the cultural world of the old testament · 2019. 6. 4. · papyrus leiden: theban cosmogony cos...

The Cultural World of the Old Testament

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OT 760 Readings in Old Testament

The Cultural World of the Old Testament Course Description:

This course is an introduction to the cultural, intellectual, and religious world of the ancient Near East that forms the background to the Old Testament. Students will become acquainted with the ancient world through primary texts and academic articles that model how to fruitfully engage the literature of ancient civilizations. Students will also study select cultural artifacts that highlight how material culture can serve as a powerful shaper and communicator of worldview.

The objective of this course is that students will become better readers and interpreters of the Old Testament, able to clearly articulate its distinctive theological message in the ancient world, as well as in our own present day context of ministry and missions.

Meeting Times:

5:00-7:00 pm on September 22, October 20, December 8

Books:

1. The Epic of Gilgamesh, translated by Benjamin R. Foster; Norton critical edition, 2001. ISBN# 978-0393975161

2. John H. Walton, Ancient Israelite Literature in its Cultural Context; Zondervan, 1994. ISBN# 978-0310365914

Reference Works (available also through DTL ):

3. The Context of Scripture: Canonical Compositions from the Biblical World, 4 vols; William W. Hallo & K. Lawson Younger, Jr. eds.; Brill, 1997. (COS)

4. Civilizations of the Ancient Near East, 4 vols.; Jack M. Sasson, ed; Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1995. (CANE) 5. Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament; James B. Pritchard, ed.; Princeton University Press, 1969. (ANET)

Highly Recommended:

Archaeological Study Bible: An Illustrated Walk through Biblical History and Culture, Walter C. Kaiser, Jr. and Duane Garrett, eds.; Zondervan, 2006.


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Course Grade: Response Papers (50%) Write 3 thoughtful, well-reasoned response papers on one of the topics provided at the end of each unit. The papers should both compare and contrast biblical and ancient near eastern worldviews, highlighting how knowledge of the cultural background illuminates the message of the Old Testament.

Papers must have a thesis that is supported by evidence and ample citations from the Bible and ANE readings. Approximately 1500 words. Due Sept. 22, Oct. 20, Dec. 8. Journal (50%) Keep a journal of your interaction with the readings, including your questions, observations, impressions, and biblical connections suggested by the material. Your final journal entry should be a response to Peter Machinist’s article (p.8) that answers the question: Having surveyed the cultural landscape of the ancient Near East, how would you articulate the distinctiveness of Israel as God’s people among the nations? What implications do you see for today? Due Dec. 21. 1. Origins and Epics The most widely-circulated ancient literature on the gods, conceptions of the created order, and humanity’s place in the world. Read in conversation with Genesis 1-11, Deuteronomy 6:4, Psalm 104.

John Walton, “History and Methods.” (15-28)

Angel Manuel Rodríguez, “Ancient Near Eastern Parallels to the Bible and the Question of Revelation and Inspiration,” JATS 12 (2001): 43-64. Egyptian Creation Myths Papyrus Leiden: Theban Cosmogony COS 1.16 (23-26) The Repulsing of the Dragon and Creation ANET 6-7 John L. Foster, “The Hymn to Aten” CANE III: 1751-1761. Mesopotamian Creation Myths

Enuma Elish COS 1.111 (391- 402) Atra-hasis COS 1.130 (450- 452) Brent A. Strawn, “The Image of God: Comparing the Old Testament with other Ancient Near Eastern Cultures.” (63-75)


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Epics Ugaritic Baal Cycle (97-152) [Sakai]

Richard Averbeck, “Ancient Near Eastern Mythography as It Relates to Historio- graphy in the Hebrew Bible: Genesis 3 and the Cosmic Battle.” (328-356)

The Epic of Gilgamesh (Foster); Read introduction and tablets I-XI. Adapa COS 1.129 (449- 450) Summary: Walton, “Cosmology,” 19-42. Choose one: 1. Richard Middleton, “Genesis 1-11 as Ideology Critique” in The Liberating Image; Brazos Press, 2005; 185-231. 2. Joshua Berman, Created Equal: How the Bible Broke with Ancient Political Thought; Oxford University Press, 2008; 18-43. 3. Harvard Semitic Museum lecture on Gilgamesh by Andrew George: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd7MrGy_tEg Essay 1: Myths of origin reveal much about a people’s conception of the world and their place in it. Both Egyptian and Mesopotamian creation stories function to ascribe eminence to a particular city and its patron god. Highlight some of the most important similarities and differences between creation narratives of the ancient Near East and the Bible, answering: What is the nature and character of the creator gods vis-à-vis the Creator in Genesis? What is the purpose of creation, and especially, what is the role and value of humanity in the worldview of each?

- or - Mesopotamian and West Semitic religion has a cycle of myths about the establishment of kingship among the gods by bringing order out of chaos and achieving victory over death. Are there any elements of a shared worldview in Israel? Reflect on the aspect of violence in these myths— when comparing them with the biblical account of creation, do you see cultural accommodation, polemic, or no influence at all? According to the Bible, what is the theological basis for the origin of violence in the world?


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Meeting September 22: Topics of discussion will include the use of ancient near eastern backgrounds to illuminate Scripture (“How to read ANE Literature for all its Worth”), image of God, and Gilgamesh and the meaning of life. Cultural Artifacts: Warka Vase, Mesopotamian cities 2. Religion A sampling of religious thought and practice in the ancient Near East. The readings will inform your understanding of Old Testament poetic genres (Psalms, Job, and Lamentations), prophetic indictments of religious syncretism, and the temptation Israel faced to conform to the world of its time. Above all, they will highlight the uniqueness of the Old Testament’s countercultural faith in one God. Egyptian Religion J.F. Borghouts, “Witchcraft, Magic, and Divination in Ancient Egypt,” CANE III: 1775-1785. Leonard H. Lesko, “Death and the Afterlife in Ancient Egyptian Thought,” CANE III: 1763-1774. Weighing of the Heart (#30 Book of the Dead) [Sakai] Negative Confession (#125 Book of the Dead) COS 2.12 (59-63) [Sakai] Pyramid Texts COS 2.8 (55-57) Mesopotamian Religion Inanna’s Descent to the Netherworld [Sakai] (read introduction to Ishtar’s Descent, COS 1.108)

Lament for Tammuz COS 1.118 (419-420)

Daniel Snell, “Gods and People.” (95-102) Mesopotamian Omens COS 1.120 (421-426) Syria-Palestine Ketef Hinnom Amulets [Sakai] Jeremy D. Smoak, “Words Unseen,” BAR 44 (2018): 52-59. John Monson, “The New ’Ain Dara Temple: Closest Solomonic Parallel,” BAR 26 (2000): 20–24, 27–30, 33–35.


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Temple Ritual Opening of the Mouth Ritual COS 4.32B (140-143) Daily Ritual of the Temple of Amun-Re COS 1.34 (55-57) Prayers and Lamentations Babylonian Theodicy COS 1.154 (492-495) Prayers of King Mursili II 8-14 COS 1.60 (156-160) (read in conversation with 1 Chronicles 21) Lamentation over the Destruction of Ur COS 1.166 (535-538) William W. Hallo, “Lamentations and Prayers in Sumer and Akkad,” CANE III: 1871-1881. 3. Treaties and Law Codes The cultural and legal background to ancient Israelite covenants and law. Read in conversation with Genesis 15, Exodus 20-23, Book of Deuteronomy, Jeremiah 34:8-21, et al. Treaty of Mursili & Duppi-Teshub COS 2.17B (96-98) (note treaty formulation)

Weinfeld, “Covenant Terminology in the ANE and its Influence on the West” JAOS 93 (1973): 190-199. Treaty of Assur-nirari V & Mati’ilu COS 4.34 (149-152) (note substitution rite; blood covenant) Egyptian - Hittite ‘Treaty of Qadesh’ (Beckman 90-95)

Letter 22D from Ramses II to Kupanta-Kurunta (Beckman 124-125) Letter 22G from Ramses II to Hatusili III (Beckman 131-132) Esarhaddon’s Succession Treaty COS 4.36 (155-166) William Moran, “The Ancient Near Eastern Background of the Love of God in Deuteronomy,” CBQ 25 (1963): 77-87. Hammurabi COS 2.131 (335-353; including prologue and epilogue)

Kathryn E. Slanski, “The Law of Hammurabi and its Audience,” YJLH 24 (2013): 97- 110. E.A. Speiser, “Cuneiform Law and the History of Civilization” APS (1963): 536-541.


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Summary: Walton, “Covenants and Treaties,” 95-107; “Legal Texts,” 69-92. Choose one: 1. Gay Robbins, “Cult Statues in Ancient Egypt” in Cult Image and Divine Representation in the Ancient Near East; ASOR, 2005; 1-12. 2. Michael B. Dick, “The Mesopotamian Cult Statue: A Sacramental Encounter with Divinity,” in Cult Image and Divine Representation; 43-67. 3. Meredith G. Kline, “The Two Tables of the Covenant” and “Dynastic Covenant” in The Structure of Biblical Authority; Wipf & Stock, 1997; 113-153. Essay 2: Fear of death and the quest for eternal life pervade the religious expression of the peoples of the ancient Near East. Consider the worldviews reflected in Gilgamesh, the Baal/ Tammuz epics, and Egyptian funerary practices. How does the Old Testament address the question and how are the people of God instructed to find life?

- or - In light of the ancient near eastern texts you have read, consider why the closest parallels to biblical covenants are not religious documents but political treaties. What are the implications for Israel’s faith? Interact with the usage of ‘love’ as legal terminology of covenant obligation and discuss covenantal categories— loyalty to the Suzerain, fidelity to the treaty, and peace— in your own understanding of relationship with God. Meeting October 20: Topics of discussion will include religious practice in the world of the ancient Near East and Israel’s challenges and variety of responses to its cultural environment— polemic, critique, accommodation, and assimilation. We will also consider the significance of covenant in light of international treaties, and the distinctives of Israelite law through the example of homicide. Cultural Artifacts: Tell Asmar votives, Egyptian tombs, Esarhaddon’s Succession Treaty.


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4. Kings and their Deeds The role of kingship in the ancient world and practice of historiography as viewed through royal annals. Read in conversation with Deuteronomy 17:14-20, 1-2 Samuel and 1-2 Kings, Isaiah 54 & 60. A.R. Millard, “Story, History, and Theology.” (37-64) Mario Liverani, “Deeds of Ancient Mesopotamian Kings,” CANE IV: 2353-2366. Origins of Kingship Sumerian King List ANET 265-267 Myth of the King’s Creation COS 1.146 (476-477)

Joshua Berman, “Egalitarian Politics.” (51-64) Cylinders of Gudea COS 2.155 (418-433) Rainer Stadelmann, “Builders of the Pyramids,” CANE II: 719-734. Foundation deposits View Egyptian foundation deposit https://www.louvre.fr/en/oeuvre-notices/foundation-deposit-temple-deir-el-bahri

View Sumerian foundation deposit https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2016/05/founding-figures-copper-sculpture-from.html#Lafg0tS3WdWPmiIX.97 Royal Annals Black Obelisk COS 2.113F (269-270) View high resolution photograph for each register as a narrative scene http://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/nimrud/livesofobjects/blackobelisk/index.html

Eckart Frahm, “The Great City: Nineveh in the Age of Sennacherib.” (13-20)

Sennacherib Inscription RINAP 73 (116-117) Sennacherib Inscription RINAP 43 (57-64) Erle Leichty, “Esarhaddon, King of Assyria,” CANE II: 949-958. Esarhaddon Inscription RINAP 1 (11-26) Esarhaddon Inscription RINAP 114 (231-240) Cyrus Cylinder COS 2.124 (314-316) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRMzrzu0wRw


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Regal-Ritual Cities Joan Goodnick Westenholz, “Babylon: Place of Creation of the Great Gods.” (intro & 197-220)

Larry Stager, “Jerusalem as Eden,” BAR 26 (2000): 36-47. Summary: Walton, “Historical Literature,” 111-131.

Peter Machinist, “The Question of Distinctiveness in Ancient Israel.” (420-442) Choose one: 1. Stephanie Dalley, “Ancient Mesopotamian Gardens and the Identification of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon,” Garden History 21 (1993): 1-13. Or, view the PBS special on her book: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/secrets/the-lost-gardens-of-babylon-watch-the-full-episode/1203/ 2. J.M. Russell “Bulls for the Palace and Order in the Empire,” Art Bulletin 69 (1987): 520- 539.

3. Laurie E. Pearce, “The Scribes and Scholars of Ancient Mesopotamia,” CANE IV: 2265- 2278. Essay 3: Compare the account of Cyrus’s resettlement of the peoples exiled under Nebuchadnezzar that is preserved in the Cyrus Cylinder with the accounts embedded in the narratives of Ezra 1:2-4, 6:3-5, and 2 Chronicles 36:23. What is the purpose of each account and how does it reflect perspectives on historiography? Can you identify any rhetorical, political, or ideological aims? What is ‘history’ and how does it relate to theology?

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Consider the deeds of ancient near eastern kings to subjugate enemies, build temples, and found cities of splendor that showcase their glory through enduring monumental construction. How does this cultural background inform your reading of Genesis 1-2? How does the image of God’s kingship as Architect of creation, Cultivator of Eden, and Founder of the regal-ritual city of Jerusalem inform your understanding of the Kingdom of God? Follow this theme into the New Testament.


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Meeting December 7: Topics of discussion will include the practice of historiography in the ancient Near East, theological and political implications of royal annals, and the role of kingship communicated through text and image. Cultural Artifacts: Neo-Assyrian palace reliefs and the ideology of kingship. Resources for Further Study Arnold, Bill and Brent Strawn, eds. The World around the Old Testament: The People and Places of the Ancient Near East. Baker Academic, 2016. Black, Jeremy and Anthony Green. Gods, Demons, and Symbols of Ancient Mesopotamia. University of Texas Press, 1992. Block, Daniel. Gods of the Nations. 2nd ed. Wipf & Stock, 2013. Dalley, Stephanie. Myths from Mesopotamia. Oxford University Press, 2009. ______. The Mystery of the Hanging Garden of Babylon: An Elusive World Wonder Traced. Oxford University Press, 2015. Foster, Benjamin R. Before the Muses: An Anthology of Akkadian Literature. 3rded. CDL Press, 2005. Frankfort, Henri. The Intellectual Adventure of Ancient Man. University of Chicago Press, 1977. ______. Kingship and the Gods. Oriental Institute, 1978. Greengus, Samuel. Laws in the Bible and in Early Rabbinic Collections: The Legal Legacy of the Ancient Near East. Wipf & Stock, 2011. Greenspahn, Frederick, ed. Essential Papers on Israel and the Ancient Near East. New York University Press, 1991. de Hulster, Isaac and Brent A. Strawn. Iconographic Exegesis of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament: An Introduction to Its Theory, Method, and Practice. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2015. Jacobsen, Thorkild. The Treasures of Darkness: A History of Mesopotamian Religion. Yale University Press, 1978. Keel, Othmar. The Symbolism of the Biblical World. Eisenbrauns, 1997. Kline, Meredith. The Structure of Biblical Authority. Wipf & Stock, 1997. Larsen, Mogens Trolle. The Conquest of Assyria: Excavations in an Antique Land. Routledge, 1996. Lichtheim, Miriam. Ancient Egyptian Literature. 3 vols. University of California Press, 1973-1980. Livingston, G. Herbert. The Pentateuch in its Cultural Environment. Baker Books, 1987.


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McDowell, Catherine L. The Image of God in the Garden of Eden: The Creation of Humankind in Genesis 2:5-3:24 in Light of mis pî pit pî and wpt-r Rituals of Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. Eisenbrauns, 2015. Middleton, Richard. The Liberating Image: The Imago Dei in Genesis 1. Brazos Press, 2005. Niehaus, Jeffrey J. Ancient Near Eastern Themes in Biblical Theology. Kregel, 2008. Roaf, Michael. The Cultural Atlas of Mesopotamia and the Ancient Near East. Facts on File, 1990. Roth, Martha. Law Collections from Mesopotamia and Asia Minor. Scholars Press, 1995. Simkins, Ronald A. Creator and Creation: Nature in the Worldview of Ancient Israel. Hendrickson Publishers, 1994. Snell, Daniel, ed. A Companion to the Ancient Near East. Wiley-Blackwell, 2007. ______. Religions of the Ancient Near East. Cambridge University Press, 2010. Sparks, Kenton L. Ancient Texts for the Study of the Hebrew Bible: A Guide to the Background Literature. Baker Academic, 2017. Walls, Neal H., ed. Cult Image and Divine Representation in the Ancient Near East. American Schools of Oriental Research, 2005. Walton, John H. Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament: Introducing the Conceptual World of the Old Testament. Baker Academic, 2006. Online Resources

Louvre https://www.louvre.fr/en/homepage British Museum online research http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/search.aspx Oriental Institute https://oi.uchicago.edu Open Richly Annotated Cuneiform Corpus http://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/doc/search/index.html Internet Ancient History Sourcebook https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/ancient/asbook.asp


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Syllabus Addendum Academic Standards Cheating and plagiarism are considered serious breaches of personal and academic integrity. Cheating involves, but is not necessarily limited to, the use of unauthorized sources of information during an examination or the submission of the same (or substantially same) work for credit in two or more courses without the knowledge and consent of the instructors. Plagiarism involves the use of another person’s distinctive ideas or words, whether published or unpublished, and representing them as one’s own instead of giving proper credit to the source. Plagiarism can also involve over-dependence on other source material for the scope and substance of one’s writing. Such breaches in academic standards often result in a failing grade as well as other corrective measures. For more information, please consult the Student Handbook. ADA Policy The seminary complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. A student with a qualifying and authenticated disability who is in need of accommodations should petition the seminary in accordance with the stated guidelines in the Student Handbook. Cancellation of Class In the event the seminary has to cancel a class meeting (due to an impending storm, professor illness, etc.), the Registration Office will send out an email notification (via the GCTS email account) to all students registered in the affected course. If the cancellation occurs the day of the scheduled meeting, the Registration Office will also attempt to contact students via their primary phone contact on record. The professor will contact the students (via GCTS account) regarding make-up. If a weekend class is cancelled, the class will be made up during the scheduled Make-Up weekend (see the Academic Calendar for the designated dates). For more info, consult your Student Handbook. Extension Policy Arrangements for submission of late work at a date on or before the end date for the semester or term (as noted in the seminary’s Academic Calendar) are made between the student and professor. Formal petition to the Registration Office is not required in these cases. This includes arrangements for the rescheduling of final exams. However, course work (reading and written) to be submitted after the publicized end date for the semester or term must be approved by the Registration Office. An extension form, available online, must be submitted to the Registration Office prior to the stated date. Requests received after this date will either be denied or incur additional penalty. For a full discussion of this policy, please consult the Student Handbook. Grades Faculty are expected to turn in final grades by January 15 for fall-semester courses, by June 15 for spring-semester courses, and by September 15 for summer-term courses. Grades are posted on-line within twenty-four hours of receipt from the professor. Students are expected to check their CAMS student portal in order to access posted grades (unless instructed otherwise). Those individuals who need an official grade report issued to a third party should put their request in writing to the Registration Office.

the cultural world of the old testament · 2019. 6. 4. · papyrus leiden: theban cosmogony cos...

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