Prophetic Literature

Biblical Literature Claflin University Dr. Battle

The Prophets
Southern Wesleyan University Dr. David Battle

Prophetic Literature
Literary Divisions
Grouping
Non-writing Prophets Writing (Classical) Prophets

Time

Examples

Literature

Deborah, Mostly narratives Judges into Samuel, Elijah, describing what the early Monarchy and Elisha prophets did. Isaiah, Late Monarchy Jeremiah, to the Return Ezekiel Mostly oracles spoken by the prophets.

Survey of the Prophetic Books

Tanak Former Prophets: Joshua, Samuel-Kings Latter Prophets: Major Prophets: Christian Bible

The Three Major:

Isaiah, Jeremiah and Lamentations, & Ezekiel

Isaiah, Jeremiah and Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel

The Twelve:

Minor Prophets:

The Major Prophets

God brings devastating judgment but graciously restores blessings in the end.
Isaiah Jeremiah with Lamentations Ezekiel

God is faithful to His people in a hostile world.

Daniel

The Minor Prophets or the Twelve

Eighth Century: Rise of Assyria
Hosea, Joel*, Amos, Obadiah*, Micah, Jonah*

Seventh Century: Assyrian Dominance

Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah

Sixth Century: Post Exilic

Haggai, Zechariah, & Malachi

*Unknown Date
Joel, Obadiah, Jonah

Jonah

Prophetic Literature
Biblical Literature Claflin University Dr. Battle

Forms of Prophetic Speech

Claus Westermann (1909-2000)
Basic Forms of Prophetic Speech (English translation 1967)

Covenant Lawsuit Announcement of Judgment Woe Oracle Salvation Speech Prophetic Enactment

Claus Westermann 1906-2000

Common Forms of Prophetic Speech

Woe Oracle (Hab. 2:6-8)
Interjection: Woe (hoy) Identification of condemned

Common Forms of Prophetic Speech

Covenant Lawsuit (Hos. 4:1-14) Presents a case for the violation of the Covenant.
Summons: Case Argued: Verdict:

Common Forms of Prophetic Speech

Announcement of Judgment (Jer. 28:13-16) Announces the judgment for sin, typically in terms of Covenant Curses.
Summons: Now hear the world of the LORD Indictment: (Reasons) Verdict or Judgment: therefore

Common Forms of Prophetic Speech

Promise or Salvation Oracle (Jer. 28:2-4)
Description of Status Announcement of deliverance Resolution

Common Forms of Prophetic Speech

Prophetic Enactment or Symbolic Act (Jeremiah 27) A narration of the prophet symbolically enacting the message. Commission to act Description of act Interpretation of act

Prophetic Literature
Biblical Literature Claflin University Dr. Battle

Prophetic Ministry: Covenant Enforces

In Judah, the prophet ministry was a quiz official status. Prophets served at the pleasure of God.
God determined the appointment, tenure, and task. God determined the message.

Foretelling Forthtelling

Standards for Prophets Didache, Book 11

If he asks for money, he is a false prophet. If he prophetically requests a meal and eats it, he is a false prophet. If he teaches the truth but dose not live the truth, he is a false prophet. If a tested prophet acts mysteriously, he is not to be judged. But if he teaches other to do the same, he is a false prophet.

The Prophetic Status

The concept of a prophet is important to the doctrine of inspiration and the writing of Scripture.
God selected only certain Apostles and Prophets to write Scripture. God selected them because they were godly men who knew Gods Word and because their personal style and abilities matched the message. God required that they internalize the message that He wanted them to give.