The Prophecy of Jeremiah in its final form is a complex literary work of some 52 chapters, with significant differences between the two principal witnesses to the text (the masoretic and septuagint versions). This unit will offer a general overview of the Book of Jeremiah with particular emphasis on the call narrative, the oracles in chapters 1-6, the Temple sermon in chapters 7 and 26, the confessions of Jeremiah, and the narrative of the fall of Jerusalem in chapters 37–44, 52. The unit will also consider some of the specialised issues of prophecy in the Book of Jeremiah: true and false prophecy, prophetic signs, the prophet as intercessor, and prophetic charisma. The aim is a general understanding of the book’s structure and themes, and a more focused knowledge of significant texts.

Prerequisites:
BS101 and BS102, and two Biblical Studies units at second level

Requirements:
three hours per week

Assessment:

• one 1,000 word seminar paper - 30%
• one 2,500 word essay - 50%
• one 1 hour written examination - 20%

Bibliography:

• Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Sage, Priest, Prophet: Religious and Intellectual Leadership in Ancient Israel. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 1995.
• Brueggemann, Walter. The Theology of the Book of Jeremiah. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007.
• Carroll, Robert, P. Jeremiah: A Commentary. London: SCM, 1986.
• Clements, Ronald E. Jeremiah. Atlanta: John Knox, 1988.
• Holladay, William. L. Jeremiah 1 and Jeremiah 2. Edited by Paul D. Hanson. Hermeneia. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1986, 1989.
• Jones, Douglas R. Jeremiah: Based on the Revised Standard Version. New Century Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1992.
• Lundbom, Jack R. Jeremiah 1–20; Jeremiah 21–36; Jeremiah 37–52. Anchor Bible, vols 21–21B. New York: Doubleday, 1998–2004.
• McKane, William. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on Jeremiah. 2 vols. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1986–96.
• Petersen, David L. The Prophetic Literature: An Introduction. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2002.