DESCRIPTION: This course will provide a survey of a sometimes neglected portion
of the biblical canon, with special attention to the books of Proverbs,
Ecclesiastes, and Job. We will examine the setting and development of wisdom
traditions within Israelite society, their impact upon the New Testament, and
their contributions to biblical theology.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have
demonstrated (1) a fundamental knowledge of the literary forms and thematic
content of the books of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes; (2) an acquaintance
with a range of issues pertaining to the historical and social location of the
wisdom literature within Israel and its ancient Middle Eastern context; (3) an
ability to trace the "trajectories" of Old Testament wisdom through selected
examples of intertestamental literature and the New Testament; (4) an ability
to reflect upon and evaluate the unique theological issues raised by this
literature 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: The wisdom literature offers us unique resources for
coping with life: for everyday life, practical observations about cultivating
virtues and avoiding the calamities of the "broad way"; and for life "at the
edges," sharp, honest searching about innocent suffering and "the meaning of it
all." The wisdom traditions also offer bridges: from their varied expressions
throughout the Old Testament, we will trace them through the intertestamental
period and into the service of the preaching and teaching of the church.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet for two hours twice each week; one session
will be devoted primarily to lecture, and the other to translation and
exegetical discussion.
REQUIRED READING: