DESCRIPTION:

A study of the content and literary qualities of the Former and Latter Prophets in light of their historical background and their developing theology. (Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.)

The books of the Prophets are essential for understanding God's ongoing words and works of redemption. A student in the course should expect: (1) to learn a basic outline of Israel's history; (2) to gain a greater familiarity with the content and arrangement of these twenty-one books; (3) to identify and reflect theologically upon the principal prophetic themes; (4) to evaluate and use exegetical tools and scholarly resources in the interpretation of specific texts; and (5) to develop interpretive skills and insights.

Class will include lecture and discussion and will meet for nine four-hour sessions on Fridays and Saturdays: 8:00am-11:50 October 8-9, 15-16, 29-30, November 5-6, and November 19.

Any modern translation of the Bible (e.g., NRSV, NIV).

A comprehensive, analytical concordance. (Use in a library. Not a required purchase.)

Course pack.

Goldingay, John. Isaiah. NIBCOT 13. Hendrickson, 2001.

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

King, Philip J. and Lawrence E. Stager. Life in Biblical Israel. Westminster John Knox, 2001.

Tate, Marvin E. From Promise to Exile: The Former Prophets. Smyth &Helwys, 1999.

Trible, Phyllis. Texts of Terror, Literary-Feminist Readings of Biblical Narratives. Fortress, 1984.

Bright, John. A History of Israel. 4th ed. Westminster John Knox, 2000.

Clements, R. E. Old Testament Prophecy: From Oracles to Canon. Westminster John Knox, 1996.

Gordon, R.P. 1 & 2 Samuel. OT Guides. JSOT, 1984.

McConville, J. Gordon. Grace in the End. Zondervan, 1993.

Newsome, James D., Jr. The Hebrew Prophets. Westminster John Knox, 1996.

von Rad, Gerhard. The Message of the Prophets. Harper and Row, 1965.

1. For the first class meeting, read King & Stager, Life in Biblical Israel. pp. xvii-129, 201-258.

2. Preparation and Participation: The course will require reading in preparation for class, and participation in class projects and discussions. (Missing more than one class meeting may result in a failing grade.) 20%

3. Quiz, on historical setting (lecture, King and Stager), October 15, 2004. 10%

4. A midterm exam, open books, notes and Bible, take-home, due October 30, 2004. 20%

5. A paper on a passage from Isaiah, researched interpretation (i.e., exegesis) 2500-3000 words. Due November 19, 2004. 30%

6. A final exam, take-home, due November 29, 2004. 20%