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Mark A. Hassler
Fall 2023
This course prepares the student to exegete the books of Joel, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah according to the authorial intent. We examine each book’s literary and historical elements with a view toward theology and preaching. 3 credit hours.
As a result of taking this course, the student will be able to
- interpret each book according to the authorial intent
- articulate the author’s argument by reading each book multiple times
- identify philological elements, such as genre, allusions, idioms, and poetic structures, with the assistance of appropriate resources
- resolve exegetical cruxes with increased skill
- correlate each book with biblical and systematic theology
- produce clear and accurate translations of selected passages
- evaluate more effectively published translations of the prophetic books
- critique more effectively commentaries on the Minor Prophets
Dr. Mark Hassler is the Associate Professor of Old Testament at Virginia Beach Theological Seminary. Dr. Hassler also serves as Director of Publications and Field Archaeologist for the Shiloh excavations in Israel. He was the editor of the Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin (2016–19), a peer-reviewed journal established in 1958. He serves on the board of directors for the Near East Archaeological Society and as the president of the Evangelical Theological Society's eastern region. Dr. Hassler earned his academic degrees at Montana Bible College (BA) and The Master's Seminary (PhD, ThM, and MDiv). Read more....
Dr. Hassler can be contacted at
20% – Textbook Reading
15% – Article Reviews
15% – Article Reviews
15% – Bible Translations
20% – Exegesis Exercises
30% – Exegesis Paper
20% – Exegesis Exercises
30% – Exegesis Paper
The following textbooks are required for the class (Sponsored links to Amazon):
