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.

This course is designed to provide students with the following:

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.

Brown, Francis, S. R. Driver, and C. A. Briggs, eds. A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1979.

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

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

Selected articles.

Blenkinsopp, J. A History of Prophecy in Israel.² Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1996.

Brueggemann, W. A Commentary on Jeremiah: Exile and Homecoming. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.

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

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

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.

LG502.

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

No.