The Prophets (Exploring the Old Testament, vol. 4)
Digital Logos Edition
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.
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)
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
Gordon McConville studied Modern Languages at Cambridge and Theology at Edinburgh and Belfast. He is Professor of Old Testament Theology in the university of Gloucestershire, having previously taught the Old Testament in Bristol and Oxford. He has written a number of books on Deuteronomy and the Prophets, and most recently on Old Testament political theology.