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.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Achtemeier, E., Preaching from the Minor Prophets: Texts and
Sermon Suggestions. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.
- Brenner, A., ed. A Feminist Companion to Judges; A Feminist
Companion to Samuel and Kings, and A Feminist Companion to the Latter
Prophets. Sheffield Academic Press, 1993, 1994, and 1995.
ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Weekly preparation, class attendance and participation in
small group activities will be a required component of the course (10%). (2)
Exegetical paper of 12-15 pages in length (30%). (3) Midterm exam (30%). (4)
Final exam (30%).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "B"
(OTB).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (9/08)