Each year, the society invites two top undergraduate and three top graduate students to submit research papers at national meetings. The students are judged on research, writing, presentation, and discussion. Nyberg’s paper, “Lads in the Spotlight: Narrative Techniques in 1 Samuel,” won first place in the graduate level. She is a student at Bethel Seminary in the Master of Arts in Theological Studies program.
Nyberg’s discourse evolved from observations she made in an Old Testament course on the book of Samuel. As a result, she designed an independent study class to research and write the paper, “which suggests that the author clustered the stories around the main characters of Samuel, Saul, and David so they aren’t necessarily told in a linear timeframe, but may overlap in various places.”
The title of Nyberg’s paper comes from the Hebrew word na’ar, which is frequently used frequently in the books of Samuel and is commonly translated “lad” or “servant.” Before many of the people in the book are identified by name, they are referred to by the Hebrew word.
Nyberg says she was humbled by the recognition. “I hope people further appreciate the richness and beauty of the narratives of 1 Samuel as a result of my paper.”
Nyberg has been involved in more than academics. She initiated a multicultural worship service at her church. For a previous Covenant online news story, see WORSHIP.
