The Foreigner in Biblical Law

Can an understanding of the resident alien in the Bible help us reflect today concerning the manner in which we treat "the foreigner" in our society and particular communities? Students in this course will conduct a literary survey of the resident alien (a translation of the Hebrew term ger) throughout various biblical law codes. Using a method of inner-biblical criticism and reception history, students will observe contextual changes in meaning of this figure through time. Texts to be studied will range from Ancient Near Eastern law codes, law codes of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), along with readings from the Septuagint, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the New Testament. Lectures, assigned readings involving both biblical texts and secondary literature, and class discussion. Course evaluation: one book review (to be submitted at the first class), class participation, student presentation, and major paper. Prerequisite: Introduction to Old Testament I or permission of the instructor.