The Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) Scripture in the Age of Hellenism Historical Background 336-323 BC Alexander the Great The Seleucids and the Ptolemys 175-164 BC Antiochus IV Epiphanes Judas Maccabeus The Hasmonean Dynasty The Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) Scripture in the Age of Hellenism Culture Babylonian Mythology: Gilgamesh and Enkidu Religious skepticism Greek Philosophy: Aristotle, Plato and Socrates Transcendant theology, dualism The Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) Scripture in the Age of Hellenism Vocabulary 3 themes: covenant, creation, revelation Hellenization Polis Theodicy Abomination of desolation Septuagint Haggadah and Halakah Midrash Pesharim Talmud Apocalyptic The Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) Skeptical Wisdom: Job and Qoheleth Job Cycle 1 1.1-12, 2.1-8 Satan's challenges 2.9 Job's wife: curse God and die! 4.17-21 Eliphaz 6.21-25 Job replies 8.3-8 Bildad 9.1-4 Job's response 11.4-5, 14-15 Zophar 13.2-5, 10-12 Job replies The Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) Skeptical Wisdom: Job and Qoheleth Job Cycle 2 15.17-20 Eliphaz 17.9-16 Job defends himself 18.5, 17-19 Bildad 19.4-6, 25-26 Job stands firm 20.4-5 Zophar 21.7, 23-26 Job's central question The Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) Skeptical Wisdom: Job and Qoheleth Job Cycle 3 22.1-3 Eliphaz 23.8-14 Job's defense 25.4 Bildad 26.1-12 Job remains firm 28 only God knows the way to wisdom The Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) Skeptical Wisdom: Job and Qoheleth Job Final Cycle Elihu's Discourse 32.6-9, 12-14; 34.10-15; 34.22-28; 36.22-25; 31.19-24 God Speaks 38.2-4; 40.7-8, 15, 25 Job Repents 42.2-6 Conclusion 42.7-10 The Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) Skeptical Wisdom: Job and Qoheleth Qoheleth/Ecclesiastes 1.2-4 all is vanity 1.16-17 the pursuit of wisdom is 'a chase after the wind' 2.1, 4, 11-12 the pursuit of wealth is vanity 2.13 wisdom is better than folly 2.17 life is worthless for all is vanity 2.24 enjoy the good life, it is a gift from God The Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) Skeptical Wisdom: Job and Qoheleth Qoheleth/Ecclesiastes 3.14 what God does endures forever 3.20 all men return to the dust 4.1-16 on injustice 4.17 obedience is better than sacrifice 5.1-6 keep vows simple, fulfill them – fear God 7.13-14 God is inscrutable 7.18 he who fears God will win through 7.23-25 wisdom is unattainable but worth pursuit 8.12-13 fear the Lord 8.16 wisdom is unattainable, God is inscrutable 11.5 God gives life, God is inscrutable The Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) Skeptical Wisdom: Job and Qoheleth Qoheleth/Ecclesiastes 12.1 remember your Creator 12.7 dust to dust, life breath returns to God 12.13 Fear God