Brent A . Strawn | Duke University (original) (raw)
Papers by Brent A . Strawn
Dead Sea Discoveries
This brief note proposes a new identification for a fragment of one of the Psalm manuscripts from... more This brief note proposes a new identification for a fragment of one of the Psalm manuscripts from Qumran. On the basis of material conditions—but above all else, the distinctive paleography of the script—4Q98c (4QP st) should be considered as part of the same manuscript known as 4Q85 (4QP sc). If this identification is correct, the latter now contains material known from the second half of the (proto-)MT Psalter, increasing the plausibility that it once contained the entire book of Psalms.
The Asbury Journal, 2018
The essays highlighted in this volume, save one, are the product of a 2018 panel discussion of Br... more The essays highlighted in this volume, save one, are the product of a 2018 panel discussion of Brent A. Strawn's The Old Testament is Dying (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2017). It took place at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Conference for the Study of Religion (www.secsor.org), March 3 in Atlanta, Georgia. The idea for Strawn's book came from Robert Foster of the University of Georgia, and as I step back and consider how the project unfolded, I am pleased. Consequently, Foster deserves thanks for being perceptive enough to propose the idea. Each of the contributors were chosen for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, at the time when invitations to contribute were sent out, each was associated with an institution in the southeast region. Second, each contributor was chosen for his or her ability to critically engage a facet of Professor Strawn's argument. Kimberly Bracken-Long has published widely on issues of homiletics and worship theory, and she is currently the editor of Call to Worship, a liturgical journal of the Presbyterian Church. Clinton Moyer has displayed an ability to insightfully analyze and critique arguments as well as develop avenues for further discussion, all while keeping his finger on the trends within the American Church and American religious discourse. Moyer is a Senior Fellow at Wake Forest School of Divinity. Murray Vasser is a Ph. D. Candidate at Asbury Theological Seminary. Specializing in New Testament studies, he was invited to contribute because Professor Strawn's thesis poses important implications for scripture as a whole. Brad Haggard is a Ph. D. Student at Asbury Theological Seminary. He was invited to contribute to the journal because of his familiarity with the Church in Mexico, specifically the evangelical Church. Having taught and preached in a Mexican context, Haggard's perspective is important, for what Professor Strawn observes, at least as it is presented in the book, is a distinctly American problem. As CORE Metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk Provided by Asbury Theological Seminary Schreiner : Introduction 9 I see it, the most logical trajectory proceeding from Strawn's work on the state of the Old Testament is how much of what is observed in the American Church can be seen on the global scene. Is he observing an American phenomenon, or a global one? In a footnote, Strawn suggests that what he observes may go beyond the American Church. Haggard questions this in his response. The sequence of essays here is largely the same as that of the SECSOR meeting. This portion opens with a précise designed to articulate the general contours of Strawn's presentation. Next, Bracken-Long's essay gives way to Vasser's, and then to Moyer's. Professor Strawn then responds in detail to Bracken-Long, Vasser, and Moyer. Haggard's essay concludes this portion of the journal. I would be remiss not to thank Robert Danielson, the editor of The Asbury Journal, for his willingness to devote a volume to this topic. He was very gracious and highly receptive of my idea when I pitched the project. So, it's my prayer that he finds it worthy of The Asbury Journal. Of course, the biggest thank-you must go to Professor Strawn, who allowed SECSOR to highlight his work. I hope that he looks back on the entire experience fondly.
Vetus Testamentum, 2021
Yhwh-God’s provision of clothing for the first humans in Gen 3:21 is often understood as a gracio... more Yhwh-God’s provision of clothing for the first humans in Gen 3:21 is often understood as a gracious act that nevertheless involves animal slaughter so as to produce the “garments of skin.” The present essay uncouples these two elements—the beneficence of the divine provision of clothing and the possible death of animals that may be implied—reexamining the latter in light of a neglected parallel found in Enūma Eliš, which demonstrates (perhaps with a cognate to the Hebrew verb used in Genesis) that the gods can summon things into existence, especially by speech. The power of divine creation, especially through utterance, is well attested in other ancient Near Eastern texts and so Yhwh-God’s making (עשׂה) clothes need not indicate the destruction of animals. In the end, therefore, if Gen 3:21 is used in wider theological-ethical discussions, its significance lies with a theology of creation not one of sacrifice or atonement.
Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, 2022
This essay argues that the vocalization of the very first word of Gen. 1.1 in the Masoretic Text ... more This essay argues that the vocalization of the very first word of Gen. 1.1 in the Masoretic Text (MT), bĕrēʾšȋ t, which is often thought to be in error in some way, may instead be the result of exegetical activity. Specifically, in light of the well-attested tradition that links Wisdom with creation both within the Bible and without, it is possible that bĕrēʾšȋ t in MT Gen. 1.1 participates in the line of interpretation that ciphers Wisdom as “Beginning” ( rēʾšȋ t) in light of Prov. 8.22. If so, the MT of Gen. 1.1 is not a grammatical error to be corrected, but an exegetical cross-reference, referring readers to Wisdom’s role in creation as known, inter alia, in Proverbs 8.
Iconographic Exegesis of the Hebrew Bible / Old Testament, 2015
Journal of Theological Interpretation, 2008
Thinking theology and history together is a difficult task and a longstanding problem. While in p... more Thinking theology and history together is a difficult task and a longstanding problem. While in prior centuries history has typically dominated the dyad, recent progress in the theological interpretation of Scripture has begun to reverse this trend, often at the expense of the historical-critical method. A case study of both of these points may be found in the work of Ernst Käsemann and, particularly, in A. K. M. Adam's recent critique thereof—especially Käsemann's comment that historical criticism protects against docetism. Looking closely at Adam's article and Käsemann's work on the historical Jesus, the present study concludes that, while several of Adam's points against historical criticism writ large may well be correct, his direct attack on Käsemann is misplaced. An analysis of Käsemann's positions on the uniqueness of the Gospel genre and the importance of the historical Jesus to the earliest kerygma reveals that, far from a simplistic commendation of ...
Bulletin for Biblical Research
The present study offers a comprehensive analysis of leonine imagery in the Hebrew Bible. After a... more The present study offers a comprehensive analysis of leonine imagery in the Hebrew Bible. After an introduction that discusses God-language and the theological significance of metaphor (Chapter 1), the biblical lion imagery is typed according to naturalistic or metaphorical use, along with various subdivisions (Chapter 2). When metaphorically employed, biblical lion imagery is found with four referents: the self/righteous, the enemy/wicked, the monarch/mighty one, and the deity. An analysis of the lion in the archaeological record of ancient Israel/Palestine from 1500-332 BCE is then offered (Chapter 3). In addition to finds from excavated sites, unprovenanced seals and related onomastica are discussed. The finds show: a) a common association of the lion with the monarch/mighty one and various deities; b) the presence of lion artifacts in cultic and official contexts; and c) evidence of artistic connections to other regions. Given the latter point, the study proceeds to investigate ...
... For Miller's own treatment, see his Deuteronomy, 53 63, esp. 5457. ix Page 11. Pre... more ... For Miller's own treatment, see his Deuteronomy, 53 63, esp. 5457. ix Page 11. Preface x community of faith, as it were (so, especially, Deuteronomy); and God near to Israel whenever it cries out to its Lord, be it in praise, lament, or repen-tance (so, especially, the Psalms). ...
The Journal of Hebrew Scriptures, 2003
Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, 2015
This article takes up the problem of unintentional sin in Psalms 19, 90, and 119 to ask what it w... more This article takes up the problem of unintentional sin in Psalms 19, 90, and 119 to ask what it was like to be a psalmist on the issue of moral agency. In contrast to some reconstructions of ancient Israelite (and Near Eastern) religion, I argue that concerns about intentionality—specifically its lack—indicate that the psalmists were not akin to philosophical zombies: what psalmists did mattered along with how they did it, with knowledge or without. I situate this psalmic way of being with reference to sin vis-à-vis Carol Newsom's work on moral agency in the Hebrew Bible, arguing that moral agency in the Psalms (at least on this matter) nuances some of the categories offered thus far.
Page 1. Page 2. Qumran Studies Page 3. Page 4. Qumran Studies New Approaches, New Questions E... more Page 1. Page 2. Qumran Studies Page 3. Page 4. Qumran Studies New Approaches, New Questions Edited by Michael Thomas Davis & Brent A. Strawn Foreword by James A. Sanders William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company Grand Rapids, Michigan / Cambridge, UK ...
Dead Sea Discoveries
This brief note proposes a new identification for a fragment of one of the Psalm manuscripts from... more This brief note proposes a new identification for a fragment of one of the Psalm manuscripts from Qumran. On the basis of material conditions—but above all else, the distinctive paleography of the script—4Q98c (4QP st) should be considered as part of the same manuscript known as 4Q85 (4QP sc). If this identification is correct, the latter now contains material known from the second half of the (proto-)MT Psalter, increasing the plausibility that it once contained the entire book of Psalms.
The Asbury Journal, 2018
The essays highlighted in this volume, save one, are the product of a 2018 panel discussion of Br... more The essays highlighted in this volume, save one, are the product of a 2018 panel discussion of Brent A. Strawn's The Old Testament is Dying (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2017). It took place at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Conference for the Study of Religion (www.secsor.org), March 3 in Atlanta, Georgia. The idea for Strawn's book came from Robert Foster of the University of Georgia, and as I step back and consider how the project unfolded, I am pleased. Consequently, Foster deserves thanks for being perceptive enough to propose the idea. Each of the contributors were chosen for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, at the time when invitations to contribute were sent out, each was associated with an institution in the southeast region. Second, each contributor was chosen for his or her ability to critically engage a facet of Professor Strawn's argument. Kimberly Bracken-Long has published widely on issues of homiletics and worship theory, and she is currently the editor of Call to Worship, a liturgical journal of the Presbyterian Church. Clinton Moyer has displayed an ability to insightfully analyze and critique arguments as well as develop avenues for further discussion, all while keeping his finger on the trends within the American Church and American religious discourse. Moyer is a Senior Fellow at Wake Forest School of Divinity. Murray Vasser is a Ph. D. Candidate at Asbury Theological Seminary. Specializing in New Testament studies, he was invited to contribute because Professor Strawn's thesis poses important implications for scripture as a whole. Brad Haggard is a Ph. D. Student at Asbury Theological Seminary. He was invited to contribute to the journal because of his familiarity with the Church in Mexico, specifically the evangelical Church. Having taught and preached in a Mexican context, Haggard's perspective is important, for what Professor Strawn observes, at least as it is presented in the book, is a distinctly American problem. As CORE Metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk Provided by Asbury Theological Seminary Schreiner : Introduction 9 I see it, the most logical trajectory proceeding from Strawn's work on the state of the Old Testament is how much of what is observed in the American Church can be seen on the global scene. Is he observing an American phenomenon, or a global one? In a footnote, Strawn suggests that what he observes may go beyond the American Church. Haggard questions this in his response. The sequence of essays here is largely the same as that of the SECSOR meeting. This portion opens with a précise designed to articulate the general contours of Strawn's presentation. Next, Bracken-Long's essay gives way to Vasser's, and then to Moyer's. Professor Strawn then responds in detail to Bracken-Long, Vasser, and Moyer. Haggard's essay concludes this portion of the journal. I would be remiss not to thank Robert Danielson, the editor of The Asbury Journal, for his willingness to devote a volume to this topic. He was very gracious and highly receptive of my idea when I pitched the project. So, it's my prayer that he finds it worthy of The Asbury Journal. Of course, the biggest thank-you must go to Professor Strawn, who allowed SECSOR to highlight his work. I hope that he looks back on the entire experience fondly.
Vetus Testamentum, 2021
Yhwh-God’s provision of clothing for the first humans in Gen 3:21 is often understood as a gracio... more Yhwh-God’s provision of clothing for the first humans in Gen 3:21 is often understood as a gracious act that nevertheless involves animal slaughter so as to produce the “garments of skin.” The present essay uncouples these two elements—the beneficence of the divine provision of clothing and the possible death of animals that may be implied—reexamining the latter in light of a neglected parallel found in Enūma Eliš, which demonstrates (perhaps with a cognate to the Hebrew verb used in Genesis) that the gods can summon things into existence, especially by speech. The power of divine creation, especially through utterance, is well attested in other ancient Near Eastern texts and so Yhwh-God’s making (עשׂה) clothes need not indicate the destruction of animals. In the end, therefore, if Gen 3:21 is used in wider theological-ethical discussions, its significance lies with a theology of creation not one of sacrifice or atonement.
Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, 2022
This essay argues that the vocalization of the very first word of Gen. 1.1 in the Masoretic Text ... more This essay argues that the vocalization of the very first word of Gen. 1.1 in the Masoretic Text (MT), bĕrēʾšȋ t, which is often thought to be in error in some way, may instead be the result of exegetical activity. Specifically, in light of the well-attested tradition that links Wisdom with creation both within the Bible and without, it is possible that bĕrēʾšȋ t in MT Gen. 1.1 participates in the line of interpretation that ciphers Wisdom as “Beginning” ( rēʾšȋ t) in light of Prov. 8.22. If so, the MT of Gen. 1.1 is not a grammatical error to be corrected, but an exegetical cross-reference, referring readers to Wisdom’s role in creation as known, inter alia, in Proverbs 8.
Iconographic Exegesis of the Hebrew Bible / Old Testament, 2015
Journal of Theological Interpretation, 2008
Thinking theology and history together is a difficult task and a longstanding problem. While in p... more Thinking theology and history together is a difficult task and a longstanding problem. While in prior centuries history has typically dominated the dyad, recent progress in the theological interpretation of Scripture has begun to reverse this trend, often at the expense of the historical-critical method. A case study of both of these points may be found in the work of Ernst Käsemann and, particularly, in A. K. M. Adam's recent critique thereof—especially Käsemann's comment that historical criticism protects against docetism. Looking closely at Adam's article and Käsemann's work on the historical Jesus, the present study concludes that, while several of Adam's points against historical criticism writ large may well be correct, his direct attack on Käsemann is misplaced. An analysis of Käsemann's positions on the uniqueness of the Gospel genre and the importance of the historical Jesus to the earliest kerygma reveals that, far from a simplistic commendation of ...
Bulletin for Biblical Research
The present study offers a comprehensive analysis of leonine imagery in the Hebrew Bible. After a... more The present study offers a comprehensive analysis of leonine imagery in the Hebrew Bible. After an introduction that discusses God-language and the theological significance of metaphor (Chapter 1), the biblical lion imagery is typed according to naturalistic or metaphorical use, along with various subdivisions (Chapter 2). When metaphorically employed, biblical lion imagery is found with four referents: the self/righteous, the enemy/wicked, the monarch/mighty one, and the deity. An analysis of the lion in the archaeological record of ancient Israel/Palestine from 1500-332 BCE is then offered (Chapter 3). In addition to finds from excavated sites, unprovenanced seals and related onomastica are discussed. The finds show: a) a common association of the lion with the monarch/mighty one and various deities; b) the presence of lion artifacts in cultic and official contexts; and c) evidence of artistic connections to other regions. Given the latter point, the study proceeds to investigate ...
... For Miller's own treatment, see his Deuteronomy, 53 63, esp. 5457. ix Page 11. Pre... more ... For Miller's own treatment, see his Deuteronomy, 53 63, esp. 5457. ix Page 11. Preface x community of faith, as it were (so, especially, Deuteronomy); and God near to Israel whenever it cries out to its Lord, be it in praise, lament, or repen-tance (so, especially, the Psalms). ...
The Journal of Hebrew Scriptures, 2003
Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, 2015
This article takes up the problem of unintentional sin in Psalms 19, 90, and 119 to ask what it w... more This article takes up the problem of unintentional sin in Psalms 19, 90, and 119 to ask what it was like to be a psalmist on the issue of moral agency. In contrast to some reconstructions of ancient Israelite (and Near Eastern) religion, I argue that concerns about intentionality—specifically its lack—indicate that the psalmists were not akin to philosophical zombies: what psalmists did mattered along with how they did it, with knowledge or without. I situate this psalmic way of being with reference to sin vis-à-vis Carol Newsom's work on moral agency in the Hebrew Bible, arguing that moral agency in the Psalms (at least on this matter) nuances some of the categories offered thus far.
Page 1. Page 2. Qumran Studies Page 3. Page 4. Qumran Studies New Approaches, New Questions E... more Page 1. Page 2. Qumran Studies Page 3. Page 4. Qumran Studies New Approaches, New Questions Edited by Michael Thomas Davis & Brent A. Strawn Foreword by James A. Sanders William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company Grand Rapids, Michigan / Cambridge, UK ...
Cambridge Companion to Genesis, 2022
The Cambridge Companion to Genesis explores the first book of the Bible, the book that serves as ... more The Cambridge Companion to Genesis explores the first book of the Bible, the book that serves as the foundation for the rest of the Hebrew Scriptures. Recognizing its unique position in world history, the history of religions, as well as biblical and theological studies, the volume summarizes key developments in Biblical scholarship since the Enlightenment, while offering an overview of the diverse methods and reading strategies that are currently applied to the reading of Genesis. It also explores questions that, in some cases, have been explored for centuries. Written by an international team of scholars whose essays were specially commissioned, the Companion provides a multidisciplinary update of all relevant issues related to the interpretation of Genesis. Whether the reader is taking the first step on the path or continuing a research journey, this volume will illuminate the role of Genesis in world religions, theology, philosophy, and critical biblical scholarship.
Here is the TABLE OF CONTENTS for the volume.
1. Introduction: Genesis and the status quaestionis (Bill T. Arnold)
PART ONE: COMPOSITION & STRUCTURE OF GENESIS
2. Genesis in the history of critical scholarship (Jean-Louis Ska)
3. Genesis in source and redaction criticism today (Jan Christian Gertz)
4. Genesis in form and tradition criticism today (Christoph Levin)
5. Rhetorical features and characteristics (Michaela Bauks)
PART TWO: SOCIAL WORLD OF GENESIS
6. Genesis and its ancient literary analogues (Alice Mandell)
7. Genesis and the conceptual world of the ancient Near East (John H. Walton)
8. Family, clan, and tribe in the book of Genesis (Naomi A. Steinberg)
9. Women's status and feminist readings of Genesis (Sarah Shectman)
PART THREE: THEMES & LITERARY MOTIFS OF GENESIS
10. From Imago to Imagines: The image(s) of God in Genesis (Brent A. Strawn)
11. Genesis, science, and theories of origins (Jitse M. van der Meer)
12. Genesis and ethics (Eckart Otto)
13. Genesis and the problem of evil: Philosophical musings on the Bible's first book (Paul M. Gould)
PART FOUR: RECEPTION HISTORY OF GENESIS
14. Modern philosophical receptions of Genesis (Frederick D. Aquino)
15. Jewish reflections on universalism and particularism in Genesis (Joel S. Kaminsky)
16. Before Moses: Genesis among the Christians (Iain Provan)
God and Guns: The Bible against American Gun Culture, 2021
Using the Bible as the foundational source and guide, while also bringing contemporary sociologic... more Using the Bible as the foundational source and guide, while also bringing contemporary sociological data to the conversation, seven biblical scholars and theologians construct a powerful dialogue about gun violence in America, concluding that guns are incompatible with the God of Christian Scripture. God and Guns is the first book to argue against gun culture from a biblical studies perspective. Bringing the Bible into conversation with contemporary sociological data, the volume breaks new exegetical and critical ground and lays the foundations for further theological work. The scholars assembled in this volume construct a powerful argument against gun violence, concluding that a self-identity based on guns is incompatible with Christian identity. Drawing on their expertise in the Bible’s ancient origins and modern usage, they present striking new insights involving psychology, ethics, race, gender, and culture. This collection, carefully edited for clarity and readability, will change conversations—and our culture.
Contributors include T. M. Lemos, David Lincicum, Shelly Matthews, Yolanda Norton, and Brent A. Strawn.
Although 'Theologies of the Old Testament' continue to proliferate, most of these do not interact... more Although 'Theologies of the Old Testament' continue to proliferate, most of these do not interact with the many recent studies of Israelite religion that have appeared. Drawing on archaeology and other ancient Near Eastern material, these studies present a reconstruction of religious life in ancient Israel that ought to be of some importance for the theological interpretation of the biblical text. This collection of essays integrates reconstructions of ancient Israelite religious practice into theologically-oriented interpretation of the Old Testament. In essays ranging from discussion of Sumerian hymns to early Iron Age incense burners, respected biblical scholars and archaeologists provide new insights into the biblical theology of the Christian Bible.
Leading Experts Introduce the People and Contexts of the Old Testament What people groups intera... more Leading Experts Introduce the People and Contexts of the Old Testament
What people groups interacted with ancient Israel? Who were the Hurrians and why do they matter? What do we know about the Philistines, the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Assyrians, the Babylonians, and others?
In this up-to-date volume, leading experts introduce the peoples and places of the world around the Old Testament, providing students with a fresh exploration of the ancient Near East. The contributors offer comprehensive orientations to the main cultures and people groups that surrounded ancient Israel in the wider ancient Near East, including not only Mesopotamia and the northern Levant but also Egypt, Arabia, and Greece. They also explore the contributions of each people group or culture to our understanding of the Hebrew Scriptures.
This supplementary text is organized by geographic region, making it especially suitable for the classroom and useful in a variety of Old Testament courses. Approximately eighty-five illustrative items are included throughout the book.
Contents
Introduction
Bill T. Arnold and Brent A. Strawn
1. The Amorites
Daniel E. Fleming
2. Assyria and the Assyrians
Christopher B. Hays with Peter Machinist
3. Babylonia and the Babylonians
David S. Vanderhooft
4. Ugarit and the Ugaritians
Mark S. Smith
5. Egypt and the Egyptians
Joel M. LeMon
6. The Hittites and the Hurrians
Billie Jean Collins
7. Aram and the Arameans
K. Lawson Younger Jr.
8. Phoenicia and the Phoenicians
Christopher A. Rollston
9. Transjordan: The Ammonites, Moabites, and Edomites
Joel S. Burnett
10. Philistia and the Philistines
Carl S. Ehrlich
11. Persia and the Persians
Pierre Briant
12. Arabia and the Arabians
David F. Graf
13. Greece and the Greeks
Walter Burkert†
Indexes
Iconographic exegesis combines the study of biblical texts (exegesis) with the study of ancient e... more Iconographic exegesis combines the study of biblical texts (exegesis) with the study of ancient expressions of visual art (iconography). Studying ancient visual art that is contemporary with the documents of the Old Testament gives remarkable insight, not only on the meaning and historical context of the biblical text, but also because it facilitates greater understanding of how the ancient authors and audiences saw, thought, and made sense of the world. Iconography thus merits close attention as another avenue that can lead to a more nuanced and more complete understanding of the biblical text. Each chapter of this book provides an exegesis of a particular biblical text or theme. The book is organized around the tripartite structure of the Hebrew Bible, and demonstrates that iconographical exegesis is pertinent to “every nook and cranny” of the Bible. Within the three parts, there is special emphasis on Genesis, Isaiah, and the Psalms in order to make the book attractive for classes that deal with one or more of these books and might therefore include an iconographic perspective. In addition to connecting with a major issue in biblical interpretation, theology, or visual studies each chapter will end with one or two exercises directing the reader/student to comparable texts and images, enabling them to apply what was described in the chapter for themselves. This approach enables beginners as well as advanced readers to integrate iconography into their toolbox of exegetical skills.