DICTIONARY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT WISDOM, POETRY AND WRITINGS
Summary of “Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings”
The “Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings”, edited by Tremper Longman III and Peter Enns, is a comprehensive reference work that explores the wisdom literature, poetry, and other writings found in the Old Testament. This includes books such as Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Lamentations, and the Megillot (Ruth, Esther, etc.). The dictionary provides historical, literary, and theological insights, making it a valuable resource for biblical scholars, students, and theologians.
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1. Purpose and Structure of the Dictionary
• The dictionary provides detailed scholarly articles on the background, interpretation, and themes of wisdom and poetic literature in the Old Testament.
• It examines each biblical book, its structure, themes, and history of interpretation.
• Articles include discussions on key figures, theological themes, literary techniques, and cultural contexts.
• The dictionary includes cross-references, bibliographies, and explanations of critical methodologies used in the study of biblical wisdom literature.
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2. Key Themes Covered in the Dictionary
a) Historical and Literary Background
• Discusses the historical context of wisdom and poetic books, including their influences from Ancient Near Eastern traditions.
• Examines Hebrew poetry, metaphor, parallelism, and literary styles used in biblical texts.
b) Wisdom Literature and Theology
• Covers books such as Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job, analyzing their teachings on wisdom, suffering, justice, and human purpose.
• Explores theological concepts such as divine justice, suffering, and retribution theology in Job and Ecclesiastes.
c) Psalms and Worship in Ancient Israel
• Provides an in-depth study of the Psalms, their poetic structure, and their use in worship and personal devotion.
• Discusses different types of psalms, including lament, thanksgiving, and royal psalms.
d) The Megillot and Other Writings
• Examines the five scrolls (Ruth, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, and Esther) and their place in Jewish tradition and theology.
• Explores themes of love, divine providence, and exile.
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3. Importance of the Dictionary
• Bridges biblical scholarship and theology, making it useful for students, pastors, and scholars.
• Clarifies complex theological and literary issues, offering balanced perspectives on the interpretation of wisdom literature and poetry.
• Provides valuable historical and linguistic context, helping readers understand the Old Testament’s poetic and wisdom traditions.
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Conclusion
The “Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings” is a scholarly yet accessible resource that provides a thorough exploration of biblical poetry and wisdom literature. It serves as an essential guide for those studying the poetic, philosophical, and theological richness of the Old Testament.
