THE 1310 Lecture 10

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Research Paper Assignment

Topic: Old Testament Narrative Analysis
Length: 3–4 pages
Formatting: Chicago manual style, Times New Roman, 12 pt, double-spaced (cover page optional)
Prompt: Pick a scripture passage. What does the biblical author intend to show in this text and how does his careful composition and narration illumine the theological meaning of the text.
- this is not a descriptive/summary of the text, but an argument
- requires a thesis statement: a statement that a person either agrees or disagrees with
- following paragraphs provide details and evidence for thesis
Boadt Ch. 4 on literary devices will be useful
External resources are encouraged, but not required
- Scripture should be cited frequently
- This is to encourage independent thinking

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Abraham sends servant to find wife for Isaac; makes him swear with hand under thigh
- "may you be sterile if you don't follow through"
- Same gesture used in the Iliad
Servant finds Rebekah at the well
- Common theme for men to find wives at the well: all of the women go to fetch water and to hang out
- Servant has to ask Rebekah's father Bethuel, Abraham's Nephew, for permission
- Servant views all that has happened as God's providence; recounts story to Bethuel
Isaac and Rebekah have twins: Esau and Jacob
- Esau older by a few minutes, but still receives birthright
- Preference will be for Jacob, the younger.
- Jacob tricks Esau into giving away his birthright ... for a helping of lentil stew (must've been really hangry and/or really good stew!)
  - Esau treated his birthright with disdain anyway.

God promises he will support Isaac and family: don't go to Egypt
Altar is built in response
Jacob tricks Isaac into blessing him instead of Esau
- Isaac almost doesn't fall for it
- When Esau finds out, he wants to kill Jacob (fratricide again!)
- Rebekah has plan to send Jacob away to find a wife among the people of Laban, her brother.
So now Jacob has birthright and blessing over Esau.