Writing in a conversational rather than a scholarly tone, Paul Redditt assumes little or no prior knowledge of the Old Testament as he presents and introduces the Major and Minor Prophets in the canonical order of the English Bible. The chapters of Redditt's Introduction to the Prophets discuss the place of each book in the canon; the literary setting of each book; their structure, integrity, and authorship; the main genre(s) in each; special features of each book; basic emphases of each book; and problems -- theological, literary, or historical -- raised by a study of the book. Among other things, Redditt demonstrates that the prophets were both “foretellers” and “forthtellers,” and he argues that the Old Testament prophets developed the concept of monotheism. Each chapter ends with questions for further reflection. Concluding the volume are a helpful glossary and several indexes.

The Old Testament prophets spoke to Israel in times of historical and moral crisis. They saw themselves as being a part of a story that God was weaving throughout history--a story of repentance, encouragement, and a coming Messiah. In this updated introductory book, each major and minor prophet and his writing are clustered with the major historical events of their time. Our generational distance from the age of the prophets might seem to be a measureless chasm. Yet we dare not make the mistake of assuming that passing years have rendered irrelevant not only the Old Testament prophets, but also the God who comprehends, spans, and transcends all time. In these pages, C. Hassell Bullock presents a clear picture of some of history's most profound spokesmen--the Old Testament prophets--and the God who shaped them.

This survey textbook is grounded in the view that the prophetic books of the Old Testament should be read as Christian Scripture. Although it covers critical issues such as authorship, background, and history, its primary focus is on the message and theology of the prophetic books and the contribution they make to the Christian canon. Particular attention is given to literary issues, such as the structure of each prophetic book. Full-color illustrations, diagrams, and artwork bring the text to life. Additional resources for instructors and students are available through Textbook eSources.

Victor Matthews, a veteran teacher and expert on the world of ancient Israel, introduces students to the Hebrew prophets and their social world. Drawing on archaeology and ancient Near Eastern texts, Matthews examines the prophets chronologically, placing them and their message into historical context. He explores pertinent aspects of historical geography, economic conditions, and social forces that influenced a prophet's life and message and explains why prophets served an integral purpose in the development of ancient Israelite religion. He also explores how prophets addressed their audience and employed rhetorical methods, images, and metaphors to communicate effectively. Logically organized, clearly written, and classroom friendly, this book meets the needs of beginning as well as advanced students. It is a substantially revised and expanded edition of the successful text Social World of the Hebrew Prophets.

2007 Catholic Press Association Award Winner! In Hear, O Heavens and Listen, O Earth, Joan E. Cook guides students of theology, Scripture, and ministry in reading the prophetic books according to the current methodologies for biblical study. She encourages readers to apply the messages of the prophets to contemporary religious and social concerns. Cook focuses on how to read the Old Testament books of the prophets and addresses the pastoral implications. The study proceeds chronologically and biblical quotations and references are based on the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. Cook encourages students to engage the biblical text and suggests points for reflection and questions for thought and action based on each of the prophetic books. Chapters are Introductory Topics, The Early Prophets, The Eighth Century Prophets in the Northern Kingdom, The Seventh Century Prophets Zephaniah, Nahum, and Habakkuk, Jeremiah, Lamentations, and Baruch, Ezekiel and Obadiah, Exile: Isaiah of Babylon, The Second Temple Period: Third Isaiah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Joel and Jonah, and Conclusion. Joan E. Cook, SC, teaches Scripture at Georgetown University. She is the author of Hannah's Desire, God's Design: Early Interpretation of the Story of Hannah as well as numerous articles on biblical women and biblical prayer.

A carefully organized, step-by-step introduction to the books of the biblical prophets, the men behind them, their message, and their relevance for today. +