DESCRIPTION:

This course will provide an exegetical study of the Book of Hosea from the Old Testament Minor Prophets. We will consider the eighth century historical and cultural setting of the book against the background of ancient Israelite prophecy as a whole. We will also investigate evidence of related prophetic activity among Israel's contemporaries, especially in Mesopotamia. Against this background we will consider the shape, themes, and message of the Book of Hosea, its place within the Book of the Twelve, its impact on the New Testament, and contributions to biblical theology. Each week we will devote a session to the translation and careful exegetical examination of a representative passage from the book of Hosea or related writings.

The prophetic traditions offer unique resources for understanding and developing the role of a minister in a less than perfect world. The prophets, sharpened by spiritual insight from God, were careful observers of their cultural, political, religious, and personal contexts. Often their words had the painful affect of confronting themselves along with the world to which they belonged. In particular, Hosea's life experience became an integral part of his prophetic message--a challenge faced by all who would live open and vulnerable lives of ministry

The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions for ten weeks. Sessions will be divided between presentation, discussion, and exegetical translation.

Andersen, Francis I., and David N. Freedman. Hosea. Anchor Bible. Doubleday, 1980.

Brown, F.; S. R. Driver; and C. A. Briggs. A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Hendrickson, 1996.

Elliger, K. and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. 5th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997.

Gowan, Donald E. Theology of the Prophetic Books: The Death & Resurrection of Israel. Westminster/John Knox, 1998.

Matthews, Victor H. Social World of the Hebrew Prophets. Hendrickson, 2001.

Wolff, Hans W. Hosea. Hermeneia. Fortress, 1974.

Selected articles and other materials.

See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.

Achtemeier, Elizabeth. Minor Prophets I. NIBC. Hendrickson, 1996.

Smith, Gary V. Hosea/Amos/Micah. The NIV Application Commentary. Zondervan, 2001.

Westermann, Claus. Basic Forms of Prophetic Speech. Westminster/John Knox, 1991.

Wilson, Robert R. Prophecy and Society in Ancient Israel. Fortress, 1980.

1. Regular preparation of exegetical and interpretive exercises (30%).

2. Consistent preparation for and participation in all aspects of class discussion (10%).

3. The writing of an exegetical paper based upon the Hebrew text (approximately 12 pages, typed double-spaced) (30%).

4. Final examination (30%).