Course Objectives
1. Through this course students will become more familiar with the content of the Prophets and the Writings.
2. Students will have greater understanding of the historical and socio–political context in which the Hebrew Bible emerged.
3. To engage various methods of interpretation in biblical studies and various communities around the world who are doing the interpretation.
Requirements & Grades:
1. Students are expected to attend all class sessions and to participate actively in class (20% toward the final grade).
2. Students are required to write two short reflection papers (2-3 pages in length). The professor will pass out the questions on September 25 and October 30. The papers are due October 2 and November 6 respectively. Each paper is worth 20% toward the final grade.
3. Students are required to write a sermon or a bible study based on their reflection on biblical text, biblical scholarship, and their context. It should be between 8 to 10 pages in length, and is due December 18. It is worth 40% toward the final grade.
Required Books (Available for purchase at the Seminary Bookstore and on reserve in the Seminary Library)
• Joseph Blenkinsopp, A History of Prophecy in Israel (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1996)
• James L. Crenshaw, The Psalms: An Introduction (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 2001)
• Abraham Heschel, The Prophets (New York: Harper & Row, 1962)
• Roland E. Murphy, The Tree of Life: An Exploration of Biblical Wisdom Literature (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 2002)
Recommended Books (On reserve in the Seminary Library and/or available for purchase at the Seminary Bookstore)
• John J. Collins, Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004)
• Daniel Patte et al., eds., Global Bible Commentary (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2004)
Class Schedule
1. September 18 Introduction to the Prophets
Reading Assignment
• Blenkinsopp, pp. 1-39
• Heschel, pp. xiii-26
2. September 25 The Eighth-century Prophets of Israel: Amos and Hosea
Reading Assignment
• Amos and Hosea
• Blenkinsopp, pp. 65-90
• Heschel, pp. 27-60
3. October 2 The Eighth-century Prophets of Judah: Isaiah and Micah
Pass out the questions for the reflection paper #1
Reading Assignment
• Isaiah 1-39 and Micah
• Blenkinsopp, pp. 91-110
• Heschel, pp. 61-102
4. October 9 The Seventh-century Prophets of Judah: Jeremiah
The reflection paper #1 due
Reading Assignment
• Jeremiah
• Blenkinsopp, pp. 111-121, 129-147
• Heschel, pp. 103-139
5. October 16 The Exilic Prophets: Ezekiel and Deutero-Isaiah
Reading Assignment
• Ezekiel and Isaiah 40-55
• Blenkinsopp, pp. 148-193
• Heschel, pp. 145-158
6. October 23 The Postexilic Prophets
Reading Assignment
• Isaiah 56-66; Zechariah; Malachi
• Blenkinsopp, pp. 194-239
• Collins, pp. 401-424
7. October 30 Daniel and Apocalyptic Literature
Reading Assignment
• Daniel
• Collins, pp. 553-580
• Patte, pp. 253-261
8. November 6 Wisdom Tradition: Proverbs
Pass out the questions for the reflection paper #2
Reading Assignment
• Proverbs
• Murphy, pp. 1-32
• Patte, pp. 163-174
9. November 13 Wisdom Tradition: Job and Qohelet (Ecclesiastes)
The reflection paper #2 due
Reading Assignment
• Job and Qohelet (Ecclesiastes)
• Murphy, pp. 33-64
• Patte, pp. 141-150, 175-179
10. November 20 No Class; Reading Week
11. November 27 The Chronicler’s History
• Collins, pp. 427-460
• Patte, pp. 119-134
12. December 4 Ruth and Esther
Reading Assignment
• Ruth and Esther
• Collins, pp. 529-551
• Patte, pp. 86-91, 135-140
13. December 11 Song of Israel: Psalms
Reading Assignment
• Collins, pp. 461-486
• Crenshaw, pp. 1-52
14. December 18 Songs of Israel: Psalms
Reading Assignment
• Pslams 24, 71, 73, and 115
• Crenshaw, pp. 109-169
Uriah Kim