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: What should we learn from Israel's presentation of its past? How did the New Testament writers appropriate the words of the prophets? What are the implications of the prophetic witnesses for the ethos and hope of the Christian church today?

Students 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.

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

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

Gowan, Donald E. Theology of the Prophetic Books: The Death and Resurrection of Israel. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1998.

Course reader.

Blenkinsopp, Joseph. A History of Prophecy in Israel. Rev. and enl. ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1996.

Bright, John. A History of Israel. 4th ed., with an introduction and appendix by W. P. Brown. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2000.

There will be four major requirements for the course: (1) a midterm examination; (2) a final examination; (3) a 12-page exegetical project; and (4) attendance at and participation in discussion groups.

None.

Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "b" (OTB).

Yes.