Introduction - Prophets in Historical Perspective

Reformed Theological Seminary

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Introduction - Prophets in Historical Perspective

Lesson 1 Lecture 1

March 1, 2003 • Dr. Richard L. Pratt

What are the prominent names and descriptions given to prophets in the OT? How do these designations indicate the breadth of prophetism in Israel?

Discuss the institutionalization of a prophetic office. How does ANE background help us understand the prophets as functionaries of theocratic statecraft?

Introduction - Prophets in Literary Perspective

March 1, 2003 • Dr. Richard L. Pratt

Identify the categories the Hebrew Bible in which we find the writing prophets. What are the main types of prophetic accounts? Give an example of each. What are the main types of prophetic speech? Give an example of each. What is the basic outline of an oracle of judgment and salvation? What is the basic structure of the lawsuit? Discuss the problem of proclamation and inscriptuation of prophetic materials.

Introduction - Prophets in Thematic Perspective

March 1, 2003 • Dr. Richard L. Pratt

Explain the importance of divine transcendence for appreciating OT prophets. What difficulties in OT prophecy come to the foreground in the light of divine immanence? What are the major themes of OT covenants? How do these motifs establish God's limitations and latitude in the fulfillment of prophecy? Explain the functions of blessings and curses in OT covenants as expressed in the message of OT prophets.

Introduction - Making Sense of OT Prophecies

March 1, 2003 • Dr. Richard L. Pratt

What are two extreme views on how well OT prophets understood their prophecies? What is Pratt's view? What are two extreme views on the freedom NT writers exercised as they interpreted OT prophecies? What is Pratt's view? Discuss the steps for understanding OT prophecy through awareness of the original meaning, biblical elaborations and modern applications. What are the chief concerns at each level? Illustrate.