DESCRIPTION: This course will begin with a brief overview of the narratives of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings (the "Former Prophets"), with emphasis upon their thematic coherence and their testimony to the history of Israel's experience in the land, from conquest to exile. A second, longer section of the course will survey the history and literature of prophecy, tracing the setting, composition, and themes of each of the prophetic witnesses in the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Book of the Twelve (Hosea-Malachi). Lecture presentations will alternate with discussions of hermeneutical implications.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: We will address a variety of questions that are vital to the faithfulness of the church today: What should we learn from Israel's presentation of its past? How did the prophets speak truth to power? How did they expose false trust and give courage and vision for authentic hope? How were the words of the prophets appropriated by the New Testament writers, and what resources do we find in their testimony for nurturing obedience and hope in the Christian church?

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated (1) a basic overview of the history of Israel from the conquest to the exile, as well as an appreciation of the challenges of relating faith to history; (2) a broad knowledge of both the variety and the coherence of Israel's prophetic traditions; (3) an ability to reflect theologically upon the central themes of this literature and to articulate the ethical implications inherent in prophetic indictment and hope; (4) enhanced skills in using scholarly resources and methods both critically and constructively as a foundation for further study of the Old Testament; and (5) an appreciation of how we may learn from historically and culturally diverse vantage points better to read, use, and obey this portion of Scripture.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly in two-hour blocks. Some sessions will include a period for focused small group discussions.

REQUIRED READING:

English text of Joshua-Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea-Malachi (in NRSV, TNIV, or CEB).

Boda, Mark J., and J. Gordon McConville, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Prophets. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2012. ISBN-13: 978-0830817849. $60.00.

Brueggemann, Walter. The Prophetic Imagination. 2nd ed. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2001. ISBN-13: 978-0800632878. $19.00.

Leclerc, Thomas L. Introduction to the Prophets: Their Stories, Sayings, and Scrolls. New York: Paulist Press, 2007. ISBN-13: 978-0809144921. $29.95.

Arnold, Bill T., and H. G. M. Williamson, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2005. ISBN-13: 978-0830817825. $60.00.

Blenkinsopp, Joseph. A History of Prophecy in Israel. 2nd ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1996. ISBN-13: 978-0664256395. $30.00.

Bright, John. A History of Israel. 4th ed. with an introduction and appendix by W. P. Brown. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2000. ISBN-13: 978-0664220686. $40.00.

Heschel, Abraham. The Prophets. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2007. ISBN-13: 978-1598561814. $29.95.

Additional bibliography will be provided with the syllabus.