COS 411 Hebrew Bible II

Dr. Rodney K. Duke

DAY 2Assign: (see handout) 1) (Daily) Write in a journal entry 2) #5 Analyze Pro 26:22 or 17:22 3) #6 Form psalm pairs 4) #7 Learn about the Israelite priesthood and *cultic symbol system 5) Review for discussion: Section B. #4 [*“cult” = tangible expression/practice of religious beliefs]

Day Objectives: (Finish Wisdom Lit and Intro Hymnic Lit.)1) Describe the nature of wisdom lit. and how proverbs apply.2) Describe the Israelite world-view and how it relates to wisdom.3) Describe how psalms functioned in the Temple setting.4) Define “cult” and identify Israelite cultic elements.

JOURNAL THOUGHTS & OBSERVATIONS

Homework problems?

Class Discussion on Wisdom Literature

A. 2. Obj.: Become acquainted with one form of biblical wisdom

literature.Read: Ecclesiastes.a) (T) A key motif in this book is, “under the sun.” What does that

mean? (Remember that the Israelites conveyed God’s sovereignty by speaking about Him as enthroned above the heavens/the sun.)

b) (W) Write out a brief response to this book. (Develop any one observation, question, reaction, or comment you have about this text. Do not retell the content.)

Class Discussion on Wisdom Literature

A. 3. Obj.: Become acquainted with a second form of biblical wisdom literature: Job

a) (T) Job is often characterized as “patient.” Do you think he was patient?

b) (T) People, particularly in the church, give all sorts of “pat answers” about the reason for suffering and how to handle suffering. What are some of those “pat answers”? How are they like the some of the responses of Job’s friends?

c) (W) You, as the reader, learn in 1:1-12 why Job is suffering. He questions his sufferings and challenges God. How would you describe God’s speeches and Job’s response(ch 38-42)? (Are Job’s questions answered? Is he satisfied?)

d) (W) What do you learn about God and suffering from Job?e) (T) What do you learn about “the Satan” (= “the adversary”)?

• Pro 1:20-33 Extended Wisdom Poems

• Pro 10:1-5 mashalim, “proverbs”

• Pro 22:17-23 Sayings of the Wise

• Pro 30:15-16, 18-19, 21-23 Numerical Sayings

(HW #1) “Subtypes”

2 a: simile (could stand alone) b: explains simile by drawing out consequence of the relation

(HW #2) Proverbs 20:1-15 (1 of 3)

1 a: two images (metaphors & personification)

3 b ("but") stands in contrast to 'a' note ellipsis:[wise person] honor avoid strife fool [shame] quick to quarrel

4 a: cause b: effect/result ("so")

5 a: metaphor (could stand alone)

b: complements by giving a conclusion/teaching explicitly

b: qualifies ("but") 'a'

6 a: makes a claim (could stand alone) b: qualifies/contradicts ("but")

7 a: makes a statement of principle/definition b: gives a result, making 'a' a cause

(HW # 2) Proverbs 20:1-15 (2 of 3)

8 a: begins temporal sequence "when” b: gives following event (then)

9 a: raises a theological question using imagery b: continues/clarifies 'a' further, more explicit note 'ballast': "Who can say" implied in line b

10 a: object of verb given first (emphasis) b: gives subject and verb = evaluation of 'a'

11 b: builds on 'a,' expands on the last element ("stair step" pattern)

(HW #2) Proverbs 20:1-15 (3 of 3)

12 a: object of verb given first (emphasis) b: gives subject and verb = evaluation of 'a'

13 a: states point in negative form b: “synonymous” to 'a' by stating point in positive form

14 a: presents an illustration from life (market place) b: in sequence to 'a,' serves as commentary on market tactics

15 b: stands in contrast to 'a' a: seems to be an exaggeration until contrasted to 'b’ (serves as "hook")

(HW #3) Like one who seizes a dog by the ears,is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own.

Proverbs 26:17

What is similar?

(HW #3) Proverbs 13:14

The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,turning a person from the snares of death.

Relationship between lines: cause and effect?

1st line: uses metaphor

2nd line: graphic image of hunting

(HW #3) Proverbs 25:27(comparison implied)

Not honorable to seek honor

What is similar?Not good to eat

too much honey

result result

Get sick! Disgusting

(Images evoked)

Discuss Wisdom Literature

A.4. Obj.: Uncover some aspects of the historical context of wisdom literature (composer, transmitter, collector).

a) (N) List some non-biblical proverbs. b) (W) Reflect on: settings of the origins? How passed on? Why

collected? c) Speculate on how the biblical proverbs originated. Verses to

guide your thinking: Read: Group 1: 24:30-34; 25:2; 30:24-28. Read: Group 2: 10:2,16; 11:4; 12:28; 14:31; 16:2,9; 19:21. (N) What differences do you notice between these two groups

regarding their sources/origins?

Proverbs 24:30-34 (NIV)

30 I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; 31 thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. 32 I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: 33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-- 34 and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.

#A. 4 cont.

Read: Pro 1:1; 10:1; 22:17; 24:23; 25:1; 30:1; 31:1. (N) What is the function these verses have in common? (W) What do you learn about the preservation and transmission of

proverbs in these verses? What do you learn about the history of the composition of the Book of Proverbs?

Main points:

a) Our proverbs: often based on experience, observation.

b) Biblical: based on 1) experience, and 2) faith perspective.

c) Collected by kings (sages were connected with court).

Titles do not really show authorship. Solomon is not the author of all of the proverbs, but the archetypal wise person.

d) Proverbs is a collection of collections.

Results of A 5.

Jar used to store written documents

#A.5. Discover How Proverbial Wisdom is to be Applied

Prov. 26:4

Do not answer a fool according to his folly,or you will be like him yourself.

Prov. 26:5

Answer a fool according to his folly,or he will be wise in his own eyes.

Which proverb should the wise person follow?

Most proverbs (except theological ones) are generally applicable (across time and place) but are not absolutely applicable in every time and place.

**The wise person knows what proverb applies in a given situation.

A.6. Obj.: Characterize the world-view behind Proverbs. Read: Pro 1:18-19; 2:7-8; 10:27; 12:21; 13:21.a) (T) What kind of assumptions or perspective about how the

world operates seems to lie behind these passages?

Now read: Pro 11:16b; 13:23; 15:16; 16:8.a) (T) How might these texts cause you to revise your first

impression?b) (W) Because the books of Job and Ecclesiastes reflect on the

presence of evil, suffering, and disorder in the world; they have often been viewed as containing a "higher" order of wisdom than Proverbs. Proverbs is often characterized as simplistic, traditional wisdom, in which the good and the bad get their just rewards in a mechanistic way. Discuss whether or not this characterization of Proverbs correct.

c) (T) How does your worldview compare or contrast to that of Proverbs?

What kind of world do the sages of Proverbs envision? Does it operate simplistically and mechanically? Is the world complex?

A. 6 How Does the World of Proverbial Wisdom Work?

Main point: Most books on Proverbs say that this form of wisdom is very simple-minded. It thought the world operated mechanistically. This is a false impression created by the literary nature of proverbs: their use of stereotypes and stark contrast to make a principle clear. There is evidence within Proverbs that the world does not work so smoothly: It is better to be poor and righteous, than wealthy and wicked, etc.

A.7. Key to Israelite Wisdom

7. Obj.: Identify the Israelite "key" to living wisely. (If you were an ancient Israelite, what would you need first to "do" to become wise?)

Read: Pro 1:7a; 9:10-12; 15:33; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Job 28:28; Psalm 111:10.

a) (W) How would you define/explain the Israelite key to wisdom?(For more insight into the above concept, you might want to check:

Deuteronomy 6:24; Psalm 130:4; Isaiah 11:2-3; Acts 10:35; Philippians 2:12; Hebrews 12:28-29.)

A.7. Key to Israelite Wisdom

“FEAR OF YAHWEH”

2 Major Components:

1) Emotional: awe= Proper relationship

2) Action: obedience

Read Gen 1:1-2:3.

Describe the literary form of this section. (What type/style of writing is this? How is it structured?)

Describe your impression of the created world after reading this text.

What does "good" mean here?

(HW #4) Genesis 1

Photograph from Hubble Telescope

Genesis 1

Darkness

Watery Deep

Formless Earth

“Spirit of God”

Days of Creation

Day 1 -------------------darkness/light separates

Day 4fills

Day 2 -----------------------watersseparates

Day 5fills

Day 3 ---------------------- “earth” separates

Day 6fills

Day 7 ----- rests

One Egyptian Cosmology

Sky-goddess Nut, arched as the heavens, supported by the air-god Shu; at his feet the earth-god Geb.

Biblical Cosmology

1. (General) Hebrew ‘historical narrative’ combines: historiography (“This must have happened…”),

“science” (Rational explanation of cosmology from a phenomenological perspective), theology (The character and involvement of God), and aesthetics (Well composed “poetically”).

2. (Specific) *God has created an orderly world (nature, moral, etc.). Note how both the form and

content of Genesis 1 work together to create the impact the God has created an ORDERLY world.

*This teaching is the main theological presupposition of Israelite wisdom.

Review: Form and Function of Genesis 1

Observations/Conclusions

ISRAELITE WISDOM LITERATURE (1 of 2)

Definition of Hebrew term hochmah (wisdom): skillful living

I. Premise: Yahweh has created an orderly world. (Gen 1) A. Ultimate source of wisdom: Yahweh; therefore, "fear the LORD" (awe and obedience, a relational expression) B. Avenues to wisdom:

1. Reflection on experience, the observations of order (See Proverbs 24:30-34)

2. Reflection on the nature of God (revelation)

ISRAELITE WISDOM LITERATURE (2 of 2)

II. The fruit of wisdom is life. (Prov 3:18; 8:35; 14:27) A. 'Life' and 'death' are not used in an absolute sense. [Proverbs often appear to be simplistic, due to use of

opposites, but are not. ] B. 'Life' and 'death' are dynamic processes. A person is on the

path of 'life' or the path of 'death'.

C. 'Life' generally emphasizes "abundant life" rather than "eternal life;" however,

D. Wisdom presses the bounds of Israelite theology towards a concept of an afterlife. (Pro 12:28; Psalm 73)

Proverbs 12:28

In the path of righteousness is life,But the way of error leads to death. (RSV)

In the path of righteousness is life,in walking its path there is no death. (NRSV)

Value of Wisdom Literature for the Church Today

A. 8. Obj.: Reflect on the value of the wisdom literature for Christian faith and practice.

(W) Based on the above assignments regarding wisdom literature, explain, as if speaking to a member of your congregation, why it is valuable for Christians to read and study the Old Testament wisdom.

Introduction to Hymnic Lit.

If a “pocket” New Testament includes just one book from the Old Testament, which book is usually included?

Why this book?

How would you describe the “book” of Psalms?

(B.1.d) What has Psalms meant to you? / What role should it have in the life of the Church?

Introduction

Where does one find finer words of joy than in the psalms of praise and thanksgiving? There you look into the hearts of all saints, as into fair and pleasant gardens, yes, as into heaven itself. There you see what fine and pleasant flowers of the heart spring up from all sorts of fair and happy thoughts toward God, because of his blessings.

Martin Luther on the Book of Psalms:

On the other hand, where do you find deeper, more sorrowful, more pitiful words of sadness than in the psalms of lamentation? There again you look into the hearts of all the saints, as into death, yes, as into hell itself. How gloomy and dark it is there, with all kinds of troubled forebodings about the wrath of God! So, too, when they speak of fear and hope, they use such words that no painter could so depict for you fear or hope, and no Cicero or other orator so portray them.

Luther cont.

And that they speak these words to God and with God, this, I repeat, is the best thing of all. This gives the words double earnestness and life…. Hence it is that the Psalter is the book of all saints; and everyone, in whatever situation he may be, finds in that situation psalms and words that fit his case, that suit him as if they were put there just for his sake, so that he could not put it better himself, or find or wish for anything better.

Luther cont.

Luther’s Works, vol. 35: Word and Sacrament I (Fortress, 1960), pp. 255f. Taken from P. Miller, Interpreting the Psalms (Fortress, 1986), pp. 19f.

Hymnic Literature

(How to do #6)

H. Gunkel

#6. Obj.: Discover the formal element of different kinds of psalms.Compare and contrast Psalms 33, 34, 74, 79, 113, and 116.

(Consider: rhetorical intention; addressee; themes; mood and mood shifts; whether the speaker is reflecting on the past, present, or future; etc.)

a) (N) Match up the psalms which are most alike, forming three sets of pairs.

b) (N) What are the elements which are similar between the two psalms in each of your pairings?

c) (N) What elements distinguish each set from the other sets of your pairs?

Define “Cult”/“Cultic”

Any tangible expressions of religion (rituals, gestures, places, objects, personnel, seasons, etc.)

Today Ancient Israel

Rituals

Gestures

Places

Objects

Personnel

Seasons

How to Read the Book of Psalms?

Psalms are NOT simply poems or songs.

They were functional songs: “cultic” expressions of faith – part of various religious rituals in specific settings for specific purposes.

Setting of transmission and employment

1. Whatever the origin of the Psalms, they seem to have been used in the Temple worship.

2. The Psalms as we have them have been made very generic: enemies, illnesses, threats, occasions of joy, etc. are stated in general terms.

3. As a result the Psalms have become applicable to all people.

Overview