Worksheets
· Concisely and completely answer the questions on the worksheets provided.
·
Use bullet point answers
to summarize arguments and main points.
o Do not write in free-flowing paragraphs!!!
· Cite any sources you use by using parentheses [e.g., (Wenham, 26)].
o Sources should be reputable and academic (no blogs, etc.).
o You
SHOULD
use 2-3 sources per worksheet, minimum!
Example Worksheet – Genesis 1
Directions: Fill out the worksheet using bullet points to summarize arguments and main points. Cite any sources you use with parentheses.
What are the pros and cons involved in the issue of whether Genesis 1:1–2:3 is poetry or narrative?
Arguments PRO Narrative:
· Prominent use of
wayyiqtol
denotes successive events (Collins, 43).
· The frequency of
wayyiqtol
verbs found in Genesis 1-2 is rare in poetry (McCabe, 217).
· The direct object marker tae is rare in Hebrew poetry, yet is relatively common in Genesis 1-2.
· A statistical analysis of narrative versus poetry demonstrates that the characteristics of Hebrew narrative found in Genesis 1-2 give “between .999942 and .999987” probability that Genesis 1-2 is indeed narrative (Boyd, 174-6).
Arguments CON Narrative:
· Unlike any narrative in that it is highly structured and patterned (Collins, 43).
Conclusion:
· Although the narrative of Genesis 1-2 is unique in its style and structure, it is unquestionably Hebrew narrative.
· The implication of this conclusion is that Genesis 1-2 is narrative, but the next question is why does the narrative speak? And to what purpose does it lend itself? Polemic? Mythical narrative? Legend? Or accurate historical account?
Define and respond to the “Gap Theory.”
Definition of Gap Theory:
· The gap theory teaches that there is an indeterminable time gap between verse 1 and 2, setting up for verses 3-31, which detail the restitution of a formerly chaotic creation by God (Matthews, 139).
Response to Possibility of Gap Theory:
· The biggest problem to this theory is the disjunctive clause which begins verse 2 (Matthews, 139).
o This construction is either parenthetic or adversative (Putnam, 44), but most likely parenthetic.
o The disjunctive clause gives verse 2 a circumstantial use, giving background information (Matthews, 139).
· The initial emphatic phrase, בְּרֵאשִׁ֖ית, puts an emphasis on the time-orientation of the narrative, giving the setting for which verse two would most naturally supply the background.
· Although it is possible to see בָּרָא functioning as a summary of all that takes place, it is most natural to see it in its normal function as a perfect, detailing an event that takes place before the main narrative storyline gets under way (Collins, 51).
o This is the normal use of a perfect at the beginning of a pericope (Collins, 51).
· The perfect form of hyh in verse 2 is a perfect stative, and not a dynamic stative (class notes).
o The Septuagint sees it this way also using ειμι instead of γινομαι to translate it.
o The implication of this is that verse 2 is giving a parenthetic description of what was, not what was happening or in the process of happening.
· The gap theory is founded upon a view that is similar to a dualistic view of chaos coexisting with God as his arch nemesis (class notes).
Conclusion:
· The Hebrew grammar is overwhelmingly against the gap theory.
· The theology of God’s eternal existence and sole role in creation do not let credibility to the gap theory.
· The gap theory should be rejected as an unnatural explanation of the flow of the text.
Name:
Worksheet #1 – Psalms
Directions: Fill out the worksheet using bullet points to summarize arguments and main points. Cite any sources you use with parentheses. See example on Bightspace for help.
Sources Consulted:
What are the various options for who is being referenced in Psalm 22? Which interpretation is best and why?
Psalm 109 is an example of what is classified as an imprecatory psalm (cf. Psalm 69). Is it right for a Christian to pray for the downfall of his enemies like this? Why are psalms like this included in Scripture?
Name:
Worksheet #2 – Isaiah
Directions: Fill out the worksheet using bullet points to summarize arguments and main points. Cite any sources you use with parentheses. See example on Bightspace for help.
Sources Consulted:
Isaiah 6:9b–10 is very significant both to Isaiah and New Testament authors. What is the meaning in Isaiah, and how is this passage used in the New Testament?
What are the various interpretations of Isaiah 52:13–53:12? Which one is best?
Name:
Worksheet #3 – Daniel
Directions: Fill out the worksheet using bullet points to summarize arguments and main points. Cite any sources you use with parentheses. See example on Bightspace for help.
Sources Consulted:
Concerning Daniel 9:24, what are the various views of the phrase “Seventy weeks”? What is the best understanding of this phrase?
What are the various options for when the “seventy weeks” of Daniel 9:25 commence and end? Which one is best? (Hint: compare Hoehner and Gentry on this)
Name:
Worksheet #4 – Jonah
Directions: Fill out the worksheet using bullet points to summarize arguments and main points. Cite any sources you use with parentheses. See example on Brightspace for help.
Sources Consulted:
What is the “sign of the prophet Jonah” in Matt 12:39? How does the story of Jonah help us understand this passage?
Name:
Worksheet #5 – Amos
Directions: Fill out the worksheet using bullet points to summarize arguments and main points. Cite any sources you use with parentheses. See example on Brightspace for help.
Sources Consulted:
What is the significance of the phrase “you only I have known from all the families of the earth”
in Amos 3:2? How does this help us understand certain theological concepts further developed in the New Testament?
Analyze Amos 3:3–8. Discuss the structure and how this passage contributes to Amos’ overall argument.
Name:
Worksheet #6 – Malachi
Directions: Fill out the worksheet using bullet points to summarize arguments and main points. Cite any sources you use with parentheses. See example on Brightspace for help.
Sources Consulted:
Who is the messenger of Malachi 3:1? What are the various views and how do you support your conclusion?
How is Malachi 3:1 used in connection to the New Testament?