The Hebrew Prophets and Their Social World: An Introduction

"This study packs a lot of punch in a short amount of space and welcomes both students and scholars alike into the rich world of the ancient Near Eastern prophetic tradition and each of Israel's prophets. This text is an excellent resource, an indispensable tool for learning, and should be used in every biblical course on the prophets."--Carol J. Dempsey, University of Portland
Victor Matthews, a veteran teacher and expert on the world of ancient Israel, introduces students to the Hebrew prophets and their social world. Drawing on archaeology and ancient Near Eastern texts, Matthews examines the prophets chronologically, placing them and their message into historical context. He explores pertinent aspects of historical geography, economic conditions, and social forces that influenced a prophet's life and message and explains why prophets served an integral purpose in the development of ancient Israelite religion. He also explores how prophets addressed their audience and employed rhetorical methods, images, and metaphors to communicate effectively. Logically organized, clearly written, and classroom friendly, this book meets the needs of beginning as well as advanced students. It is a substantially revised and expanded edition of the successful text Social World of the Hebrew Prophets.
Contents
Introduction
1. Historical Geography
2. Defining and Describing the Prophet
3. Premonarchic Prophetic Activity
4. Early Monarchic Prophets
5. Elijah and Elisha
6. Major and Minor Prophets
7. The Book of Amos
8. The Book of Hosea
9. The Book of Isaiah
10. The Book of Micah
11. Prophetic Voices of the Late Seventh Century
12. The Book of Jeremiah
13. The Book of Ezekiel
14. Postexilic Prophecy
15. The Hellenistic Period and the Book of Daniel
16. Final Thoughts
Glossary
Indexes