DESCRIPTION: The primary goal of this course is to develop exegetical skills through study of the Hebrew text of Hosea and Amos. We will examine the historical background of the eighth century of Israel and Judah, and trace the themes of the message and the literary forms of expression of each book. Some of the important theological topics include fidelity to God, social justice, gender issues, and tension between the eternal promise and the conditions of the covenant.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated (1) an enhanced competence in basic Hebrew and exegetical skills; (2) a fundamental knowledge of the literary forms and thematic content of the books of Hosea and Amos; (3) an acquaintance with a range of issues pertaining to the historical and social location of Hosea and Amos; (4) an ability to reflect upon and evaluate the unique theological issues raised by this literature and to discern their implications for Christian faith and practice; (5) a greater sensitivity to culturally diverse vantage points of hermeneutics to better equip oneself for the manifold ministries of one's lifetime.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: These "Northern" prophets offer unique perspectives on ministry and redemption in a broken world. Conveying this biblical message to people in a meaningful and responsible way necessitates skillful exegesis of these theologically rich texts.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Sessions will involve prepared exegetical translations, discussions and lectures.

REQUIRED READING:

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

Elliger, K., and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. 5th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997.

Either Koehler, L., and W. Baumgartner. The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament. 2 Vols. Trans. M. E. J. Richardson. Brill, 2001. OR Brown, F., S. R. Driver, and C. A. Briggs. A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament . . . . Hendrickson, 1996 [1906].

Either Joüon, P., & T. Muraoka. A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew. Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblio, 1991.
OR Gesenius, W.; E. F. Kautzsch et al. Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar. 2d. ed. Clarendon, 1963 [1910].

Either Andersen, F. I., and D. N. Freedman. Hosea. AB 24. Doubleday, 1980. OR Wolff, H. W. Hosea: A Commentary of the Book of Hosea. Hermeneia 32. Trans. G. Stansell. Fortress, 1974.

Either Andersen, F. I., and D. N. Freedman. Amos. AB 24A. Doubleday, 1989.
OR Paul, S. A Commentary on the Book of Amos. Hermeneia 27. Fortress, 1991.

Course Reader.

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

Gowan, D. E. Theology of the Prophetic Books: The Death and Resurrection of Israel. WJK, 1998.

Matthews, V. Social World of the Hebrew Prophets. Hendrickson, 2001.

Scott, W. A Simplified Guide to BHS. 3d ed. BIBAL, 1995.

Sweeney, M. A. The Twelve Prophets. Vol 1. Liturgical Press, 2000.

Wolff, H. W. Joel and Amos. Hermeneia 24. Trans. W. Janzen et al. Fortress, 1977.