The Development of Wisdom Literature
| Theme: | (Exploring) Scriptures and Exegesis//Hebrew Bible |
| ECTS: | 5 |
| Module Code: | JS5 |
| Contact Hours | 22 |
| Mode of Delivery | 16 lectures and 6 seminars |
| Lecturer: | To be appointed (Scriptural Studies) |
Module Description:
This module is concerned to provide a detailed synopsis of sapiential expressions found in the biblical tradition through to the transformation of wisdom in the Hellenistic period. Beginning in the Ancient Near East the book of Proverbs will be discussed in reference to Egyptian wisdom before considering the poetic expressions of the Psalms, Lamentations, and Ecclesiastes. The book of Job and questions about theodicy and the political context out of which it was written will also be addressed. Wisdom in the Hellenistic Period, particularly the Wisdom of Solomon and Sirach (Ben Sira), is given attention before turning to previously unknown sapiential works discovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls that have challenged scholars to revisit perceptions of ancient ‘wisdom’ . It will also consider later Christian theology’s response to Israel’s Wisdom tradition.
Indicative Bibliography:
Collins, J.J., Jewish Wisdom in the Hellenistic Age (London: T&T Clark, 1998).
Goff, M.J., Discerning Wisdom: The Sapiential Literature of the Dead Sea Scrolls (VTS 116; Leiden: Brill, 2006).
Murphy, R.E., The Tree of Life: An Exploration of Biblical Wisdom Literature, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002).
Perdue, L., The Sword and the Stylus: An Introduction to Wisdom Literature in the Age of Empires (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2008).
Crenshaw, J. L., Old Testament Wisdom: An Introduction (Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1981).
Habel, N. C,. The Book of Job: A Commentary. (Westminster: John Knox Press, 1985).
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
- Discuss the complexities of defining the literary genre ‘sapiential’ or ‘wisdom.’
- Distinguish crucial differences between expressions and constructions of wisdom in the Ancient Near East and in the Hellenistic Period.
- Identify unique characteristics of different documents while suggesting commonalities that allow for a common grouping.
- Appreciate how wisdom themes have exerted influence on writings found in the New Testament.
- Situate sapiential documents within their probable historical and social contexts.
Methods of Assessment and Student Workload:
Annual examination and essay.