COS 421
Bible IV
Dr. Rodney K. Duke
DAY 2
Assign: (see handout)
1) (Daily) Write in a journal entry
2) #5 Analyze Pro 26:22 and 17:22
3) #6 Form psalm pairs
4) #7 Learn about the Israelite priesthood and *cultic symbol
system (sent as Duke_Priests.pdf)
5) Review for discussion: Section B. #5
[*“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?
Process of
Communication:
Three Images
Addresser
Rhetorical intent
Rhetorical strategy/“rules”
“Picture”
(world of)
Medium
focus on
text itself
“Mirror”
(world in front)
Reflects what
reader brings
Literary features
Form
Content
Reading strategy/ “rules”
Rhetorical impact
Addressee
“Window” (world
behind) Embeds
some authorial
intention
Referent
Class Discussion on Wisdom Literature
A. 3. 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. 4.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Obj.: Become acquainted with a second form of biblical
wisdom literature: Job
(T) Job is often characterized as “patient.” Do you think he
was patient?
(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?
(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?)
(W) What do you learn about God and suffering from Job?
(T) What do learn about “the Satan” (= “the adversary”)?
(HW #1) “Subtypes”
• 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 #2) Proverbs 20:1-15 (1 of 3)
1 a: two images (metaphors & personification)
b: complements by giving a conclusion/teaching explicitly
2 a: simile (could stand alone)
b: explains simile by drawing out consequence of the relation
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: qualifies ("but") 'a'
(HW # 2) Proverbs 20:1-15 (2 of 3)
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
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'
(HW #2) Proverbs 20:1-15 (3 of 3)
11 b: builds on 'a,' expands on the last element ("stair step" pattern)
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 good to eat
too much honey
What is
similar?
Not honorable
to seek honor
result
result
(Images
evoked)
Get sick!
Disgusting
Discuss Wisdom Literature
A.5. 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. 5 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?
Results of A 5.
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.
Jar used to store
written documents
Excursus: BIBLICAL INSPIRATION*
Nature of Inspiration:
Does the literature in the Bible carry out God’s
communicative purposes?
NOTE: Maybe not our 21st century expectations of being
able to determine the authorship, date of writing, unity
of writing, etc.) (For modern people “author” =
“authority”.)
Question:
Could God work through the community of faith over
several generations to preserve, shape,
and edit the biblical text AND it still be
inspired for God’s communicative
purposes?
*See slides, Reliability and Modern Assumptions.pptx
Differences between Oral and Writing Cultures
Oral Culture
•Authority based on
spoken (memorized)
words of teacher/tradent
•Based on communal
knowledge
•Words are dynamic,
visual and dramatic
•Performance oriented
•Fluidity to respond to
audience and situation
•Communal
interpretations
Writing Culture
•Text as authority/orthodox
•Text as unchanging artifact
•Teaching is static
•Rule oriented
•Individual interpretations
#A. 6. 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. 7. 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?
A. 7 How Does the World of Proverbial Wisdom Work?
What kind of world do the sages of Proverbs envision? Does it
operate simplistically and mechanically? Is the world complex?
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. 8. 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. 8. Key to Israelite Wisdom
“FEAR OF YAHWEH”
2 Major Components:
1) Emotional: awe
2) Action: obedience
= Proper relationship
(HW #4) Genesis 1
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?
Photograph from Hubble Telescope
Genesis 1
“Spirit of God”
Darkness
Watery Deep
Formless
Earth
Days of Creation
Day 1 -------------------darkness/light
separates
Day 2 -----------------------waters
separates
Day 3 ---------------------- “earth”
separates
Day 7 ----- rests
Day 4
fills
Day 5
fills
Day 6
fills
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
Form and Function of Genesis 1: Observations/Conclusions
1.
(General) Hebrew ‘historical narrative’ combines:
#historiography (“Something like this happened…”),
#“science” (Rational explanation of cosmology from a
phenomenological perspective (common observation),
theology (The character and involvement of God), and
aesthetics (Well composed “poetically”).
#Early biblical interpreters: God “accommodated” Himself by
using common language/concepts to communicate.
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.
Duke: World Picture vs. World View
World Pictures:
• Phenomenological perspectives based on current
“scientia” (knowledge)
• Changes with cultures
• Changes through time as knowledge grows
World Views:
• Address the basic philosophical questions of life
(origins, dimensions of reality, purpose, values, etc.)
• May be expressed through different world pictures
• May abide through time and cultural changes
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. 9. 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?
ADDRESSING BACKGROUNDED ASSUMPTIONS
What do we mean by “reliable”?
What is the personal response to that
which is reliable?
IF SCRIPTURE IS “RELIABLE,”
WHAT IS IT RELIABLE FOR?
2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17
14
But as for you, continue in what you have
learned and have become convinced of,
because you know those from whom you
learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have
known the holy Scriptures, which are able
[Duke: “empowering”] to make you wise for
salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All
Scripture is God-breathed [Duke: or “God
breathing”] and is useful for teaching,
rebuking, correcting and training in
righteousness, 17 so that the person of God
may be thoroughly equipped for every good
work.
Red =
purpose
statements
POSSIBLE “MODERN” ASSUMPTION
•To be reliable, it (e.g. Book of Isaiah) must be
written by one person from the first word to the last!
Why? The evidence is that much of the Bible is
communal literature that was passed down in both
oral and written forms and was shaped by the
community of faith for generations.
POSSIBLE “MODERN” ASSUMPTION
•We will find systematic, propositional truths
about God! (E.g. God is omnipotent,
omnibenevolent, omnipresent, etc.)
Why? Psalmists, prophets, and others move
from relational experiences with God to
general conclusions about nature of God (top
down), not from placing abstract definitions
onto God (bottom up).
Poles of Communication
Emotive
Addresser
|
Means------------------------|---------------------Referent
Poetic
Referential
|
Addressee
Conative (persuasive)
“Modern” readers tend to want to limit truth and meaning to
scientific referential statements. What about: “If your eye
causes you to sin, pluck it out?” Is that referential? Does it
have meaning? What poles are emphasized? What is its
function?
POSSIBLE “MODERN” ASSUMPTION
•Biblical teaching will be logically consistent!
Yes, but, consistent to the purposes of the Scripture!
Proverbs 26:4,5:
4) Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you
will be like him yourself.
5) Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be
wise in his own eyes.
POSSIBLE “MODERN” ASSUMPTION
•All biblical narratives/stories must be historically
accurate in all aspects to be true!
Why? Even our culture does not make an
absolute separation between history and fiction.
We have a range of literature with “blends”:
fables, parables, legends, tall tales, dramatic
enactments, historical fiction, fictional history.