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).

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE & 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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing the course will have demonstrated that they (1) have a knowledge and understanding of the Hebrew prophets books; (2) are able to interpret the Bible using a range of appropriate interpretive approaches, including ones that reflect the diversity of contexts from which the text can be read; (3) have reflected on the nature of the Bible as both human word and holy Scripture; (4) have articulated some reflection on the significance of the Hebrew prophets books for their discipleship and ministry.

COURSE FORMAT: Class will include lecture and discussion and will meet 8am to 12 noon on the following dates (Fridays and Saturdays): October 9-10, 23-24; November 6-7, 13-14; December 4-5.

REQUIRED READING:

The 21 prophets books listed above, in the NRSV or the TNIV.

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

Articles by J. Ahn, R. Weems available in the ATLA full-text database through the Fuller library.

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.

Lapsley, Jacqueline. Whispering the Word: Hearing Women's Stories in the Old Testament. Westminster John Knox, 2005.

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

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.