Prophecy and the Biblical Prophets

This text studies the phenomenon of prophecy in a wide context, the prophetic literature represented in the Bible and the message of the prophets. Then it surveys all the prophets from Moses to Huldah, and the prophetic books from Isaiah to Malachi. Special attention is paid to legends about the prophetis, both canonical and apocryphal, many of which have been considerably more influential in the history of western civilization than the prophets' original words. A final chapter in this revised edition continues the story of biblical prophecy into the early Church and considers Jewish, Muslim and Christian interpretations and the matter of fulfillment of prophecy. It also contains a new section on feminist interpretation.Table of ContentPart 1 The phenomenon of prophecy: the prophetic experience; divine possession; prophetic symbolism and second sight; miracle-working; predicting the future; the role of the prophet in society. Part 2 The prophetic literature: the oracle; messenger speech; other literary types; editorial arrangement. Part 3 The message of the prophets: social justice; the God of the prophets; the city of David; the day of the Lord. Part 4 The prophets (I) - Moses to Huldah: the five books of Moses; the former prophets. Part 5 The prophets (II) - Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel: Isaiah; Jeremiah; Ezekiel. Part 6 The prophets (III) - Daniel to Malachi: Daniel; the twelve minor prophets. Part 7 Prophecy and interpretation: prophecy and fulfilment in the Bible and early Church; the prophets in ancient Judaism; biblical prophecy in the history of religion.