below.

Covenant and Theophany 2012
4. Hebrew Vocabulary and Essay Question Exam: 30% of final grade (includes Hebrew vocabulary)
All students are required to take a final exam which will entail a) Hebrew vocabulary: testing of
Hebrew words occurring 79 times or more (450 words); and b) one essay question on the covenants.
Please note that two essays will be given in the exam, taken from a range of topics based on the
weekly topics covered in class. You are permitted to select one of two possible essays which are
provided. The final exam is worth 30% of your final grade (the vocabulary portion is worth 10%; the
essay question is worth 20%). It is scheduled for Tuesday, November 20 th .
5. Final Exam: Hebrew Translation 40% of final grade
All students are required to take a Hebrew translation exam which will comprise of the Hebrew
translations that you have been doing each week (you are required to translate the texts and parse all
verbs). No lexicons are allowed but vocabulary is provided which occurs in the footnotes of RHB.
The translation exam is worth 40% of your final grade. It is scheduled for Tuesday, December 11 th .
6. Required Readings: points deducted off final grade if incomplete
Since emphasis has been placed on Hebrew acquisition in this course, only minimal reading
requirements have been assigned. The following readings are required for the course:
1. Horton, Introducing Covenant Theology (to be read in its entirety).
2. Kaminski, C.M. CASKET EMPTY: God’s Plan of Redemption through History. You are
required to read chapter 2, “Abraham,” and the sections on the Mosaic Covenant (pp. 63-92)
and the Davidic Covenant (pp. 108-114).
3. Stuart, D., Old Testament Exegesis. You are not required to read this in its entirety, but you
will need to read portions of this book when you write your final exegesis paper.
You will be asked on your final exam to state what percentage of the required readings you have
read. Failure to have completed the readings may result in a 3-5 point grade deduction.
7. Hebrew Competency:
In 600 and 700 level Hebrew exegesis courses, you are required to show competency in the Hebrew
language. If you do not demonstrate Hebrew competency (evaluated through in-class translation,
Hebrew translation exam, Hebrew vocabulary knowledge, and Hebrew grammar in your paper), you
will not be given a passing grade (even if you pass the course according to your grade point average).
See the GCTS Catalog: “At both the OT 600 and OT 700 levels, competency in Hebrew
must be demonstrated by the student in all aspects of the course in order for a passing grade
to be assigned, regardless of how the course grade is otherwise computed” (p. 88).

Covenant and Theophany 2012
���� Format for the Exegetical Paper:
Each student is required to write a 15 page (no more than 15 pages is permitted) exegesis paper,
double spaced, with footnotes. Sample papers will be on the reserve shelf in the library. You can
select any passage in the Old Testament, provided that we have not studied the passage in class and
provided that it relates to the theme of covenant and theophany. You should choose no more than
5-6 verses. You are required to do a minimum of five Hebrew word studies in your paper, but they
are not to be words already done in class.
• Do not make your outline a formal outline with subordinated letters and numbers. Rather, simply
label each step with the following headings (consult Stuart, Old Testament Exegesis, pp. 65-76, and the
book as a whole):
1) Text and Translation: a) Begin with the Hebrew Text at the top of the page using RHB, but
include footnotes commenting on the textual variants (you will need to use the critical apparatus in
BHS); b) the Hebrew text is to be immediately followed by your own translation, which should
include footnotes noting how English Bibles translate the passage (e.g. NIV, NRSV, NASB) and
reasons for your translation.
2) Grammatical and Lexical Data: Include in this section five Hebrew word studies and a verseby-verse
analysis of the grammar (consult several Hebrew grammars, such as Jouon, Gesenius,
Waltke).
3) Form and Structure: Identify briefly the genre of your passage (e.g. whether it is narrative,
poetic, a wisdom saying, prophetic, etc.), and note any structural elements that are evident in your
passage.
4) Literary-Historical Context: Locate your passage in the book as a whole, noting where the
passage occurs according to its literary context and why this is significant for interpretation. In this
section you will also provide information about the historical context of the passage, including
providing a date for your text. One paragraph (or two if it is controversial) will also need to be
devoted to the authorship of your passage, discussing scholarly views and how they impact issues
such as authorship and historical context for your passage. You will want to interact with
commentaries and articles, discussing any debated issues and important historical background
information.
5) Biblical-Theological Context: Make note of important theological issues arising from the text
and how your passage contributes theologically to our understanding of key aspects of the faith.
Note if the passage is cited elsewhere in the Bible and how this contributes to our understanding of
the passage.
6) Application: In this section you will provide a description of how the passage is to be applied in
a local church context.
7) Bibliography: It is expected that you will consult major commentaries and scholarly work on the
passage, as well as key articles related to your passage.
Plagiarism: Be aware that the seminary has a strict policy on plagiarism (see the Student
Handbook). Be certain to footnote all sources used, giving credit where credit is due. If I
find that you have not adequately cited sources, you will automatically receive a Fail grade
for the paper and it will be returned to you. For further information on what constitutes
plagiarism, see the following website: www.indiana.edu/~wts/wts/plagiarism.html

Covenant and Theophany 2012
Provisional Course Schedule
Week 1: Tuesday September 11
Introduction to the Course and Exegesis
• Hebrew Competency Exam
• Introduction to Hebrew Exegesis
���� Homework to be completed before next Tuesday:
� Translate Gen. 2.16-17; 3.1-16
Week 2: Tuesday September 18
The Adamic Covenant (Gen. 2—3, Rom. 5)
• Be prepared to translate Gen. 2.16-17; 3.1-16.
���� Homework to be completed before next Tuesday:
� Translate Gen. 6:5-9; 8:20-22; 9:8-17
Week 3: Tuesday September 25
The Noachic Covenant Covenant (Gen. 6—9)
• Be prepared to translate Gen. 6:5-9; 8:20-22; 9:8-17
���� Homework to be completed before next Tuesday:
� Translate Gen. 12:1-3; 15:1-18
Week 4: Tuesday October 2
The Abrahamic Covenant Part 1 (Gen. 12:1-3; 15; Rom. 4; Gal.3)
• Be prepared to translate Gen. 12:1-3; 15:1-18
���� Homework to be completed before next Tuesday:
� Translate Gen. 17:1-22
Week 5: Reading Week (October 8—12)
Week 6: Tuesday Oct 16
The Abrahamic Covenant Part 2 (Gen. 17; Rom. 4)
• Be prepared to translate Gen. 17:1-22
���� Homework to be completed before next Tuesday:
� Translate Exod. 20:1-17; 24:1-8.
Week 7: Tuesday October 23
The Mosaic Covenant Part 1 (Exod. 20—24; Lev. 26)
• Be prepared to translate Exod. 20:1-17; 24:1-8.
���� Homework to be completed before next Tuesday:
� Translate Deut. 30:1-3, 15-20; Jer. 11:1-8.

Covenant and Theophany 2012
Week 8: Tuesday October 30
The Mosaic Covenant Part 2 (Deut. 29—30; Jer. 11)
• Be prepared to translate Deut. 30:1-3, 15-20; Jer. 11:1-8
���� Homework to be completed before next Tuesday:
� Translate 2 Samuel 7:1-17
Week 9: Tuesday November 6
The Davidic Covenant Part 1 (2 Sam. 7)
• Be prepared to translate 2 Sam. 7:1-17.
���� Homework to be completed before next Tuesday:
� No translation; work on exegesis paper!
Week 10: Reading Week (November 12—16)
���� Exegesis Paper due Tuesday, November 13 th by 4:00pm.
Week 11: Tuesday November 20
���� Hebrew vocabulary and theology of covenants exam
The Davidic Covenant Part 2 (2 Samuel 7; Ps. 89)
• Translation of 2 Sam. 7:1-17 (continued from last week).
���� Homework to be completed before next Tuesday:
� Translate Jeremiah 31:31-37; 33:14-26
Week 12: Tuesday November 27
The New Covenant Part 1 (Jeremiah 31; Heb. 8—9)
• Be prepared to translate Jeremiah 31:31-37; 33:14-26
���� Homework to be completed before next Tuesday:
� Translate Ezekiel 36:22-36
Week 13: Tuesday December 4
The New Covenant Part 2 (Ezekiel 36)
• Be prepared to translate Ezek. 36 36:22-36
���� Homework to be completed before next Tuesday:
� Prepare for final exam
Week 14: Tuesday December 11
���� Final Exam