OT502
F. I. Andersen
OT502: THE HEBREW PROPHETS. Francis. I Andersen.
DESCRIPTION:
- The Former Prophets and Latter Prophets in the Old Testament canon,
i.e. the historical books from Joshua to Kings and the prophetic books from
Isaiah to Malachi, will be studied in two modes. (i) General historical,
literary, and theological questions will be reviewed. (ii) The issues will be
addressed via intensive study of selected representative passages.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- While the preacher brings God's Word to the people, the seminary
teacher has the prior task of bringing ministerial students to the Bible, where
the being and doing of God are revealed in ancient history and preserved in the
sacred literature of the people of Israel. This portion of the Bible
("Prophets") discloses the response of God in severity and compassion to human
sin and misery. The abiding truthfulness of this revelation for contemporary
communities and individuals will be explored.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The class will meet for two hours twice a week for lectures and
discussion.
REQUIRED READING:
- LaSor, W. S., D. A. Hubbard & F. W. Bush. Old Testament
Survey, Rev. ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996.
- Doorly, William J. Obsession with Justice: The Story of the
Deuteronomists. New York/Mahwah: Paulist Press, 1994.
- Zucker, David J. Israel's Prophets: An Introduction for Christians and
Jews. New York/Mahwah: Paulist Press, 1994.
RECOMMENDED READING: In addition to commentaries on the several books:
- Blenkinsopp, Joseph. A History of Prophecy in Israel from the
Settlement in the Land to the Hellenistic Period. Philadelphia:
Westminster, 1983.
- Hayes, Stephen R. and Steven L. McKenzie, eds. To Each Its Own Meaning:
An Introduction to Biblical Criticisms and Their Application. Louisville:
Westminster/John Knox 1993.
- Overholt, Thomas W. Channels of Prophecy: The Social Dynamics of
Prophetic Activity. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1989.
- Petersen, David L. The Roles of Israel's Prophets. Journal for the
Study of the Old Testament Supplement Series 17. Sheffield: University of
Sheffield, 1981.
- __________. Prophecy in Israel. Issues in Religion and Theology 10.
London: SPCK, 1987.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- A detailed Log in the form of a diary or journal of all readings
(prescribed and recommended) and interaction with the readings -- 20%.
- Three papers (each 1000-1500 words) on suggested topics -- 30% (i.e., 10%
for each paper).
- Examinations (both closed-book): (i) Midterm (one hour) 20%;
and (ii)
Final (two hours) 30%.
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M. Div. core requirement in Old Testament "b" (OTB).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Yes. Exegetical comments and an essay will be required.