Prophets, Seers, and Sages

Module Description:

While prophetic writings found in the biblical tradition are the primary focus of this module, attention is given to several key and related areas. Questions about prophetic figures as interpreters of the present in light of access to the divine, and often times future, will play an important role in approaching the subject. The emergence of apocalypticism in Jewish antiquity and its relationship to prophetic traditions are also of interest (esp. Daniel). The latter prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Minor Prophets) will occupy the most significant amount of time, with some attention directed to works found in the Old Testament Apocrypha (e.g. 4 Ezra) and ‘Pseudepigrapha’ (e.g. 2 Baruch and ‘1 Enoch’). The role of prophetic activities within ancient social and literary contexts will be asked, however, the significance of these traditions for later religious constructions and theological expressions will also be referenced.

Indicative Bibliography:

Blenkinsopp, J.A., History of Prophecy in Israel: From the Settlement in the Land to the Hellenistic Period (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1983).
Carroll, R.P., “Prophecy and Society,” in R.E. Clements (ed.) The World of Ancient Israel (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1989) pp. 203-25.
Carroll, R.P., “Twilight of Prophecy or Dawn of Apocalyptic?” in JSOT 14 (1979): 3-35.
Cook, S.L., Prophecy and Apocalypticism: the Post-exilic Social Setting (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1995).
Grabbe, L.L., Priests, Prophets, Diviners, Sages: A Socio-historical Study of Religious Specialists in Ancient Israel (Valley Forge, PA: Trinity Press International, 1995).
Mowinkel, S., The Spirit and the Word: Prophecy and Tradition in Ancient Israel (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2002).

Module Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

• Discuss ecstatic prophetic traditions in the latter prophets within their contexts of ancient worship centres and shrines. 
• Distinguish between the different layers of composition of Isaiah and suggest possible contexts against which to view pronouncements of judgment.
• Articulate the unique literary characteristics of each of the latter prophets.
• Engage with questions about the relationship of prophecy and apocalyptic.
• Discuss the complexities of how time is used to convey meaning in prophetic and apocalyptic literature.

Methods of Assessment and Student Workload:

Annual examination and essay.