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).

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will (1) know and understand better the prophets books of the OT; (2) develop ability in interpreting the Bible through creative reading and critical interaction via historical, cultural, literary, and other methods; (3) become more skilled in reading the Bible theologically in light of their own culture; (4) see more clearly the nature of the Bible as both human word and authoritative holy Scripture.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: 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.

COURSE FORMAT: Class will include lecture and discussion and will meet 8am to 12 noon on the following dates: March 30-31; April 13-14, 27-28; May 11-12, 18-19; and June 1.

REQUIRED READING:

The 21 prophets books listed above, in any modern translation of the Bible (e.g., NRSV, NIV).

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

Course Reader.

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 & Row, 1965.