Overview of 1 and 2 Samuel Overview of 1 and 2 Samuel Overlapping Plots Week 2

Follow-up on Week 1 Assignments I would argue that history (as a genre) is biased and not disinterested. History is how a people group "views" their own past. Meaning it could be embellished or altered to meet a self- perception. Historicity is what really happened. An evangelical scholar would argue that the Bible, as a history, contains a high level of historicity. While a liberal scholar would argue that the Bible has a low level of historicity. And the way we argue these things is through historiography -- studying the text as a history.

Follow-up on Assignment 1-1 Nice use of some scriptural support for a high degree of historicity: “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21). Benjamin adds that “inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16; cf. Luke 24:44-45; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 3:16; 1 John 4:6; Revelation 22:18-19). Though written by men, each with his own unique style of writing, the Holy Spirit guided their minds and hands to ensure truth, consistency and perfection (1 Corinthians 2:12-13; cf. Matthew 5:17-18; 2 Peter 1:21).

Follow-up on Week 1 Assignments On the critical methods…. Many mentioned a discomfort with the synchronic methods --- especially Source Criticism. I would like you to be sure to explore many of the components of these methods as we move through the course: features like context and literary analysis will help you explore the Bible in new and deeper ways – not challenging an evangelical stance on scripture.

Goals Analyze Analyze the narrative components of plot in the early monarchy of Israel. Develop a personal interpretive methodology for biblical historical narrative. Chart the rise and fall of important figures in 1 & 2 Samuel.

Assignments Chart -- 1 & 2 Samuel relate the events just before and during the monarchy. The narrative includes the rise and fall of several individuals. After your textbook reading, fill in CHART 2-1 (found in the lesson 2 resources folder), depicting the rise and fall of these SIX key individuals: Eli, Samuel, Saul, Jonathon, David, and Absalom. Depending on your findings, some characters may have more than one rise/fall. Because you have not read the actual text, your analysis/views may change over the coming weeks. (Make sure to save this table on your hard drive because you will be amending it in Week 7.) Due Monday March 24th (11:59pm CST)

Assignments Discussion Question– Write and post a ONE page (250 words) message discussing your opinion on the following question: Does the author’s use of narrative components like plot, character development, and dialogue diminish the authority of scripture? First post is due Friday March 21st (11:59pm CST). Then read and respond to at least two of your classmates’ initial posts by the end of the week (Monday March 24th, 11:59pm CST)

QUESTIONS? Rubrics and Dues dates are posted under course resources Call or me with questions