Isaiah-Malachi OT516 Fall 2017 Wednesdays, 8:30-12:00 Instructor: Richard (Dick) Belcher, Jr. rbelcher@rts.edu Course Description This course presents an expository study of the message of the prophets that looks at their meaning in the context of OT history, which is foundational for understanding their message for God's people today. Issues surrounding the interpretation of prophecy, the unfolding of revelation in relationship to the Messiah, and the significance of the prophets for ministry are emphasized. Course Objectives 1) To set the prophets in their historical setting in order to better understand the message of the prophets. 2) To be able to summarize the message of each prophetic book. 3) To become familiar with some of the issues related to the interpretation of prophecy. 4) To see how the prophets lay the groundwork for the coming of the Messiah. Textbooks and Other Materials 1) Miles Van Pelt, ed. A Biblio-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament (Wheaton: Crossway, 2016), hereinafter BTIOT. 2) Willem A. VanGemeren, Interpreting the Prophetic Word (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1990), hereinafter IPW 3) Richard P. Belcher, Jr., Prophet, Priest, and King: The Roles of Christ in the Bible and Our Roles Today (P&R, 2016), hereinafter PPK 4) D. Brent Sandy and Martin G. Abegg, Jr., "Apocalyptic," in Cracking Old Testament Codes, 177-197: will be made available to students 5) John C. Whitcomb, Jr., Chart of Old Testament Kings and Prophets (5th rev. ed.; Winona Lake, IN: BMH Books, 1977): to be purchased through RTS Charlotte bookstore. 6) Additional Assigned Reading (see schedule below):
Isaiah-Malachi Syllabus 2 a) Richard Pratt, "Historical Contingencies and Biblical Predictions," The Way of Wisdom (eds. J. I. Packer and Sven K. Sonderlund; Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 2000), pp. 180-203. This article can be accessed at: http://thirdmill.org/historical-contingencies-and-biblical-predictions b) Samuel E. Waldron, To Be Continued (Merrick, NY: Calvary Press Publishing, 2005), pp. 11-79, part of this book analyzes OT and NT prophets c) Vern Poythress, "Modern Spiritual Gifts as Analogous to Apostolic Gifts," JETS 39.1 (March 1996): sections 1-11 (about 27 pages); the categories and distinctions that Poythress discusses are very valuable; this article can be accessed at http://www.frame-poythress.org/poythress_articles/1996modern.htm Assignments 1) Each of the prophetic books must be read, as well as the assigned reading. 2) A Prophetic Profile must be turned in on each prophetic book except for Obadiah and Joel. The Profile will be based on your assigned reading in IPW and will follow a Prophetic Profile guideline. 3) Hebrew reading: for those who know Hebrew there is a Hebrew reading for each week. The assignment consists of reading Hebrew for 20 minutes starting at a designated chapter and verse. The Hebrew assignment is listed on the Schedule. The Hebrew reading is worth one point on the quiz each week. 4) Each class will begin with a quiz consisting of outlines. The lowest quiz grade will be dropped. 5) There will be three exams. The exams will be based on the lectures. 6) A paper is required. It should focus on a particular passage from the prophets (see the handout "Guidelines for the Paper") 7) RTS Charlotte wants to promote the writing of good research papers among the students and wants to encourage students when they write good papers. One paper from this class could be chosen as the best paper of the class. The paper will then be posted on the RTS Charlotte website at Pen and Parchment: An Archive of the Best Student Papers at RTS Charlotte. Grades 1) Exams 50% 2) Paper 20% 3) Prophetic Profiles 20% 4) Quizzes 05% 4) Reading Requirements 05%
Isaiah-Malachi Syllabus 3 Schedule Date Subject Reading/Assign Aug 23 Intro to Course OT Prophecy: Revelation versus Manipulation The Role of OT Prophets: Proclamation and Prosecution PPK Chap 1 Aug 30 Prophecy: Definition and Pratt art Interpretation Amos* IPW 127-37 BTIOT 321-339 *indicates when Prophetic PPK Chaps 3-4 Profile is due for that book Amos Outline (Quiz 1) Hebrew reading: Amos 9:11 (if you finish the chapter within 20 minutes, go back to 9:1) Sept 6 Hosea* IPW 105-120 Jonah* IPW 146-149 IPW Ch 1 Hosea Outline (#2) Hebrew reading: start Hosea 1:1 and read for 20 minutes Sept 13 Finish Jonah Isaiah* IPW 246-66 BTIOT 247-261 Hebrew reading: start Isaiah 7:1 IPW Chaps 2-3 Jonah Outline (#3) First Exam through Jonah (given outside of class)
Isaiah-Malachi Syllabus 4 Sept 20 Micah* IPW 150-159 Isaiah 40-66 IPW 266-89 BTIOT 261-276 Hebrew reading: start Isaiah 65:17 PPK Chap 4-5 Isaiah Outline (#4) Sept 27 Zephaniah* IPW 173-79 Habakkuk* IPW 168-173 Nahum* IPW 161-168 IPW Chap 8 Zephaniah Outline (#5) Hebrew reading: start Habakkuk 2:1 Oct 4 Jeremiah* IPW 290-320 BTIOT 277-304 Hebrew reading: start Jeremiah 31:31 Passage for paper due PPK Chap 6-7 Jeremiah Outline (#6) Oct 11 No Class: Reading Week
Isaiah-Malachi Syllabus 5 Oct 18 Obadiah IPW 141-46 Joel IPW 120-27 No profiles for Obadiah and Joel Waldron 11-79 Poythress article Joel Outline (#7) Hebrew reading: start Joel 3:1 (Hebrew chapter/verse) 2nd exam Isaiah-Joel (given outside of class) Oct 25 Ezekiel* IPW 322-38 BTIOT 305-320 Hebrew reading: start Ezekiel 37:1 Ezekiel Outline (#8) Nov 1 Daniel* IPW 338-52 BTIOT 495-514 Hebrew reading: start Daniel 9:24 PPK Chap. 8 Daniel Outline (#9) Nov 8 Finish Daniel BTIOT 543-550 Haggai* IPW 187-93 Apocalyptic" chapter Haggai Outline (#10) Hebrew reading: start Haggai 2:7 Nov 15 Nov 22 No Class ETS No Class Thanksgiving
Isaiah-Malachi Syllabus 6 Nov 29 Zechariah* IPW 193-202 Malachi* IPW 202-210 IPW Chap 12 Zechariah Outline (#11) Hebrew reading: start Malachi 2:13 (you must read 2:16) ****Prophets paper due on December 6*** Dec 8-9, 12-13 Final Exam (Ezekiel through Malachi)
Isaiah-Malachi Syllabus 7 Campus: Course Objectives Related to MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes Charlotte Date: March 2009 MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes In order to measure the success of the MDiv curriculum, RTS has defined the following as the intended outcomes of the student learning process. Each course contributes to these overall outcomes. This rubric shows the contribution of this course to the MDiv outcomes. *As the MDiv is the core degree at RTS, the MDiv rubric will be used in this syllabus. Articulation Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both oral and written, of essential biblical, theological, (oral & historical, and cultural/global information, including written) details, concepts, and frameworks. Scripture Reformed Theology Sanctification Significant knowledge of the original meaning of Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research further into the original meaning of Scripture and to apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances. (Includes appropriate use of original languages and hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical, and cultural/global perspectives.) Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and practice, with emphasis on the Westminster Standards. Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the student s sanctification. Rubric Strong Moderate Minimal Moderate Strong Moderate Minimal Mini Justification articulation of essential biblical, theological, and historical information is covered, but mostly written, not oral the original meaning of the Prophets is covered with an emphasis on research in a paper and substantial time spent on meaning for today a few theological issues are covered (openess view of God, prophecy and historical contingency, eschatology views, covenant) Learning about the character of God in the prophets aids this Desire for Worldview Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of God. implicit not explicit Winsomely Reformed Preach Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians, especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the Gospel in a God honoring manner to non Christians; and a truth in love attitude in disagreements.) Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm. Moderate we talk about how to preach and teach the prophets Worship Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christianworship forms; and ability to construct and skill to lead a worship service. Shepherd Church/World Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings; and encouraging a concern for non Christians, both in America and worldwide. Ability to interact within a denominational context, within the broader worldwide church, and with significant public issues.