Winter 2007/Pasadena
OT502
Jacobs
OT502: HEBREW PROPHETS. Mignon R. Jacobs.
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.
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.
- Matthews, Victor H. Social World of the Hebrew Prophets. Peabody:
Hendrickson, 2001.
- 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.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- 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.
ASSIGNMENTS: Weekly preparation, attendance, and participation are required
components of the course. The final grade will also be based on attendance and
participation (10%), a term paper (30%), midterm (30%), and a final exam (30%).
**Reading of J. Bright, A History of Israel, pp. 229-69, by the first
class meeting is strongly encouraged.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "b"
(OTB).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.