Fall 2008/Pasadena
OT502
Smoak

OT502: THE HEBREW PROPHETS. Jeremy D. Smoak.

DESCRIPTION: This course will consist of two parts: (1) an overview of the Former Prophets (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings), with a focus upon their thematic significance within the narrative history of Israel from the conquest to the exile, and (2) an examination of the Latter Prophets (Isaiah-Malachi), with an emphasis upon their historical background, social setting, thematic content, and literary development. The course will also examine the different modern approaches to the Hebrew Prophets and how these approaches inform the church's understanding of these texts.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end of the course a student should be able to

identify the major theological and social themes of the Hebrew Prophets;
articulate the different modern approaches to the Hebrew Prophets, including questions concerning their literary development and historical and social settings;
differentiate between the various types of literature found in the prophetic section of the Old Testament canon;
articulate a basic understanding of the narrative history of Israel from the conquest to the exile;
demonstrate an enhanced ability to work with academic resources related to the interpretation of biblical literature;
demonstrate an understanding of the diverse theological and cultural traditions represented in biblical prophetic literature.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The biblical prophetic literature forms a rich testimony to the interaction between God and his people during the biblical period. This course will study how an understanding of this interaction may shed light on contemporary church issues and perspectives.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets twice weekly for two-hour sessions for ten weeks. The format of this course will be a combination of lectures, small group exercises, and class discussions. Students will be expected to work closely with other students as part of the learning process for this course. Students should come to class prepared to discuss the readings assigned for each class session.

REQUIRED READING:

: New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.; Blenkinsopp, Joseph. A History of Prophecy in Israel. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1996.; Matthews, Victor H. The Social World of the Hebrew Prophets. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2001.; Schniedewind, William M., How the Bible Became a Book: The Textualization of Ancient Israel. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004.; Tate, Marvin. From Promise to Exile: The Former Prophets. Macon: Smyth & Helwys, 1999.