DESCRIPTION:

This course will analyze the Hebrew text of the book of Amos. Form, structure, historical context and redaction will all be used to elucidate the purpose and meaning of the prophetic oracles of the book. A brief introduction to and survey of the prophetic literature of the Old Testament will also be presented.

Students who complete the course will have 1) shown an increased competence in exegesis and interpretation of the Hebrew text; 2) demonstrated a basic knowledge of Israel's prophetic literature; 3) demonstrated a close understanding of the culture, historical context, literary forms, and special emphases of the book of Amos; and 4) explored several theological concepts arising from the text, concepts such as justice and righteousness, God's work in history, and the nature of the prophetic call.

The prophet Amos spoke God's word to the people in the context of eighth-century Israel. Recourse to the original Hebrew will help us to journey back to that period and culture to try to understand the meaning and message of the prophet in his own context. Since the book belongs to the Jewish-Christian canon as an integral part of Scripture for God's people thereafter, we will also address the meaning of the text for our own time.

The course will meet for four hours a week for lectures and discussion.

Mays, J. L. Amos. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1969.

Newsome, J. D., Jr. The Hebrew Prophets. Atlanta: John Knox, 1984.

Paul, S. M. Amos. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1991.

Wolff, H. W. Joel and Amos. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1977.

Also such material as is set in the class syllabus and schedule.

Blenkinsopp, J. A. A History of Prophecy in Israel. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1983.

Heschel, A. The Prophets. (2 vols.) New York: Harper & Row, 1962.

Hubbard, D. A. Joel and Amos. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1989.

Koch, K. The Prophets. Vol. 1 The Assyrian Period; Vol. 2 The Babylonian and Persian Periods. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1983, 1984.

Rad, G. von. The Message of the Prophets. New York: Harper & Row, 1972.

1. Preparation of the Hebrew text and reading of commentaries before class study.

2. Writing of a 12-15 page exegetical paper.

3. Mid-term and final examinations.

LG502.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Old Testament "b" (OTBE).

Yes.