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. Each week a session will be devoted
to the translation and careful exegetical examination of a representative
passage.
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: