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.

Students completing this course will have demonstrated their ability:

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.

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

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

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

Selected articles.

Blenkinsopp, J. A History of Prophecy in Israel. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1983.

Bruegemann, W. To Pluck Up, To Tear Down: A Commentary on the Book of Jeremiah 1-25. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988.

Bruegemann, W. To Build Up, To Plant: A Commentary on Jeremiah 26-52. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991.

Heschel, A. The Prophets. (2 vols.) New York: Harper & Row, 1962.

Jones, D. R. Jeremiah. New Century Bible. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1992.

King, P. J. Jeremiah: An Archeological Companion. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1993.

Perdue, L. G. and Brian W. Kovacs, eds. A Prophet to the Nations: Essays in Jeremiah Studies. Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 1984.

Rad, G. von. The Message of the Prophets. New York: Harper & Row, 1972.

The requirements will fall into three areas:

1. Weekly preparation for translation and exegetical discussions.

2. The writing of an exegetical paper (12-15 pages).

3. The use of lecture notes and syllabus readings to develop answers to study questions which will be the basis of a midterm examination.

OT501, LG502.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Old Testament "B" (OTBE).

No.