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, 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 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, we will also consider the meaning of the text for our own time.

The course will meet twice weekly in two-hour sessions for reading from the Hebrew text of Amos, lectures and discussion.

See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office and online.

Carroll R., M. D. Amos. The Prophet & His Oracles. Westminster John Knox, 2002.

Paul, S. M. and F. M. Cross. Amos: A Commentary on the Book of Amos. Fortress Press, 1991.

Wolff, H. W. Joel & Amos: A Commentary on the Books of the Prophets Joel & Amos. Fortress, 1977.

Blenkinsopp, J. A History of Prophecy in Israel. Westminster John Knox Press, 1996.

Carroll R., M. D. Contexts for Amos: Prophetic Poetics in Latin American Perspective. JSOT Press, 1992.

Hasel, G. F. Understanding the Book of Amos. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1991.

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

Hubbard, D. A. Joel and Amos. InterVarsity Press, 1989.

Jeremias, J. The Book of Amos: A Commentary. Westminster John Knox Press, 1998.

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

Limburg, J. The Prophets and the Powerless. Knox, 1977.

Motyer, J. A. The Message of Amos. InterVarsity Press, 1988.

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

Sawyer, J. F. A. Prophecy and the Biblical Prophets. Oxford University Press, 1993.

1) Listening to Amos in Hebrew at least twice a week. 2) Preparation of the Hebrew text, writing of observations in a study notebook and reading of commentaries before class study of any given passage. 3) 2000-2500 words of exegetical writing. 4) Mid-term and final examinations. These exams will test memory work, translation exercises and familiarity with secondary literature.