OVERVIEW
The content essay assignment provides you with the opportunity to take a “deep dive” into the
content of a particular interpretive issue within an Old Testament book. The ability to engage
with the historical, literary, and theological elements of interpretation is an essential skill to
develop in biblical studies. Developing these skills through research and writing is a time-tested
means toward becoming a more competent reader and interpreter of Scripture. The content essay
assignment probes challenging issues by answering the interpretive questions that rise from the
text of Scripture.
INSTRUCTIONS
You will write a content essay on the book of Judges. The following parameters should be
followed:
- Length of assignment: At least 1000 words but no more than 1200 words, excluding title
page and bibliography. - Format of assignment: current Turabian format. The paper must be double spaced. Use a
table of contents page, headings, and page numbers as appropriate. Include title page and
bibliography. The student must document Scripture passages with parenthetical citations
within body of paper, but all other sources used must be documented with properly
formatted footnotes in current Turabian format. - Acceptable sources: The Bible (excluding study notes), textbook, and at least 3 additional
academic sources published within the past 50 years that directly address the assigned
Scripture passage. You are encouraged to use academic biblical commentaries, academic
journal articles, and academic monographs. Avoid devotional and general audience
sources. Internet sources require instructor’s prior approval.
Content Essay: Judges Assignment
After reading Judges 1-8, in an essay, answer the following questions pertaining to Judges:
- What is the recurring cycle that appears in the book of Judges? How does this relate to
the theology of the book of Judges? - Is there any prophetic significance to the recurring cycles in Judges and the concluding
statement of Judges 21:25, “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what
was right in their own eyes.”? If so, explain how, and if not, then explain why not. - What is the central message in the book of Judges and what is its relationship to the rest
of the Old Testament?
Page 2 of 2
Engage the Bible, textbook, and at least 3 additional academic sources in the argumentation for
your propositions. Each essay must be 1,000 – 1,200 words and follow current Turabian format.
At least three (3) academic commentaries and the course textbook must be engaged and cited in
meaningful research and discussion of assignment prompts. Preferred source material includes
academic commentaries, but academic journal articles, and academic monographs are acceptable
in addition to the academic commentaries and textbook. Avoid devotional, general audience
sources. Internet sources require prior instructor approval.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.