Justice in the Prophets (BA9002W)

Content

This unit will introduce the concepts of justice in the teaching of Israel’s prophets, giving attention to key prophetic texts in their historical and social contexts. The focus for exegetical studies will be texts selected from Amos, Isaiah and Jeremiah. The relevance of these texts will be discussed in relation to the dynamic biblical dialogue about the nature of sin, the role of law, and the impact of social and economic change on Israel’s understanding of divine will.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

48 points in Hebrew Bible

Pedagogy

There are six fortnightly sessions, with accompanied online interaction. Each session consists of lecturer’s input, guided reading, additional suggested resources, and tutorial tasks requiring critical reflection and peer interaction. Students will be expected to contribute to the online tutorial discussions following each session

Indicative Bibliography

• Abernethy, A. et al. (eds) Isaiah and Imperial Context. Eugene: Pickwick, 2014.
• Anderson, G.A. Sin: A History. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2009.
• Chapman, S.B. The Law and the Prophets. Tübingen: Mohr/Siebeck, 2000.
• Coomber, M.J.M. (ed) Bible and Justice: Ancient Texts, Modern Challenges (London: Equinox, 2011).
• Gossai, H. Justice and Righteousness in the Social Critique of the Eighth-Century Prophets. New York: Peter Lang, 1993.
• Houston, W. Contending for Justice: Ideologies and Theologies of Social Justice in the Old Testament. London: T&T Clark, rev edn 2008.
• Janowski, B., and Stuhlmacher, P. (eds) The Suffering Servant: Isaiah 53 in Jewish and Christian Sources. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2004.
• Leclerc, T.L. Yahweh Is Exalted in Justice: Solidarity and Conflict in Isaiah. Philadelphia: Fortress, 2001.
• Reventlow, H.G. and Hoffman, Y. (eds) Justice and Righteousness: Biblical Themes and their Influence. Sheffield: JSOT, 1992.
• Weinfeld, M. Social Justice in Ancient Israel. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1995.

Assessment