Creation, Kingdom, Exile

A small, two-session seminar exploring the Hebrew Bible as both sacred text and a library shaped across centuries of historical change.

Beginning with Genesis and its ancient Near Eastern context, we’ll trace an arc through creation, kingship, exile, and hope, asking how biblical writers inherited, transformed, and argued with the traditions around them and with one another.

We’ll read a small selection from Genesis, Samuel, Psalms, Isaiah, and ancient Mesopotamian texts. No previous knowledge of the Bible is required.

I’ll send a short selection of readings in advance. Reading beforehand is welcome but entirely optional; we’ll spend time with the central passages together during the seminar.

Each session will combine lecture, close reading, and conversation, with a short break midway through. Because the group will be small, there will be plenty of room to linger with the texts and follow the questions that emerge.