DOCSLIB.ORG

Prophecy in the Old Testament

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Prophecy in the Old Testament OLABISI ONABANJO UNIVERSITY, AGO-IWOYE FACULTY OF ARTS DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES COURSE NOTE FOR CRS 326 – PROPHECY IN THE OLD TESTAMENT LECTURER: DR. O. N. SHOGUNLE PHONE NUMBER: 08067648881 EMAIL: [email protected] SCHEDULE: (See Faculty Lecture Time-table) CREDITS: 2 Course Description The overall aim of CRS 326 is to make students understand why prophecy and prophetism are important concepts in the evolution and development of the religion of the Israelites. It is also to draw attention to the centrality of prophecy in Israelite religion and its relevance in contemporary socio-religious space, as well as why biblical scholars regarded the religion of the Israelites as prophetic in character. Course Aims The aim of this course is to help you discover the importance and contemporary relevance of the ministry and message of the Prophets in ancient Israel. This will be achieved by: i. Introducing you to the history and development of prophecy in ancient Israel. ii. Exposing you to the classification of Prophets in the Old Testament. iii. Giving you the distinctive traits that distinguish ancient Israelite prophets from those of other cultures in the ancient Near East. iv. Helping you understand the socio-political background of the Biblical Prophets. v. Leading you to a better appreciate and appropriation of the message of the Prophets. vi. Giving you an overview of the processes involved in the composition of the Old Testament prophetic books. vii. Challenging you to further probe deeper into the life and messages of the Prophets in the Old Testament. Course Objectives Stated below are the wider objectives of this course as a whole. By meeting these objectives, you should have achieved the aims of the course as a whole. Therefore, on successful completion of the course, you should be able to: i. Discuss the meaning and goal of prophecy. ii. Discuss extensively the origin and development of prophecy in ancient Israel. iii. Account for the factors that led to the emergence of prophets. iv. Discuss the roles and functions of prophets. v. Appreciate the messages of the prophets. vi. Compare and contrast activities of Israelite prophets with those of other cultures. vii. Evaluate the socio-political contributions of prophets in Israel. viii. Appreciate the contemporary relevance of the prophetic ministry. ix. Demonstrate the ability to research a specific area of historical or prophetic interest relevant to Old Testament Prophecy and present a coherent essay reflecting that research OR to understand and interact with a sophisticated monograph on Prophecy in the Old Testament scholarship OR to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the key areas of emphasis in this course and articulate a personal strategy for the contemporary appropriation of such texts and/or passages. Required Texts Albright, W. F. (1957). From the Stone Age to Christianity. New York: Doubleday. Blenkinsopp, J.A. (1995). Sage, Priest, Prophet: Religious and Intellectual Leadership in Ancient Israel. Louisville, Westminster: John Knox Press. Cassey, P.M. (1991). From Jewish Prophets to Gentile God. Cambridge: James Clark & Sons. Clements, R.E. (2002). Old Testament Prophecy: From Oracles to Canon. Louisville, Westminster: John Knox. Cooke, G. (1994). Developing Your Prophetic Gifting. Tonbridge: Sovereign World. Horsley, R. A. and Hanson, J. S. (1999). Bandits, Prophets & Messiahs. Harrisburg: Trinity Press International. Lindblom, J. (1986). Prophecy in Ancient Israel. Philadelphia: Fortress Press. Course Structure and Highlights Week 1 Introductory reflections on Prophecy in the Old Testament Week 2 Introductory reflections and major theological streams within the Old Testament (Continuation) Week 3 Meaning, History and Development of Prophecy in the Old Testament Week 4 Meaning, History and Development of Prophecy in the Old Testament (Continuation) Week 5 Prophecy in the Ancient Near East Week 6. Roles and Functions of Prophets in the Old Testament Week 7 The Call and Function of a Prophet Week 8 Prophecy and Ecstasy in the Old Testament Week 9 Prophecy and Divination Week 10 Pre-literary and Literary Prophets of the Old Testament Week 11 Ezekiel: Historical Background and Message Week 12 Ezekiel: Historical Background and Message in relation to Prophet Amos’ Message Week 13 Revision. Course Requirements and Grading 1. Class attendance and contribution. Though there is no actual percentage attached to this requirement, unexcused (and excused) absences will adversely affect your grade. 2. The reading of the assigned books. Again, no percentage is attached, but failure to do the assigned reading could lower your grade. You will be requested periodically to indicate your completion of this assignment through reviews and critical discussions. 3. You should expect periodic Tests and Quizzes. 4. A research-oriented paper is expected to be submitted by each student, approximately 12 pages; typed, double spaced, on a passage or topic to be given and approved by me. For this paper, you will be researching a variety of sources: commentaries, dictionaries, encyclopedias, books, journals, etc. However, the papers should not be simply a parroting of your sources, but a careful interaction with them. Be sure to document all assistance you received from your sources using APA Referencing Style (7th edition). 5. All Continuous Assessment shall be thirty (30) percent, while Final Examination shall be seventy (70) percent, totaling 100%. GUIDING COURSE NOTE Introductory Reflections The concept of prophecy is very central in the religious life of Israel. There are differing views as to when prophecy started in Israel. According to Gen 20:7, Abraham is the first person to be associated with the title “Prophet” in the entire Hebrew Bible. Because of this verse (Gen 20:7), Abraham is considered the first prophet in Israel. It is important to note that “although Abraham is identified as a prophet by the source usually called E, Abraham does not function as the other prophets do. He does not address people in the name of God.” Others have argued that true prophecy started with Moses at the onset of the Exodus. During the Exodus, Moses exhibited qualities that were later seen in other prophets. He approached Pharaoh of Egypt without fear and this can be well compared to the way Elijah confronted King Ahab (1 Kgs 21:17- 29). Moses further gave guidelines that Israel was to follow to distinguish true from false prophets (Deut 13:1- 5; 18:22). Other than Moses, Aaron is also called by the title “prophet” (Exodus 7:1). According to Exodus 15:20, Miriam the sister of Aaron is called “the prophetess”, “but she performs actions that exhibit a character that is more cultic than prophetic (Exod 15:20; Num 12:1- 15).” After the Exodus then came the time of Judges and during this time, the concept of prophecy still existed. According to Judg 4:4, Deborah was haybn “prophetess” who judged Israel “under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the mountains of Ephraim.” After the time of Deborah, prophecy became less common. There was drought for God’s word of prophecy. According to 1 Sam 3:1, “the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.” The call of Samuel (1 Sam 3:1-21) marked a new beginning in the religious life of Israel. He became a prophet who even influenced the politics of the nation. This is because through him, God chose and rejected kings. During this time prophecy entered a new phase. God seemed to come closer to His people than before. Samuel became the greatest figure to emerge in Israel since Moses. Through him, God warned Eli of the calamity that was to befall him and his family (1 Sam 3:11-18), chose Saul to be a king (1 Sam 9:17), later rejected him (1 Sam 15:23) and chose David to be king (1 Sam 16:12-13). God during this time still spoke through the prophets. For example Nathan rebuked David when the latter killed Uriah and took his wife (2 Sam 12:1-15). During this time of the monarchy, prophecy and kingship existed side by side. Prophecy acted as a sort of a check to the monarchy. Long after Saul and David had left the scene, two prominent figures emerged in Israel: Elijah and Elisha. In fact according to von Rad (1965), “It was in the ninth century, with Elijah and Elisha, that prophecy, first began to make its voice heard.” During this time, prophecy became more like a profession. As a prophet, Elijah is “unapproachable, unpredictable, feared and even hated but always someone to be reckoned with…..Such a figure cannot simply have been invented, and can only be explained by saying that the stories reflect a historical figure of well-nigh superhuman stature.” This superhuman stature is reflected in the many miracles that he performed, one of which is the Mount Carmel victory against the prophets of Baal (1 Kgs 18:20- 40). After Elijah had ascended to heaven, Elisha took over his role and he as well did many miracles. Characteristic of prophecy during this time, is the phrase, “sons of the prophets” (1 Kgs 20:35; 2 Kgs 2:7). Another characteristic of prophecy during this time is the concept of ecstasy when people prophesied with special power and seemed to be out of their minds (cf. 1 Sam 10:6; 1 Kgs 11:29-30). The period above of Samuel, Nathan, Elijah and Elisha is usually called “preclassical” period. “Since they did not write down their prophecies in separate books, these prophets are often better remembered for what they did than for what they said.” During this time, “prophecy was always intimately associated with the monarchy beginning with Saul, for whose downfall, according to the tradition, one of the principal reasons was loss of prophetic support.”6In the 8th and 7th centuries B.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Prophets, Posters and Poetry Joshua Fallik
    Prophets, Posters and Poetry Joshua Fallik Subject Area: Torah (Prophets) Multi-unit lesson plan Target age: 5th – 8th grades, 9th – 12th grades Objectives: • To acquaint students with prophets they may be unfamiliar with. • To familiarize the students with the social and moral message of selected prophets by engaging their analytical minds and visual senses. • To have students reflect in various media on the message of each of these prophets. • To introduce the students to contemporary examples of individuals who seem to live in the spirit of the prophets and their teachings. Materials: Descriptions of various forms of poetry including haiku, cinquain, acrostic, and free verse. Poster board, paper, markers, crayons, pencils, erasers. Quotations from the specific prophet being studied. Students may choose to use any of the materials available to create their sketches and posters. Class 1 through 3: Introduction to the prophets. The prophet Jonah. Teacher briefly talks about the role of the prophets. (See What is a Prophet, below) Teacher asks the students to relate the story of Jonah. Teacher briefly discusses the historical and social background of the prophet. Teacher asks if they can think of any fictional characters named Jonah. Why is the son in Sleepless in Seattle named Jonah? Teacher briefly talks about different forms of poetry. (see Poetry Forms, below) Students are asked to write a poem (any format) about the prophet Jonah. Students then draw a sketch that illustrates the Jonah story. Students create a poster based on the sketch and incorporating the poem they have written. Classes 4 through 8: The prophet Micah.
    [Show full text]
  • 3 Briarwood Lane Dept. of Religion Durham NH 03824 145 Bay State Rd
    DAVID FRANKFURTER 3 Briarwood Lane Dept. of Religion Durham NH 03824 145 Bay State Rd. (603) 868-1619 Boston MA 02215 (603) 397-7136 (c) (617) 353-4431 [email protected] EDUCATION Ph.D., Princeton University (Religion — Religions of Late Antiquity), 1990 M.A., Princeton University (Religion — Religions of Late Antiquity), 1988 M.T.S., Harvard Divinity School (Scripture and Interpretation: New Testament), 1986 B.A., Wesleyan University (Religion), 1983, with High Honors in Religion and University Honors POSITIONS HELD Boston University: Department of Religion. Professor of Religion and William Goodwin Aurelio Chair in the Appreciation of Scripture, 2010 - present. Chair of Department, 2013 - . University of New Hampshire: Religious Studies Program, Department of History. Professor of History and Religious Studies, 2002-2010 ; Associate Professor of History and Religious Studies, 1998-2002; Assistant Professor of History and Religious Studies, 1995-98; Director of Religious Studies Program, 1997- 2010. Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University: Lillian Gollay Knafel Fellow, 2007-08 Brown University: Department of Religious Studies. Visiting Professor of Religious Studies, Fall 2006. Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton NJ: School of Historical Studies. Fairchild Fellow, 1993-95 The College of Charleston: Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies. Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, 1990-95. University of Michigan: Department of Near Eastern Studies. Adjunct Lecturer in New Testament, 1989. FELLOWSHIPS, HONORS, AND
    [Show full text]
  • Stories of the Prophets
    Stories of the Prophets Written by Al-Imam ibn Kathir Translated by Muhammad Mustapha Geme’ah, Al-Azhar Stories of the Prophets Al-Imam ibn Kathir Contents 1. Prophet Adam 2. Prophet Idris (Enoch) 3. Prophet Nuh (Noah) 4. Prophet Hud 5. Prophet Salih 6. Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) 7. Prophet Isma'il (Ishmael) 8. Prophet Ishaq (Isaac) 9. Prophet Yaqub (Jacob) 10. Prophet Lot (Lot) 11. Prophet Shuaib 12. Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) 13. Prophet Ayoub (Job) 14 . Prophet Dhul-Kifl 15. Prophet Yunus (Jonah) 16. Prophet Musa (Moses) & Harun (Aaron) 17. Prophet Hizqeel (Ezekiel) 18. Prophet Elyas (Elisha) 19. Prophet Shammil (Samuel) 20. Prophet Dawud (David) 21. Prophet Sulaiman (Soloman) 22. Prophet Shia (Isaiah) 23. Prophet Aramaya (Jeremiah) 24. Prophet Daniel 25. Prophet Uzair (Ezra) 26. Prophet Zakariyah (Zechariah) 27. Prophet Yahya (John) 28. Prophet Isa (Jesus) 29. Prophet Muhammad Prophet Adam Informing the Angels About Adam Allah the Almighty revealed: "Remember when your Lord said to the angels: 'Verily, I am going to place mankind generations after generations on earth.' They said: 'Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood, while we glorify You with praises and thanks (exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners) and sanctify You.' Allah said: 'I know that which you do not know.' Allah taught Adam all the names of everything, then He showed them to the angels and said: "Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful." They (angels) said: "Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what You have taught us.
    [Show full text]
  • Type-Scenes-In-The-Old-Testament.Pdf
    Type Scenes In The Old Testament Costa greatens her spheroid whitely, protoplasmal and ideologic. Pressurized and logy Barney always enumerated initially and slummed his coronograph. Rodolfo scuffs slow. Object Type print Museum number X3160 Title Object Iosue absoluto bello crura hostium equis amputat currus comburit Series new Testament scenes. Material gain everything a meeting him up an instance, frustration at those. You are able to thee to adopt that son jonathan, ruth but are sculpted in whose steadfast love reading helps to be more than either. Joshua accomplished through moses met and a bureaucracy overseeing holy spirit will be with water supply water for him and ultimately their fulfillment. His shortness is reflected most important part, these messengers told leanly and his very short periods or altarpiece, and clear love has guided his encounter jesus. IT shall these pair who subpoenaed the now testament can appear along the. What Is A mad-scene And How subtle It Used Reflexion. Matthew in particular has six signature mountain scenes in his. That Jesus did not merely show level on the scene 2000 years ago. The greatest father offered up his Isaac the topic here finds its certain climax in anti-type. Informed by becoming one theological change was under restoration, so many women lived in seven chapters introduce readers may be offered. For Paul and other is Testament writers the middle Testament are a best source of material to draw. Literary Forms in that Old Testament Innvista. The old testament theology has meant there are carefully, or more than me; noah and old testament suggesting a britannica premium.
    [Show full text]
  • The Prophets
    Week 8: The Prophets Monday – The Prophet is Called. Read Jeremiah 1 Question: The book of Jeremiah comes after Isaiah, is longer than Ezekiel and the 12 minor prophets combined. Within its pages are messages to God’s people in the closing days of Judah as well as prophecies of the Messiah. Making it a very integral part of the story of the Bible. Just as important was the instrument used to tell it. Where was Jeremiah from and who was his father? What was Jeremiah’s purpose and how did he respond to that call? During who’s reign was he called? Tuesday – The Coming of Immanuel. Read Isaiah 7:1-25 Question: Isaiah’s book has more chapters than any other prophetic book and looks further into the future than any other prophetic book. Isaiah’s relationship was slightly more favorable than most of the prophets. He was a prominent citizen of Jerusalem and had access to both the royal and priestly leadership. Isaiah is filled with prophecy and foretelling of Immanuel’s impending entrance into the world. Specifically, in this chapter Isaiah was sent to speak to King Ahaz’s unbelief (chapters 7-12), describe the declaration in this part of the passage in chapter 7. What problem did Ahaz face? How did God offer to help? What was Ahaz’s reason for refusal? Wednesday – The Commission of Ezekiel. Read Ezekiel 3 Question: Ezekiel, the priest son of Buzi, was the one of the three major prophets. The book shares a similar background with Daniel. He explains to Judah that they must be judged, encourages the remnant concerning restoration, and emphasizes God’s preeminence.
    [Show full text]
  • The Prophets of Israel
    The Prophets Of Israel by Dr. Thomas Clark The Prophets of Israel by Dr. Thomas Clark It is a violation of Christian ethics to reproduce any part of this manual without written permission from the publisher. Lighthouse Outreaches Publishing P.O. Box 832 Limuru, Kenya 1 THE PROPHETS OF ISRAEL HOW TO STUDY THESE LESSONS: 1. PRAY to God and ask Him to open your mind and teach you by His Holy Spirit. 2. READ the scripture portion several times before you begin to answer the questions. 3. ANSWER EVERY QUESTION by searching for the answer in the lesson or from the scripture portion you have read. 4. In each lesson you will find several parts: FIRST, you will find some answers in the commentary in your book. SECOND, you will find other answers from the scripture portion which you read at the beginning of the lesson. THIRD, you will answer some questions from your own experience or understanding of the lesson. FOURTH, you will be asked to do something to put what you have learned into practice. TABLE OF CONTENTS Book Outlines 3 Introduction 14 Lesson 1 All About Prophets and Prophecy 15 Lesson 2. The Development of Prophecy 20 Lesson 3. The Non-Writing Prophets 26 Lesson 4. Elijah and Elisha 30 Lesson 5. Joel, Amos, and Obadiah 34 Lesson 6. Jonah and Nahum 40 Lesson 7. Zephaniah and Habakkuk 46 Lesson 8. Hosea 50 Lesson 9. Micah 54 Lesson 10. Isaiah 58 Lesson 11. Jeremiah 64 Lesson 12. Ezekiel 70 Lesson 13. The Prophets After Captivity Haggai-Zechariah- Malachi 76 Lesson 14.
    [Show full text]
  • The Reccnnition That Knowledge About the Bible Is Fundamental To
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 049 239 TE 002 338 TITLE The Bible as Literature. INSTITUTION Broward County Board of Public Instruction, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. PUB DATE: 71 NOTZ 119p. EDRS PRICE EDRS Price MF-$0.65 HC-$6.58 DESCRIPTORS *Biblical Literature, Christianity, Cultural Background, History, Humanities, Judaism, Literature, *Literature Appreciation, Philosophy, Religion, *Secondary Education, Senior High Schools, *Study Guides, Western Civilization ABSTRACT The reccnnition that knowledge about the Bible is fundamental to understanding western cultural heritage, as well as allusions in literature, music, the fine arts, news media, and entertainment, guided the development of this elective course of study for senior high school students. Test suggestions, objectives, and lesson plans are provided for each of the 0.ght units: (1) Introduction and Historical Background; (2) The Apocrypha; (3) Biography and History As Literature in the New Testament; CO The Narrative; (5) Poetry in the Bible;(6) Wisdom Literature; (7) Drama--the Book of Job; and (8)Prophetic Literature of the Bible. Lesson plans within these units include goals, readings, and activities. A bibliography plus lists of audiovisual materials, film strips, and transparencies conclude this guide. (JMC) U.S. DEPARTMENT Of HEALTH, EDUCATION I WELFARE 0 OFFICE Of EDUCATION THIS DOCIIMENT HAS BEEN REPRODUCED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED FROM THE PERSON 01 ORGARIEATION ORIGINATING If PONT; Of CM OR ONIONS sun DO NOT NECESSAR'lf REPRESENT OffICIAL OFFICE OF EDUCATION POLITION OR POLICY 01 THE BIBLE AS LITERATURE THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA Benjamin C. Willis, Superintendent of Schoo's THE BIBLE AS LITERATURE THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA Benjamin C.
    [Show full text]
  • December 18, 2019
    MINUTES LICENSE COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2019 A REGULAR MEETING OF THE Revere License Commission was called to order by Chairman Robert Selevitch at 3:00 p.m. on December 18, 2019. Commissioner Linda Guinasso, Commissioner John M. LaCroix, Police Lt. Sean Randall, Liaison with the Revere License Commission, and Maggie Haney, Recording Secretary, present. Salute to the Flag by the members of the Revere License Commission and those in attendance. VOTED ON THE FOLLOWING APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED FOR CONSIDERATION Sainte Corp. d/b/a Nick’s Deli 750 Washington Avenue Taulant Hajro & Sajmir Buzi, Managers Application for Transfer of a Common Victualler License: Application of Sainte Corp. d/b/a Nick’s Deli for transfer of a Common Victualler license from KTJV Corp. Hours to be Sunday 6 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday – Saturday 6 a.m. – 3 p.m., seating to be 50. – Continued from November meeting. Sajmir Buzi and Taulant Hajro appeared for the application. They intend to keep all operations the same. There were neither opponents nor proponents when called. Upon a motion duly made by Chairman Selevitch, and seconded by Commissioner Guinasso, it was VOTED to approve the application. Yutaka, Inc. d/b/a Yutaka Fine Asian Cuisine 339 Squire Road Yanling Chen, Manager Application for a Change of Manager: Application of Yutaka, Inc. d/b/a Yutaka Fine Asian Cuisine, Yanling Chen, Manager, for a change of manager from Peter Guangjiu Lin for a Malt/Wine Restaurant license. Yanling Chen appeared for the application. This is a change of manager only, no changes to the operations of the restaurant are intended.
    [Show full text]
  • Studying the Bible: the Tanakh and Early Christian Writings
    Kansas State University Libraries New Prairie Press NPP eBooks Monographs 2019 Studying the Bible: The Tanakh and Early Christian Writings Gregory Eiselein Kansas State University Anna Goins Kansas State University Naomi J. Wood Kansas State University Follow this and additional works at: https://newprairiepress.org/ebooks Part of the Biblical Studies Commons This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License Recommended Citation Eiselein, Gregory; Goins, Anna; and Wood, Naomi J., "Studying the Bible: The Tanakh and Early Christian Writings" (2019). NPP eBooks. 29. https://newprairiepress.org/ebooks/29 This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Monographs at New Prairie Press. It has been accepted for inclusion in NPP eBooks by an authorized administrator of New Prairie Press. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Studying the Bible: The Tanakh and Early Christian Writings Gregory Eiselein, Anna Goins, and Naomi J. Wood Kansas State University Copyright © 2019 Gregory Eiselein, Anna Goins, and Naomi J. Wood New Prairie Press, Kansas State University Libraries Manhattan, Kansas Cover design by Anna Goins Cover image by congerdesign, CC0 https://pixabay.com/photos/book-read-bible-study-notes-write-1156001/ Electronic edition available online at: http://newprairiepress.org/ebooks This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial 4.0 International (CC-BY NC 4.0) License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Publication of Studying the Bible: The Tanakh and Early Christian Writings was funded in part by the Kansas State University Open/Alternative Textbook Initiative, which is supported through Student Centered Tuition Enhancement Funds and K-State Libraries.
    [Show full text]
  • Men in Travail: Masculinity and the Problems of the Body in the Hebrew Prophets
    Men in Travail: Masculinity and the Problems of the Body in the Hebrew Prophets by Cristina Rhiannon Graybill A dissertation submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Near Eastern Studies and the Designated Emphasis in Critical Theory in the Graduate Division of the University of California, Berkeley Committee in charge: Professor Robert Alter, Chair Professor Daniel Boyarin Professor Chana Kronfeld Professor Celeste Langan Spring 2012 Copyright © 2012 Cristina Rhiannon Graybill, All Rights Reserved. Abstract Men in Travail: Masculinity and the Problems of the Body in the Hebrew Prophets by Cristina Rhiannon Graybill Doctor of Philosophy in Near Eastern Studies with the Designated Emphasis in Critical Theory University of California, Berkeley Professor Robert Alter, Chair This dissertation explores the representation of masculinity and the male body in the Hebrew prophets. Bringing together a close analysis of biblical prophetic texts with contemporary theoretical work on masculinity, embodiment, and prophecy, I argue that the male bodies of the Hebrew prophets subvert the normative representation of masculine embodiment in the biblical text. While the Hebrew Bible establishes a relatively rigid norm of hegemonic masculinity – emphasizing strength, military valor, beauty, and power over others in speech and action – the prophetic figures while clearly male, do not operate under these masculine constraints. Nor does the prophetic body, repeatedly represented as open, wounded, vulnerable, or otherwise non-masculine, conform to the norms of masculine embodiment that are elsewhere strongly enforced in the text. Instead, the prophetic body represents a site of resistance against the demands of hegemonic masculinity and affords the possibility, however, briefly, of alternate, multiple, and open organizations of masculinity not organized around the discipline of the body and the domination of the bodies of others.
    [Show full text]
  • DAVID BRAKKE April 2021
    DAVID BRAKKE April 2021 Department of History (614) 292-2674 The Ohio State University [email protected] 230 Annie & John Glenn Ave. 106 Dulles Hall Columbus OH 43210-1367 Academic Appointments (Permanent) Joe R. Engle Chair in the History of Christianity and Professor of History, The Ohio State University (2012– ) Courtesy Professor in Classics (2018– ) Professor of Religious Studies, Indiana University (2004–2012) Adjunct Professor of Classical Studies (2008–2012) Adjunct Professor of History (2004–2012) Chair, Department of Religious Studies, Indiana University (2006–2011) Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Indiana University (1999–2004) Adjunct Associate Professor of History (2002–2004) Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, Indiana University (1993–1999) Academic Appointments (Visiting) Croghan Bicentennial Visiting Professor of BiBlical and Early Christian Studies, Williams College (Autumn 2015) Visiting Professor of the History of Christianity, University of Chicago Divinity School (Spring 2012) Visiting Assistant Professor of Religion, Concordia College, Moorhead, MN (1992–1993) Teaching Areas Primary: Ancient Christianity (New Testament through 600 C.E.) Secondary: History of Christianity, Late Antiquity, Study of Religion Education Ph.D., Religious Studies, Yale University, 1992 M.A., M.Phil., Religious Studies, Yale University, 1987, 1989 M.Div., Harvard Divinity School, 1986 B.A., with highest distinction, English, University of Virginia, 1983 Vita: David Brakke, page 2 Select Grants and Fellowships (Team Project) National Endowment for the Humanities Scholarly Edition Award: Critical Edition of the Works of Shenoute, Andrew Crislip, Principal Investigator (2007–2010) Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship (2002–2-03, Resumed 2008, 2010): Institut für Ägyptologie und Koptologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Germany National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship for University Teachers (1999–2000) American Council of Learned Societies Junior Fellowship (1999–2000) PUBLICATIONS Refereed items are marked with (*).
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter Five the Latter Prophets
    Eiselein, Goins, Wood / Studying the Bible Chapter Five The Latter Prophets Introduction to and Composition of the Latter Prophets The historical books of the former prophets featured prophets as characters in their narratives—people who played key roles in the continuing development of the nation of Israel. In contrast, the books of the latter prophets bear the names of their prophet along with their oracles, or divinely inspired messages, and represent a shift away from the oral tradition toward the crafted, written word. For this reason, the latter prophets are also known as the classical or literary prophets, and their books can more specifically be regarded as sharing these three characteristics: 1) structural features such as a subscription and editorial notes; 2) evidence of compiled materials, such as modified prophets’ words, that ultimately pay tribute to the significance of the prophet and which are sometimes linked chronologically and sometimes thematically; and 3) a record of a calling by God. Scholar Jeremiah Bright describes this shift as “both a new thing in Israel and the continuation of an ancient tradition,” because, in addition to their focus on polished language, “they emphatically did not speak as paid personnel of the cult” even though some of them did come from the clergy and/or “delivered their message at the shrines” (Bright xxii). What this means is that the latter prophets were more likely to come from the ranks of ordinary believers, such as Amos, who was a farmer, and whose words carried enough weight that later editors were compelled to formally record them.
    [Show full text]