CONTENT ESSAY ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
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 on 1 Kings.
Content Essay: 1 Kings Assignment
In an essay, answer the following questions pertaining to 1 Kings 1 – 11:

1. How does the text of Deuteronomy 17:14-20 relate to the narratives of Saul, David, and in particular, Solomon? Do you think that the author of I Kings has Deuteronomy 17 in mind as he writes the “Solomonic Narrative” of 1 Kings 1 – 11?

2. Does the author of 1 Kings depict Solomon in a positive or negative manner? Is there any indication in the narratives prior to chapters ten and eleven that Solomon is already going astray (even in spite of his wisdom)? How is it that Solomon, endowed with the gift of wisdom, could go astray as he does?

The essay must be 1000 words and follow current Turabian format. Use three (3) academic sources (beyond course textbooks) must be cited. Preferred source material includes academic commentaries, journal articles, and academic monographs. Avoid popular sources, including non-peer reviewed websites and blogs