DESCRIPTION:

The central division of the Hebrew Bible known as "the Prophets" includes four former: Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings; and four latter: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve. These eight books will be examined primarily from literary, canonical, and theological perspectives, with attention also to historical issues.

The Hebrew Prophets were preserved not simply to inform God's people. of their history, but to teach later generations the lessons of the past and to provide confidence and hope of His presence in the present and future. Consequently, the message of these ancient texts has enduring relevance for the present generation and those to come. By understanding the structure, style, and content of this corpus one can then communicate God's eternal Word to His people.

The class will meet four hours twice a week for lecture and discussion.

Bar-Efrat, Shimon. Narrative Art in the Bible. Sheffield: Almond Press, 1989.

Childs, B. S. Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1979.

Newsome, James D. The Hebrew Prophets. Atlanta: John Knox, 1986.

Rendtorff, Rolf. The Old Testament: An Introduction. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1986.

A series of articles on reserve in the library.

Alter, Robert. The Art of Biblical Narrative. New York: Basic Books, Inc., 1981.

House, Paul R. The Unity of the Twelve. Sheffield: Almond Press, 1990.

Prepare designated readings before each class. Research paper, maximum twelve pages.

None.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Old Testament "B" (OTB).

Yes. Will be based on class lectures and discussion.