Winter 2004/Pasadena
OT502
Jacobs

OT502: HEBREW PROPHETS. Mignon R. Jacobs.


DESCRIPTION:

This survey course studies the Hebrew prophetic literature, namely, the Former Prophets (Joshua-Kings) and the Latter Prophets (Isaiah-Malachi). It examines the historical, theological, literary, and canonical perspectives of selected texts as well as the prophetic traditions that inform and shape the Hebrew Prophets.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
The primary goals of the course is to promote understanding of God's specific involvement in human history (as seen the prophetic literature) and to facilitate use of the texts in light of their significance for contemporary perspectives on divine revelation, ethics, spirituality, and justice.

COURSE FORMAT:
The class will meet for lectures and discussion twice weekly in two-hour sessions for ten weeks.

REQUIRED READING:
NRSV Bible.

Blenkinsopp, Joseph. A History of Prophecy in Israel. Revised and Enlarged. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1996.

Floyd, Michael H. Minor Prophets Part 2. FOTL 22. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000.

Newsome, J. D. The Hebrew Prophets. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1986.

Rendtorff, R. The Old Testament: An Introduction. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1991.

Other books and articles on library reserve.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Achtemeier, Elizabeth. Preaching from the Minor Prophets: Texts and Sermon Suggestions. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.
Bellis, Alice Ogden, ed. Many Voices: Multicultural Responses to the Minor Prophets. Lanham: University Press of America, 1995.

Bright, John. A History of Israel. 3rd Edition. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1981.

Gordon, Robert P., ed. "The Place is too Small for Us": The Israelite Prophets in Recent Scholarship. Winona Lake, Ind.: Eisenbrauns, 1995.

ASSIGNMENTS:
Weekly preparation, attendance, and participation are required components of the course. The final grade will also be based on attendance and participation, a term paper, mid-term, and a final exam.

PREREQUISITES:
None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
Meets M. Div. core requirement in Old Testament "b" (OTB).

FINAL EXAMINATION:
Yes.