Dempsey's characterization of each prophet is distinctive, intense, informative. She provides useful outlines and study aids, apt characterization, perceptive commentary, highlighting the specific issues of ethics and worship which kept these preachers awake by night and engaged by day. Bridging the modern reader's unfamiliarity with these ancient texts and our temptation to think these strong words are not for us, Dempsey helps us see the possibility of fruitful consideration of these powerful biblical words.<br /> Barbara Green, OP, Professor of Biblical Studies, Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology at the Graduate Theological Union

This commentary is a good introductory tool for undergraduate students and lay people to learn about the use and function of biblical commentaries. The author's analysis of the prophetic material educates the readers about the historical and literary components of these texts. Most importantly, Carol Dempsey brings a critical and refreshing theological perspective to the interpretation of the prophetic messages which provides helpful insights to understand their relevance in addressing some contemporary contexts as well.<br /> Ahida E. Pilarski, Ph.D., Associate Professor (Biblical Studies), Theology Department, Saint Anselm College

These six prophets proclaim powerful messages about judgment and the sovereignty of God. Amos challenges hypocrisy and injustice. Hosea's marriage symbolizes the covenant between God and Israel, moving from love to separation and then reunion. Micah, Nahum, and Zephaniah condemn corrupt leadership, injustice to the poor, and worship of false gods. Habakkuk reminds all to rely on God, who will punish the evil and defeat chaos. Flowing through all these calls to be a better people is the unfailing promise of a faithful and forgiving God.
Les mer
CONTENTS Abbreviations    6  THE BOOK OF AMOS Introduction    7 Text and Commentary    12      Superscription and Introduction (Amos 1:1-2)    12      Proclamations Concerning the Nations (Amos 1:3–2:16)    12      Three Words to Israel (Amos 3:1–5:6, 8-9)    19      Three Woes (Amos 5:7, 10-17; 5:18-27; 6:1-14)    26      Five Visions; Two Judgment Speeches (Amos 7:1–9:10)    29      Epilogue (Amos 9:11-15)    35 THE BOOK OF HOSEA Introduction    37 Text and Commentary    42      Superscription (Hosea 1:1)    42      Marriage Metaphor; Gomer, Hosea, God, and Israel (Hosea 1:2–3:5)    43      Proclamation against Israel and Its Leadership (Hosea 4:1–5:7)    51      Judgment Speech against Israel and Judah (Hosea 5:8-14)    55      Expression of Divine Frustration and Judgment upon Israel and Judah (Hosea 5:15–7:2)    56      Description of Failed Leadership (Hosea 7:3-7)    57      Description of Israel’s Folly and Fate (Hosea 7:8-12)    58      Woe Speech against Israel (Hosea 7:13-16)    59      Declaration of Warfare (Hosea 8:1-14)    60      Judgment Speech against Israel (Hosea 9:1-6)    62      Statement of Impending Divine Chastisement (Hosea 9:7-9)    63       Description of Israel’s Crimes (Hosea 9:10-17)    64      Three Metaphors Concerning Israel (Hosea 10:1–11:11)    65      Description of Israel’s Infidelity (Hosea 12:1–13:1)    70      Judgment Speech against Israel (Hosea 13:2–14:1)    71      Divine Plea and Promise of Healing, Restoration, and New Life (Hosea 14:2-9)    73      Epilogue: A Word of Exhortation (Hosea 14:10)    74 THE BOOK OF MICAH Introduction    75 Text and Commentary    80      Superscription (Micah 1:1)    80      Proclamation of Judgment; Word of Hope (Micah 1:2–3:12)    80      Proclamation of Future Restoration (Micah 4:1–5:14)    89      Words of Judgment, Lament, Trust (Micah 6:1–7:20)    95 THE BOOK OF NAHUM Introduction    105 Text and Commentary    108      Superscription (Nahum 1:1)    108      A Hymn to God (Nahum 1:2-11)    108      A Word of Good News to Judah (Nahum 1:12–2:1)    109      A Prophetic Vision Concerning Nineveh (Nahum 2:2–3:19)   110 THE BOOK OF ZEPHANIAH Introduction    115 Text and Commentary    119      Superscription (Zephaniah 1:1)    119      Proclamations of Judgment and Imminent Disasters (Zephaniah 1:2–3:8)    120      Statement of Reproach against Jerusalem (Zephaniah 3:1-7)    125      Statement of Future Purification (Zephaniah 3:8-13)    126       Proclamation of Hope, Salvation, and Restoration (Zephaniah 3:14-20)    127 THE BOOK OF HABAKKUK Introduction    129 Text and Commentary    133      Superscription (Habakkuk 1:1)    133      The Prophet’s First Complaint (Habakkuk 1:2-4)    133      A Divine Response (Habakkuk 1:5-11)    134      The Prophet’s Second Complaint (Habakkuk 1:12–2:1)    135      A Divine Response: A Vision Statement with Five Woes (Habakkuk 2:2-20)    136      A Prophet’s Prayer (Habakkuk 3:1-19)    138 Review Aids and Discussion Topics    140 Index of Citations from the Catechism of the Catholic Church    145 Maps    146
Les mer

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9780814628492
Publisert
2013-09-24
Utgiver
Vendor
Liturgical Press
Vekt
34 gr
Høyde
229 mm
Bredde
152 mm
Dybde
8 mm
Aldersnivå
G, 01
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
148

Forfatter

Biographical note

Carol J. Dempsey, OP is professor of biblical studies at the University of Portland, Oregon, with special expertise in Old Testament and prophets. She holds a PhD in biblical studies from The Catholic University of America, and has authored several books including Jeremiah: Preacher of Grace, Poet of Truth (Liturgical Press, 2007) and Reading the Bible, Transforming Conflict.