In this chapter Longman introduces the book of Proverbs. Different aspects of the book are explored: it title, canonicity, place and function in the canon, authorship, date, social setting, text, genre (wisdom), literary style, structure, ancient Near Eastern background, Sumerian wisdom, Egyptian instruction, and Akkadian wisdom.
In the section of the chapter we present here, Longman introduces the book of Job. Different aspects of the book are explored. First he deals with the title of the book, its place in the canon, authorship, and date. He then considers the text, language, translation, and genre of the book.
A place of worship between the fall and the exodus is called an altar. Chapter 2 gives an overview of how these altars functioned as places of God’s presence. Longman reflects on the altar law of Exodus 20: 24-26, the significance of the altars of Noah and the patriarchs (Genesis 12), and God’s special presence at these altars.
Chapter 1 gives an overview of theological motifs in Genesis 2 and Genesis 3: man as image of God, sacred space, the Garden of Eden, evil, and sin. A text to be noted in particular is Ezekiel 31:8. The chapter ends with questions for further reflection.
What is the literary approach to the study of the Old Testament? Longman examines potential pitfalls and promises.
