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The Prophetic Literature

BS216/316

Brian Boyle 2013

This unit will explore the charismatic phenomenon of prophecy in Israel: its spirit, forms, characteristic features, historical and religious context, message, and relation to Ancient Near East prophecy. The message of each prophet will be situated within its particular social, religious and political context. The unit will move from a general discussion of prophecy in Israel to examination of particular passages from minor and major prophets, to illustrate the movement and its concerns. The key theme of the unit will be the genius of the prophetic movement in Israel and its relation to the enduring values of Israelite religion. Texts to be considered include selections from Hosea, Amos, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel.

Undergraduate Prerequisites

second level: BS101 and BS102 or equivalent
third level: two Biblical Studies units at second level

Graduate and Postgraduate Requirements (BS316)

BS101 or BS350

Requirements

3 hours per week

Undergraduate Assessment

second level one 1,500 word assignment 25%
one 2,000 word essay 35%
one 1½ hour written examination 40%
third level one 1,500 word assignment 25%
one 3,000 word essay 35%
one 1½ hour written examination 40%

Graduate and Postgraduate Assessment (BS316)

Equivalent to 6,000 words.
See Coursework Assessment for Graduate and Postgraduate Students.

Text

The New Revised Standard Version will be used in lectures.
Students should also have access to the New Jerusalem Bible.

Bibliography

  • Baltzer, Klaus. Deutero-Isaiah: A Commentary on Isaiah 40–55. Edited by Peter Machinist. Translated by Margaret Kohl. Hermeneia. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2001.
  • Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Isaiah 1–39; Isaiah 40–55; Isaiah 56–66. Anchor Bible, vols 19–19B. New York: Doubleday, 2000–2003.
  • ———. Sage, Priest, Prophet: Religious and Intellectual Leadership in Ancient Israel. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 1995.
  • Block, Daniel. The Book of Ezekiel: Chapters 25–48. New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1998.
  • Holladay, William L. Jeremiah 1 and Jeremiah 2. Edited by Paul D. Hanson. Hermeneia. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1986, 1989.
  • Lundbom, Jack R. The Hebrew Prophets: An Introduction. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2010.
  • Petersen, David L. The Prophetic Literature: An Introduction. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2002.
  • Sweeney, Marvin A. The Prophetic Literature. Nashville: Abingdon, 2005.