Details for Esther
Esther is a female character in the Old Testament who outwits her enemies in a deadly game of palace politics. In a thoughtful examination of Esther, we discover that it is a book rich in wonder, mystery, and artistic literary expression. The excellent Hebrew narrative of Esther, with its twists and turns, continues to make it a favourite book for many of us today. This unit will take you into the Persian world of Esther, and its post-exilic context. We will particularly explore with Esther ‘where is God?’ - for this narrative is crafted in such a way that the name of the LORD is never mentioned, yet God is present in every situation.
Quick Info
- Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
- Unit code: BIB313
- Credit points: 10
- Total workload hours per week: 10
- Number of timetabled hours per week: 3 *
Prerequisites
The following courses are prerequisites:
The unit Esther is part of the subject area Biblical Studies and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).
Unit Content
Curriculum Objective
This course unit is an examination of the book of Esther and its narrative world.
Subject Content
- Interpreting Hebrew narrative
- Critical approaches to Esther
- Exegesis of selected passages
- Excurses on various methods
- Theology of Esther
This course may be offered in the following formats
Lectures, tutorials, small group work, student presentation, dramatic reading, web-based interaction
Assessment Methods
Major essay (50%, 2500 words); Exegetical Essay (30%, 1500 words); Forum Postings (20%, 2500 words)
Prescribed Text
Readings Provided
Representative References
- Amit, Y. Reading Biblical Narratives: Literary Criticism and the Hebrew Bible. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2001.
- Beal, T.K.The Book of Hiding: Gender, Ethnicity, Annihilation, and Esther. Biblical Limits, London: Routledge, 1997.
- Berlin, A.Poetics and Interpretation of Biblical Narrative. Sheffield: SAP, 1983.
- Brenner, A (ed.).A Feminist Companion to Esther, Judith and Susanna. Sheffield: SAP, 1995.
- Bush, F.W.Ruth, Esther. WBC, Nashville: Word, 1996
- Clines, D.J.A. Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther. NCBC. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1984.
- Fox, M.V.Character and Ideology in the Book of Esther. 2nd ed. Columbia:
- USCP, 2001.
- Gunn, D. M. and Fewell, D. N. Narrative in the Hebrew Bible. Oxford Bible Series, Oxford: OUP, 1993.
- Jobes, K.H.Esther. NIV Application Commentary, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1999.
- Levenson, J. D.Esther: A Commentary. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1997.
- Meyers, C. L.Discovering Eve: Ancient Israelite Women in Context. New York: OUP, 1988.