Wollaston Research Seminar | October

Join us for the next Wollaston Research Seminar (in person or online via Zoom) on Monday 12th October at 2pm AWST.

Dr Suzanne Boorer to present: The Promise of the Land in the Priestly Narrative (Pg)

Abstract

Although the Priestly material in the Pentateuch is complex and consists of various levels there is strong support for identifying  a level within this that consists of a coherent narrative, traditionally called Pg. It consists in a cosmic picture in Genesis 1-10*, ancestral material, including the promises of descendants, land and to be their God (Gen 11-50*), and the unfolding of these promises in the exodus and the tabernacle instructions at Sinai (Exodus 1-40*). Where it concludes is debated, with some ending it in Exodus with the tabernacle, and others seeing it as continuing into Numbers. This has some bearing on how the relative importance and meaning of the land promise is understood.  Arguing that Pg extends into Numbers13-14*; 20*; 27:12-14, I will explore how the land promise is perceived and how it interacts with the other two promises of descendants and to be their God in this material. This will involve delving into the trajectory and structural patterns of Pg, including the parallels between the cosmic material in Genesis 1-10* and the story of the nation in Exodus 1-Num 27* in terms of the creation of the earth (Genesis1)/the nation (Exodus 7-40*) and the reversal of this in the flood Genesis 6-9*/the rebellion at the edge of the land (Num 13-14*, 20*). Pertinent also is the timeless and visionary nature of the two scenarios that make up the creation of the nation in Exodus 7-14* and Exodus 16 – Num 20*, arranged, with Numbers 13-14*, 20*, along an itinerary that moves from Egypt to the edge of the promised land. It will be argued that the fulfilment of the land promise will only come about when the other two promises have been embodied by the nation in accordance with the vision of Exodus 7-40*, and, moreover, that the land promise itself as ‘everlasting’ is a utopian hope that will always have a future dimension.

Presenter

The Reverend Dr  Sue Boorer brings a wealth of experience to the role of Acting Formation Director of Wollaston Theological College, having taught Hebrew Bible at Murdoch University and University of Divinity for many years. She has studied internationally, achieving degrees from Melbourne University; Melbourne College of Divinity; and Yale. She was awarded her PhD at Emory University (Atlanta, USA). Sue is recognised in international circles for her research on the Pentateuch, and in particular the Priestly tradition.

Time and Date

2.00 pm AWST, Monday 12 October

Mode

Join the seminar online via the button below or in person at Wollaston Theological College, 5 Wollaston Rd, Mount Claremont WA