DESCRIPTION: A study of Lamentations in the Hebrew text. Portions will be selected to study in class, while students will reinforce their study with the help of commentaries. The parts of the book not studied in Hebrew will be exegeted from the English text (NRSV), so that the whole book is covered. Attention will be paid to exegesis, structure, form, setting, and canonical value.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course has five objectives. First, for students to apply their earlier language learning to specific texts. Second, to develop ability in interpreting Old Testament texts. Third, to understand the historical and cultural situations in which Lamentations was written. Fourth, to understand the literary features of the book. Fifth, to use Lamentations in their ministry.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The book of Lamentations, along with the book of Job, is a biblical reaction to human suffering. Although set in an alien culture, it has lessons to teach us about coping with grief and moving onward.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions for teaching and discussion.

REQUIRED READING:

Berlin, A. Lamentations. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2002.

Elliger, K. and Rudolph, W. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1983.

Hillers, D. R. Lamentations. Revised edition. Anchor Bible. New York: Doubleday, 1992.

Westermann, C. Lamentations: Issues and Interpretation. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 1994.

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

Albrektson, B. Studies in the Text and Theology of the Book of Lamentations. Lund: Gleerup, 1963.

Childs, B. S. Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 1979.

Garrett, D., and P. R. House, Song of Songs, Lamentations. Nashville: Nelson, 2004.

Linafelt, T. Surviving Lamentations. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000.

O'Connor, K. M. Lamentations and the Tears of the World. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2002.

Provan, I. Lamentations. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991.