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.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND 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.

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) competence in working with the Hebrew text, including the requisite apparatuses and tools, as well as in using exegetical and hermeneutical skills; (6) an awareness of how we may learn from historically and culturally diverse vantage points better to read, use, and obey this portion of Scripture.

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. ISBN: 1565632060; $34.95.

Articles available on the course Moodle page.

See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available at http://schedule.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html and in the Academic Advising office.

Allen, Leslie C. Jeremiah: A Commentary. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 2008. ISBN 0664222234; $60.

Miller, Patrick D. "Jeremiah." In The New Interpreter's Bible, vol. 6: Isaiah-Ezekiel. Nashville: Abingdon, 2001. ISBN: 0687278198; $74.

Newsome, James D., Jr. The Hebrew Prophets. Atlanta: John Knox, 1984. ISBN 0804201137; $30.

O'Brien, Julia M. Challenging Prophetic Metaphor: Theology and Ideology in the Prophets. Lousiville: Westminster/John Knox, 2008. ISBN: 0664229646; $25.

Stulman, Louis. Jeremiah. Nashville: Abingdon, 2005. ISBN: 978-0687057962; $43.

Stulman, Louis, and Hyun Chul Paul Kim. You Are My People: An Introduction to Prophetic Literature. Nashville: Abingdon, 2010. ISBN: 0687465656; $25.

Brief descriptions of the commentaries and other recommended readings will be posted on the course Moodle page before the beginning of the quarter. Students will be required to use at least one commentary throughout the course.

1. Weekly preparation for translation and exegetical discussions (40%).

2. The writing of an exegetical paper (3000-3600 words; 10-12 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%).