DESCRIPTION: This course takes a "contextual" approach to Isaiah--that is, it attempts to understand proclamations of the book in their original historical and cultural contexts. In part, this entails some introduction to ancient Near Eastern and Israelite prophecy. The course is also theological; Isaiah and his early followers lived in a world that is profoundly relevant to our own, and worshiped the same God as do present-day Christians. Thus, their experiences of God should still inform our theology. The contextual approach means that the original language of the text is of primary importance, so that the course will have a strong emphasis on Hebrew reading. The scope of the course is, of necessity, limited to Isaiah 1-39.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course successfully will have gained a grasp of the historical and cultural world of Isaiah, developed their skill in reading Hebrew and in interpreting particular texts, with attention to particular exegetical methods. They will gain insight into the ways in which Hebrew helps them to understand the text, and consider how Isaiah relates to the faith and life of their communities.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The course will help students gain skill in interpreting Scripture and perceive how Isaiah relates to the church and the world--skills that inform preaching and ministry.

COURSE FORMAT: The course meets twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Content will include lecture, plenary discussion, and study of individual passages in Hebrew. Classes require substantial preparation on the part of students, at least two hours of preparation for each class hour, including study of the biblical text and other specified reading.

REQUIRED READING:

Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia.

NRSV Bible.

Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Isaiah 1-39. New York: Doubleday, 2000.

Hayes, John H., and Carl R. Holladay. Biblical Exegesis: A Beginner's Guide. 3rd ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2007.

Nissinen, Martti. Prophets and Prophecy in the Ancient Near East. Atlanta: SBL, 2003.

Petersen, David L. The Prophetic Literature: An Introduction. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2002.

Blenkinsopp, Joseph. A History of Prophecy in Israel. Rev. ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1996.

Goldingay, John. Isaiah. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2001.

Hayes, John H. and Stuart A. Irvine. Isaiah the Eighth-Century Prophet: His Times and Preaching. Nashville: Abingdon, 1987.

Sweeney, Marvin A. Isaiah 1-39. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996.

Wildberger, H. Isaiah 1-39. 3 vols. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1991, 1997, 2002.

See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available at http://www.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/091/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html.

1. Preparation for classes (50%).

2. 10-page study of a chosen text in Hebrew (50%).

Students who miss the first class forfeit 5% of their grade.