DESCRIPTION:

A study of the content and literary qualities of the Former and Latter Prophets in light of their historical background and their developing theology. (Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi).

The books of the Prophets are essential for understanding God's ongoing words and works of redemption. A student in the course should expect: (1) to learn a basic outline of Israel's history; (2) to gain greater familiarity with the content and arrangement of these twenty-one books; (3) to identify and reflect theologically upon the principal prophetic themes; (4) to evaluate and use exegetical tools and scholarly resources in the interpretation of specific texts; and (5) to develop interpretive skills and insights.

The class will meet daily for four-hour sessions (except Thurs. July 4) for lecture and discussion.

Any modern translation of the Bible (e.g., NRSV, NIV).

A comprehensive, analytical concordance.

Alter, Robert. The David Story: A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel. W.W. Norton & Co., 2000.

Goldingay, John. Isaiah. NIBCOT 13. Hendrickson, 2001.

Gowan, Donald E. Theology of the Prophetic Books: The Death and Resurrection of Israel. Westminster John Knox, 1998.

King, Philip J. and Lauwrence E. Stager. Life in Biblical Israel. Westminster John Knox, 2001.

Newsome, James D., Jr. The Hebrew Prophets. Westminster John Knox, 1996.

Tate, Marvin E. From Promise to Exile: The Former Prophets. Smyth &Helwys, 1999.

Bright, John. A History of Israel. 4th ed. Westminster John Knox, 2000.

Clements, R. E. Old Testament Prophecy: From Oracles to Canon. Westminster John Knox, 1996.

Gordon, R.P. 1 & 2 Samuel. OT Guides. JSOT, 1984.

McConville, J. Gordon. Grace in the End. Zondervan, 1993.

Meyers, C. Discovering Eve: Ancient Israelite Women in Context. Oxford University Press, 1991.

Niditch, Susan. War in the Hebrew Bible. Oxford University Press, 1993.

von Rad, Gerhard. The Message of the Prophets. Harper and Row, 1965.

The course will require extensive reading in preparation for class, and participation in class projects and discussions. These daily assignments will be given in the course syllabus. In addition:

1. Before the first day of class I recommend that you read the biblical books of Joshua and Judges plus the textbooks: Newsome, pp. 1-15; King & Stager, pp. xvii-129, 223-258; Tate pp. 1-55.

2. June 26: a long quiz on the historical setting and content of Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings.

3. Due July 1: a written report on preparatory research for the exegetical paper (3 pages).

4. July 5: final exam, in class (long and short essays; open-Bible, open notes). Please do not enroll in this course if you plan to be absent on July 5.

5. Due August 5: an exegetical paper on a passage from Isaiah (3000 words).