Introduction

We will begin our study of the Old Testament Prophets with an introduction to the prophetic office in ancient Israel as well as a survey of the prophets' geographical and historical contexts.

Next, we will examine those prophets ministering during the period of Assyrian power. In Jonah, God's sovereign mercy is highlighted by the contrast of His prophet's rebellion and pagan repentance. Hosea, through his life and message, confronts Israel's spiritual adultery, alternating between words of imminent judgment and future restoration. Finally, Amos confronts the disconnect between Israel's relationship with God and their relationships with one another, foretelling coming judgment with a glimmer of hope for future restoration.

 Readings

The Bible: Jonah, Hosea, and Amos.

Hays, The Message of the Prophets, pp. 62-89.

Fuhr and Yates, The Message of the Twelve, pp. 1-18, 27-58, 59-87, 111-145, and 161-182.

Course Notes, pp. 1-3.

History of Israel & Judah (refer to as needed)

 Optional Readings

Yates, Gary. "The Problem of Repentance and Relapse as a Unifying Theme in the Book of the Twelve." Themelios 41, no. 2 (2016): 248-62.

Gault, Brian P. "Avenging Husband and Redeeming Lover? Opposing Portraits of God in Hosea." Unpublished paper. Evangelical Theological Society Annual Meeting, November 2016.

 Guiding Questions

As you read, consider the following questions:

• What are the five characteristic elements of a biblical prophet?
• What are the geographical bounds of the ancient Near East and the three regions in focus in the Old Testament prophets?
• What are three historical time periods in which the Old Testament prophets ministered?
• How does the structure of the book of Jonah (parallel panels) highlight the book's message?
• How does Hosea's family situation and the literary structure of this book reflect God's message to His people?
• What are the various literary devices employed by the prophet Amos and how do they contribute to his message?

 Lectures

Introduction:

• Lecture 1 | PPT 1 | Audio 1
• Lecture 2 | PPT 2 | Audio 2

Jonah:

• Lecture 3 | PPT 3 | Audio 3
• Lecture 4 | PPT 4 | Audio 4

Hosea:

• Lecture 5 | PPT 5 | Audio 5
• Lecture 6 | PPT 6 | Audio 6

Amos:

• Lecture 7 | PPT 7 | Audio 7

 Suggested Work Sequence

Below is a step-by-step guide for what to do when during this unit. Note that while the lectures and readings are described in detail above, assignments have their own pages.

Key:

• MP = Message of the Prophets (Hays)
• MT = Message of the Twelve (Fuhr and Yates)