Fall 2006/Pasadena
OT506
Butler

OT506: OLD TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: JEREMIAH. James T. Butler.


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. Attention will be given to the development of exegetical skills.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1) a fundamental knowledge of the literary forms and thematic content of the book of Jeremiah; (2) an acquaintance with the historical and social location of Israel's prophetic literature, with an emphasis upon the late seventh century; (3) an ability to reflect upon and evaluate the theological issues raised by the book of Jeremiah and to discern their implications for Christian faith and practice; (5) an enhanced competence in basic Hebrew, as well as in exegetical and hermeneutical skills; (6) an appreciation of how we may learn from historically and culturally diverse vantage points better to read, use, and obey this portion of Scripture.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Containing both oracles to the people and narratives about the prophet, the book of Jeremiah addresses a variety of issues and themes intrinsic to ministry: the experience of God's call and of God's absence; the challenge of opposition, both lay and professional; a diagnosis of misplaced trust and the depth of human sin; and the horizons of God's purpose for the future.

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

REQUIRED READING:

Brown, Francis, S. R. Driver, and C. A. Briggs, eds. A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford University Press; Hendrickson, 1996.

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

Elliger, K. and W. Rudolph, eds. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. 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.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Brueggemann, W. The Prophetic Imagination. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2001.

Craigie, Peter C., Page H. Kelley, and Joel F. Drinkard, Jr. Jeremiah 1-25. (Word Biblical Commentary.) Dallas: Word Books, 1991.

Keown, Gerald, Pamela J. Scalise, and Thomas G. Smothers. Jeremiah 26-52. (Word Biblical Commentary.) Waco, TX: Word Books, 1995.

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

Weems, Renita J. Battered Love: Marriage, Sex, and Violence in the Hebrew Prophets. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1995.

ASSIGNMENTS: The requirements will fall into three areas: (1) Weekly preparation for translation and exegetical discussions (40%). (2) The writing of an exegetical paper (12-15 pages; 35%).
(3) The use of lecture notes and syllabus readings to develop answers to study questions which will be the basis of a midterm examination (25%).

PREREQUISITES: LG502.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "B" (OTBE).

FINAL EXAMINATION: No.