OT502: HEBREW PROPHETS. Pamela Scalise.
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).
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE & MINISTRY: 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 a 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.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing the course will have demonstrated that they: (1) have a knowledge and understanding of the Hebrew prophets books; (2) are able to interpret the Bible using a range of appropriate interpretive approaches, including ones that reflect the diversity of contexts from which the text can be read; (3) have reflected on the nature of the Bible as both human word and holy Scripture; (4) have articulated some reflection on the significance of the Hebrew prophets books for their discipleship and ministry.
COURSE FORMAT: Class will include lecture and discussion and will meet on ten Mondays, 1/6 through 3/17, except 1/20, 6:00 – 9:30 PM.
The 21 prophets books listed above, in the NRSV, TNIV or the CEB.
A comprehensive, analytical concordance. (Use in a library or online. Not a required purchase.)
eReaders: Articles by K.L. Wong, R. Weems.
Goldingay, John. Isaiah. Baker, 1995. ISBN: 978-0801046384, Pub. Price $19.99 [416 pp.]
Gowan, Donald E. Theology of the Prophetic Books: The Death and Resurrection of Israel. Westminster John Knox, 1998. ISBN: 978-0664256890, Pub. Price $30.00 [264 pp.]
King, Philip J., and Lawrence E. Stager. Life in Biblical Israel. Westminster John Knox, 2002. ISBN: 978-0664221485, Pub. Price$50.00 [440 pp.]
Lapsley, Jacqueline. Whispering the Word: Hearing Women’s Stories in the Old Testament. Westminster
John Knox, 2005. ISBN: 978-0664224356, Pub. Price $25.00 [176 pp.]
Nelson, Richard. The Historical Books. Abingdon, 1998. ISBN: 978-0687008438, Pub. Price $22.00 [192 pp.]
Clements, R. E. Old Testament Prophecy: From Oracles to Canon. Westminster John Knox, 2005. ISBN: 978-0664230586, Pub. Price $40.00.
Mann, Thomas. The Book of the Former Prophets. Wipf & Stock Pub., 2011. ISBN: 978-1606086698, Pub. Price $50.00.
Miller, J. Maxwell and John Hayes. A History of Ancient Israel and Judah. 2nd ed. Westminster John Knox, 2006. ISBN: 978-0664223588, Pub. Price $40.00.
von Rad, Gerhard. The Message of the Prophets. Harper & Row, 1972. ISBN: 978-0060689292, Pub. Price $17.00.
ASSIGNMENTS & ASSESSMENT:
To pass the course, all assignments must be submitted.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament “b” (OTB).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Take-home, due 3/17.
NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.