Joel

Reformed Theological Seminary

Media App

Lesson 4 Lecture 1

March 1, 2003 • Dr. Richard L. Pratt

Discuss major views on the date of Joel's ministry. What is Pratt's viewpoint on the date of Joels' ministry and the time of final composition of the book?

What is the overarching outline and purpose of the book of Joel?

Describe the literary structure of Joel's announcements of judgment. What major themes occur in this section?

Describe the literary structure of Joel's announcements of restoration. What hopes for the restoration period does Joel express?

Introduction - Prophets in Historical Perspective

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.