DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to provide an overview of the historical context and the theological issues of the book of Jeremiah as well as an opportunity for translation and careful exegetical examination of representative passages. Lectures will treat the historical background of the prophet's ministry, the themes of his message and the literary forms of their expression, and the shaping of the Jeremianic corpus in the exilic period. The issues of Judah's misplaced trust, the conflict between true and false prophecy, and the hope for a restored community will be among the theological issues traced. Attention will be given to the development of exegetical skills.

This course is designed to provide students with:

1. an enhanced competence in exegetical and hermeneutical skills;

2. a basic overview of Israel's prophetic literature;

3. a close grasp of the historical setting and the distinctive emphases of the book of Jeremiah;

4. the ability to reflect theologically upon prophetic themes intrinsic to ministry: the experience of God's call and of God's absence; the challenge of opposition, both lay and professional; the depth of human sin; the horizons of God's purpose for the future.

The course will meet twice weekly, two hours per session, for ten weeks.

Brown, Francis; S.R. Driver; and C.A. Briggs, eds. A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Oxford University Press; Peabody, MA: Hendrickson.

Brueggemann, W. A Commentary on Jeremiah: Exile and Homecoming. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.

Elliger, K. and W. Rudolph, eds. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. New York: American Bible Society, 1977.

Course reader.

See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.

Blenkinsopp, J. A History of Prophecy in Israel. 2d ed. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1996.

Newsome, J. D., Jr. The Hebrew Prophets. Atlanta: John Knox, 1984.

Thompson, J. A. The Book of Jeremiah. NICOT. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1980.

The requirements will fall into three areas:

LG502.