Program Overview

---

Introduction to THL308 The Prophetic Literature

This subject is a critical study of the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. It examines the prophetic writings against their varied historical, social, political, and religious contexts, and it also explores critical issues associated with their interpretation.

Subject Outlines

The subject examines the major theological and ethical themes of the prophetic writings and critically evaluates their contemporary relevance. Special attention is given to a discrete collection of prophetic texts. Exegetical and interpretive competence is further developed and refined through the critical review and creative application of historical, socio-cultural, rhetorical, poetic, and ideological methods of analysis to a range of prophetic texts.

Availability

The subject is available in the following sessions:

• Session 1 (30) On Campus at Canberra Campus and United Theological College
• Session 1 (30) Online at Canberra Campus
• Term 1 (75) On Campus at Ming Hua Theological College
• Term 1 (75) On Campus at Ming Hua Theological College

Subject Information

Grading System

The grading system for this subject is HD/FL.

Duration

The duration of this subject is one session.

School

The subject is offered by the School of Theology.

Assumed Knowledge

Students are recommended to have prior knowledge equivalent to or studied THL105 and either THL202 or THL209.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to demonstrate a critical and informed understanding of issues relating to the interpretation of the prophetic literature
• be able to demonstrate a critical and informed understanding of the distinctive literature of the biblical prophets from the pre-exilic, exilic, and post-exilic periods
• be able to discuss the contextual nature of prophecy in the social, political, and religious life of Israel
• be able to discuss major theological and ethical themes in the prophetic literature and critically evaluate their contemporary relevance
• be able to demonstrate advanced competence in the exegesis and interpretation of biblical texts through critical engagement with primary biblical materials and constructive engagement with secondary literature
• be able to demonstrate self-guided learning, including advanced research, writing, and communication skills

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• A scholarly survey of the prophetic literature (Major and Minor Prophets)
• The historical, social, political, and religious contexts of the prophetic literature
• The contextual nature of prophecy in the social, political, and religious life of Israel
• The date, provenance, growth, and composition of the prophetic writings
• The literary styles and structure of various prophetic materials
• The redaction and formation of one of the four major prophetic books (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, or the Twelve)
• Major theological and ethical themes in the prophetic writings and their contemporary relevance
• Recent interpretive approaches in relation to prophetic texts
• Exegesis and interpretation of prophetic texts