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.

Prerequisites:

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

Requirements:
3 hours per week

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%

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. Sage, Priest, Prophet: Religious and Intellectual Leadership in Ancient Israel. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 1995.
• ———. Isaiah 1–39; Isaiah 40–55; Isaiah 56–66. Anchor Bible, vols 19–19B. New York: Doubleday, 2000–2003.
• Greenberg, Moshe. Ezekiel 1–20; Ezekiel 21–37. Anchor Bible, vols 22–22A. New York: Doubleday, 1983, 1997.
• Holladay, William. L. Jeremiah 1 and Jeremiah 2. Edited by Paul D. Hanson. Hermeneia. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1986, 1989.
• Miller, John W. Meet the Prophets: A Beginner’s Guide to the Books of the Biblical Prophets, Their Meaning Then and Now. New York: Paulist, 1987.
• Petersen, David L. The Prophetic Literature: An Introduction. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2002.
• Rofé, Alexander. Introduction to The Prophetic Literature. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic, 1997.
• Sweeney, Marvin A. The Prophetic Literature. Nashville: Abingdon, 2005.