DESCRIPTION: This survey course studies the Hebrew prophetic literature, namely, focusing on Latter Prophets (Isaiah-Malachi). It examines the historical, theological, literary, and canonical perspectives of selected texts as well as the prophetic traditions that inform and shape the Hebrew Prophets.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course will enable students to (1) better know and understand the Hebrew Prophets; (2) understand more about the literary features of the prophetic books; (3) better understand the historical and cultural situations of the prophetic books; (4) develop ability in interpreting prophetic texts; (5) see more clearly the nature of the Bible as both human word and holy Scripture; (6) appreciate new ways of reading Scripture; (7) have more enthusiasm for reading the Bible; (8) use the Bible better in their ministries; (9) move towards a deeper obedience to Scripture in their own lives.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The primary goals of the course are to promote understanding of God's specific involvement in human history (as seen in the prophetic literature) and to facilitate use of the texts in light of their significance for contemporary perspectives on divine revelation, ethics, spirituality, leadership responsibility, and justice.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet for lectures and discussion twice weekly during the ten-week term.

REQUIRED READING:

NRSV Bible.

Blenkinsopp, Joseph. A History of Prophecy in Israel. Revised and enlarged. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1996.

Laffey, Alice L. An Introduction to the Old Testament: A Feminist Perspective. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1988.

Newsome, J. D. The Hebrew Prophets. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1986.

Rendtorff, R. The Old Testament: An Introduction. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1991.

Zimmerli, Walther. The Fiery Throne: The Prophets and Old Testament Theology. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2003.

Other books and articles on library reserve.

Achtemeier, Elizabeth. Preaching from the Minor Prophets: Texts and Sermon Suggestions. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.

Bellis, Alice Ogden, ed. Many Voices: Multicultural Responses to the Minor Prophets. Lanham: University Press of America, 1995.

Bright, John. A History of Israel. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1981.

Floyd, Michael H. Minor Prophets Part 2. FOTL 22. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000.

Gordon, Robert P., ed. "The Place is too Small for Us": The Israelite Prophets in Recent Scholarship. Winona Lake, Ind.: Eisenbrauns, 1995.