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:

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.