We meet the prophets of Israel in our own time and in one place--Scripture. So it might seem odd to consider that they are not all the same, these voices from "back then." In fact, the prophets inhabited a time span of hundreds of years and faced events that on their own terms were more convulsive than our 9/11. They were not uniform in their language, their concerns, their personalities, their remedies or their visions of the future. In this book, Sam Meier explores some recurring themes and features--such as angels, writing, miracles, the future and kingmaking--all with an eye on their transformation over time. And the defining event in this transformation turns out to be the great convulsive event of the story of Israel, the defeat and exile of the kingdom of Judah. Themes and Transformations in Old Testament Prophecy is a book that goes beyond the standard introductions to the prophets. Yet it does so in a way that will inform and intrigue beginning students and anyone curious about the prophets of Israel.

This Companion offers a concise and engaging introduction to the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament. Providing an up-to-date 'snapshot' of scholarship, it includes essays, specially commissioned for this volume, by twenty-three leading scholars. The volume examines a range of topics, including the historical and religious contexts for the contents of the biblical canon, and critical approaches and methods, as well as newer topics such as the Hebrew Bible in Islam, Western art and literature, and contemporary politics. This Companion is an excellent resource for students at university and graduate level, as well as for laypeople and scholars in other fields who would like to gain an understanding of the current state of the academic discussion. The book does not presume prior knowledge, nor does it engage in highly technical discussions, but it does go into greater detail than a typical introductory textbook.

Throughout the year, readers proclaim and assemblies hear the words of the prophets in the liturgy. Who were they and what made them so urgent? This brief but deep and sympathetic introduction to the prophets will help readers proclaim the prophets’ words with more empathy and understanding. It will fascinate Bible study and Scripture sharing groups, and it will help interested assembly members appreciate more fully the meaning of the prophets’ messages—for their audience and for us.

The author offers an exploration of the 'Old Testament', illuminating its importance as history, literature, and sacred text. He provides an overview of one of the great pillars of Western religion and culture, a book which remains important today for Jews, Christians, and Muslims worldwide.

The Old Testament prophets spoke to Israel in times of historical and moral crisis. They saw themselves as being a part of a story that God was weaving throughout history--a story of repentance, encouragement, and a coming Messiah. In this updated introductory book, each major and minor prophet and his writing are clustered with the major historical events of their time. Our generational distance from the age of the prophets might seem to be a measureless chasm. Yet we dare not make the mistake of assuming that passing years have rendered irrelevant not only the Old Testament prophets, but also the God who comprehends, spans, and transcends all time. In these pages, C. Hassell Bullock presents a clear picture of some of history's most profound spokesmen--the Old Testament prophets--and the God who shaped them.

Los cinco libros de Los Profetas Mayores (Isaías, Jeremías, Lamentaciones, Ezequiel Y Daniel)cubren un período significativo y presentan una amplia serie de mensajes. Isaías habló a la nación de Judá alrededor de 150 años antes de su exilio a Babilonia y les hizo un llamado para ser fieles a Dios. Jeremías clamó a ese mismo pueblo cuando estaban al borde del exilio, implorándoles por su arrepentimiento. Lamentaciones, escrito por Jeremías, presenta un canto fúnebre al ir Judá al exilio. Los dos últimos profetas mayores, Ezequiel y Daniel, hablaron y escribie- ron para el pueblo en el exilio, animándolos a recordar que Dios seguía aún en control y que finalmente restauraría la fortuna espiritual de Su disciplinada nación.Tres de estos cinco libros son bastante extensos y a veces, todos ellos, pueden ser difíciles de entender. Sin embargo, la dedicación en tiempo y esfuerzo para tratar de entender estos escritos pagará grandes dividendos. Se ha dicho que ninguna otra sección en la Biblia ofrece una figura de Dios tan majestuosa y altamente exaltada. Su soberanía es increíble, Su gloria es impresionante, y leyendo estos libros, nuestra fe encuentra nuevos niveles más profundos de confianza.

The Former Prophets of the Hebrew Bible includes the books of Joshua through 2 Kings; it is a narrative of ancient Israel's history of some seven hundred years from the 'conquest' of Canaan to the exile, when Israel lost the land. Thomas Mann adoptsa critical perspective and incorporates many distinct literary sources from different times into his work. The result is a compelling example of ancient historiography as well as an impressive artistic achievement. The book contains fascinating (andoften horrifying) stories of war, religious fanaticism, terror, and disaster, as well as stories of deep personal loyalty, friendship, and faith. Finally, in a deeply thoughtful and constructive way, The Former Prophets addresses perennial questionslike, amongst others, 'What is the relationship between divine sovereignty and human political institutions?' or 'In what sense are historical events the result of human acts and also of divine Providence?'