The Prophets (Exploring the Old Testament, vol. 4)

by J. Gordon McConville

Publisher:

SPCK

, 2002

Overview

Exploring the Old Testament, vol. 4: The Prophets is a highly readable introduction to the Hebrew prophets that locates them in their ancient historical setting, opens up the prophetic texts in the light of the most recent scholarship, and brings out their relevance for modern living. It fulfills its aim of making the prophets accessible to the student reader.

Contents

Top Highlights

“The problems with literary criticism are, first, that it made certain assumptions about the form of ‘authentic’ prophecy, which may not hold true, and second that it devalues much of what we find in the prophetic books.” (Page xviii)

“If we were to identify the main thrusts of the prophets’ theology, it would probably be twofold: an opposition to the worship of gods other than Yahweh; and a demand for justice and righteousness in the community that laid claim to being the chosen people.” (Page xx)

“Let us notice for now that the underlying contention in all parts of Isaiah remains the same—it is Yahweh, the true God, who is the only power behind the events of history.” (Page 3)

“Our study of ‘the prophets’ lies between these two moments: the conviction of individuals that they had words from God that were urgent, for people then and there; and the collection of the prophets’ words for the benefit of new generations, well beyond their own time, right down to us who still read them and are challenged by them.” (Page xii)

“Ahaz’ involvement with the empire, however, went beyond simply asking for help. for he deliberately introduced aspects of Assyrian worship in the Jerusalem temple (vv. 10–20). This was the cause of Isaiah’s clash with Ahaz, for he maintained that the king and people should not trust an alliance with a foreign power for its survival and prosperity, but rather trust in God (Isa. 7:9b).” (Page 2)

Endorsements

McConville utilizes the best scholarship as well as his own considerable knowledge and creative energies to produce a study of the prophets that will serve admirably as a textbook for a class or a resource for individual study. I recommend this book highly to all who want to learn more about this important part of the Hebrew Scriptures.

—Tremper Longman III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College

Product Details

• Title: Exploring the Old Testament, Volume 4: The Prophets
• Author: J. Gordon McConville
• Series: Exploring the Old and New Testament Collection
• Publisher: SPCK
• Print Publication Date: 2002
• Logos Release Date: 2010
• Pages: 272
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible. O.T. › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Bible. O.T. › Commentaries
• Resource ID: LLS:SPCKEXPOT04
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T20:55:03Z

About J. Gordon McConville

J. Gordon McConville (PhD, Queen’s University, Belfast) is professor of Old Testament theology at the University of Gloucestershire, where he has taught for more than twenty years. Prior to coming to Gloucestershire, he held positions at Tyndale House, Trinity College Bristol, and Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University. He has authored or edited many books, including the Dictionary of the Old Testament: Prophets and commentaries on Deuteronomy, Joshua, 1 and 2 Chronicles, and Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. McConville is the general editor of the Exploring the Old Testament series and coauthored the Prophets and Historical Books volumes in the series.