Details for Wisdom Literature

This paper examines the wisdom literature of the OT by redefining ‘wisdom’ itself in the light of the scribal, cultic and cultural practices of Israel and its ‘neighbours,’ but also in the light of the more formal qualities of the texts themselves 

Awards offering Wisdom Literature

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

• Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry
• Diploma in Biblical Studies (Level 6)

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This paper examines the wisdom literature of the OT by redefining ‘wisdom’ itself in the light of the scribal, cultic and cultural practices of Israel and its ‘neighbours,’ but also in the light of the more formal qualities of the texts themselves.

Outcomes

Students should be able to:

1. analyse and critique recent hypotheses on the nature of Israel’s wisdom
2. identify and examine the genres, structures, themes and ideologies of the books studied
3. demonstrate critical engagement with both the primary biblical materials and secondary literature from a range of perspectives
4. exegete critically passages from wisdom literature, which will evidence comparative and close readings of texts
5. explain the literary and social context of ‘wisdom’ 

Subject Content

1. Wisdom in the Hebrew Bible, Apocrypha and ANE
2. Wisdom Psalms
3. Proverbs
4. Job
5. Ecclesiastes
6. Exegesis of selected passages

This course may be offered in the following formats

Lectures, tutorials, group discussion, online engagement

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis College.

Assessment Methods

Major thematical essay (50%, 2500 words); Exegetical Essay (30%, 1500 words); Exam (20%, 1 hour)

Prescribed Text

Murphy, Roland E. Tree of Life: An Exploration of Biblical Wisdom Literature, 3rd Ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002.

Representative References

Bergant, D. Israel’s Wisdom Literature: A Liberation-Critical Reading. Philadelphia: Fortress, 2000.

Clifford, Richard J. Wisdom Literature in Mesopotamia and Israel. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2007.

Crenshaw, J. L. Old Testament Wisdom: An Introduction. Atlanta: John Knox, 1981.

Estes, Daniel J.  Handbook on the Wisdom Books and Psalms.  Grand Rapids:  Baker Academic, 2005.

Fox, M.V. “The Epistemology of the Book of Proverbs.” Journal of Biblical Literature 126:4 (2007): 669-684.

Fox, M.V. Qohelet and his Contradictions. Sheffield: Almond Press, 1989.

Hunter, A. Wisdom Literature.  London:  SCM Press, 2006.

Lenzi, A. “Proverbs 8:22-31: Three Perspectives On Its Composition.” Journal of Biblical Literature 125(4) (2006): 687-714.

Longman III, T.  How to Read Proverbs. Downers Grove: IVP, 2002.

Lucas, Ernest, C. Exploring the Old Testament:  A Guide to the Psalms & Wisdom Literature – Volume 3.  Downers Grove:  InterVarsity Press, 2003.

Murphy, R.E. The Tree of Life: An Exploration of Biblical Wisdom Literature. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002.

Perdue, L.L. Wisdom and Creation:  The Theology of Wisdom Literature.  Eugene, OR:  Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2009.

__________  Wisdom Literature: A Theological History, Louisville: Westminster/John Knox Press, 2007.

Waltke, B. The Book of Proverbs: Chapters 1-15, NICOT, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2004.

Journals:

Currents in Biblical Research

Journal for the Study of Old Testament

Journal of Biblical Literature

                      Interpretation