Exam Prep: Integrating the Message of the Prophets

Introduction

The journey through the prophetic books has taken us across centuries of Israel’s history and through a variety of literary, theological, and social landscapes. We have seen prophets in the courts of kings, on the streets of Jerusalem, in the ruins of exile, and in the hopeful dawn of return. Their voices resound with calls for justice, covenant fidelity, and future hope, and their words continue to shape Jewish and Christian faith.

As we approach the final competency exam, it is important to step back and see the prophetic tradition as a cohesive whole. This review will synthesize key insights from each section of the course, highlight recurring themes, and provide practical strategies for exam preparation.

Section 1: Introduction to Prophecy

The Role of Prophets

Prophets were covenant messengers, social critics, and visionaries. Unlike pagan diviners, biblical prophets spoke on behalf of Yahweh, calling Israel to faithfulness.

Prophetic Literature

• Former Prophets: Narrative accounts (Joshua–Kings) showing God’s word in history.

• Latter Prophets: Writing prophets (Isaiah–Malachi) preserving oracles, visions, and symbolic acts.

Competency Focus

• Be able to define the role of prophets.

• Differentiate between biblical prophecy and pagan practices.

• Recognize the literary division of prophetic books.

Section 2: Historical Context

Monarchy and Division

Prophets arose in response to crises: corrupt kings, foreign threats, idolatry, and social injustice.

Empires

• Assyria: Backdrop for Isaiah, Hosea, Amos, Micah.

• Babylon: Central for Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Habakkuk.

• Persia: Context for Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.

Competency Focus

• Link each prophet with its historical empire.

• Explain how political crises shaped messages.

Section 3: Major Prophets

Isaiah

• Part 1: Holiness, judgment, hope.

• Part 2: Servant Songs, future salvation, eschatology.

Jeremiah and Lamentations

• Covenant renewal, new covenant, laments over destruction.

Ezekiel

• Exilic visions: God’s glory, new heart and spirit, restoration of dry bones.

Competency Focus

• Articulate major themes of each prophet.

• Interpret symbolic acts (e.g., Ezekiel’s visions).

Section 4: The Twelve (Minor Prophets)

Early Prophets

• Hosea: Covenant as marriage.

• Amos: Social justice, judgment.

• Micah: True worship, hope.

Later Prophets

• Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah: Judgment and faith.

• Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi: Post-exilic restoration, eschatology.

Competency Focus

• Explain how themes vary across The Twelve.

• Identify unifying motifs (justice, hope, covenant).

Section 5: Literary Forms

Oracles of Judgment and Salvation

• Judgment: accusations, warnings, consequences.

• Salvation: promises of restoration and renewal.

Symbolic Actions, Visions, Poetry

• Embodied parables, dreamlike revelations, poetic intensity.

Competency Focus

• Distinguish different prophetic literary forms.

• Apply knowledge to interpret sample passages.

Section 6: Integration

Overarching Themes

• Justice: God demands social equity.

• Covenant Fidelity: Worship linked to obedience.

• Future Hope: Restoration and eschatological renewal.

New Testament Perspective

• Prophets as forerunners of Christ.

• Fulfillment in Jesus’s ministry and early church mission.

• Prophetic imagery shaping eschatology in Revelation.

Competency Focus

• Integrate Old Testament prophecy with New Testament use.

• Explain how prophetic themes culminate in Christ.

Strategies for Exam Preparation

1. Review Key Texts

• Memorize or become familiar with cornerstone passages (e.g., Amos 5:24; Micah 6:8; Jer. 31:31–34; Ezek. 37; Isa. 53).

• Be ready to identify themes from given excerpts.

2. Connect Prophet to Context

• Build a timeline linking prophets with their empires.

• Practice recalling who addressed Assyria, Babylon, and Persia.

3. Understand Literary Forms

• Review structures of judgment and salvation oracles.

• Practice identifying poetic features and symbolic acts.

4. Thematic Synthesis

• Be able to explain how justice, covenant, and hope interconnect.

• Prepare to discuss how prophets are interpreted in the New Testament.

5. Practice Essay Outlines

• Draft outlines for possible essay questions, such as:

  • “Discuss the role of social justice in prophetic literature.”

  • “Explain how the exile shaped prophetic theology.”

  • “Compare and contrast Jeremiah’s and Ezekiel’s visions of covenant renewal.”

Suggested Assignments (Exam Prep)

1. Comprehensive Essay: Write a 10–12 page paper tracing the theme of covenant from Hosea through Jeremiah to the New Testament.

2. Comparative Chart: Create a chart linking prophets to empires, historical events, and main themes.

3. Thematic Review: Prepare a 5-page reflection on how prophetic visions of justice challenge modern contexts.

4. Practice Exam: Answer two essay-style questions under timed conditions (90 minutes each).

5. Group Study: Organize a roundtable discussion where each member presents one prophet’s message in 10 minutes.

References (APA Style)

Blenkinsopp, J. (1996). A history of prophecy in Israel (2nd ed.). Westminster John Knox Press.

Brueggemann, W. (1984). Prophetic imagination. Fortress Press.

Brueggemann, W. (1997). Theology of the Old Testament: Testimony, dispute, advocacy. Fortress Press.

Collins, J. J. (2014). Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (2nd ed.). Fortress Press.

Heschel, A. J. (1962). The prophets. Harper & Row.

Mays, J. L. (1969). Amos: A commentary. Westminster Press.

Sweeney, M. A. (2000). The Twelve Prophets, Volumes 1–2. Liturgical Press.

Walton, J. H. (2009). Old Testament theology for Christians. IVP Academic.