Bible Interpretation, Student Workbook, SW05

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B I B L E I N T E R P R E T A T I O N

d. Extremely complex and difficult because of linguistic and symbolic distance

5. Prophetic forth-telling reveals God’s moral vision and heart.

6. Prophetic foretelling displays God’s mind and will as ruler of history.

E. Wisdom Literature – “a family of literary genres common in the Ancient Near East in which instructions for successful living are given or the perplexities of human existence are contemplated” (cf. New Bible Dictionary , pp. 1257-58)

1. Proverbs – concise, pithy statements summarizing collective insight on special topics of practical concern

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2. Monologues or Dialogues – communications designed to explore the meanings of the deepest human questions, dilemmas, and concerns related to God and humankind

3. Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon make up the wisdom literature in the OT.

4. Characteristics of wisdom literature

a. Categorical in its tone

b. Probing in analysis