Justice in the Prophets

Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:

Undergraduate

1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of selected prophetic texts on the theme of justice;
2. Demonstrate knowledge and awareness of the social, economic, religious issues underlying these texts;
3. Analyse biblical texts using a variety of approaches to interpretation;
4. Appreciate the variety of biblical concepts of justice;
5. Reflect theologically on the inner-biblical dialogue between prophecy and law.

Postgraduate

1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of selected prophetic texts on the theme of justice;
2. Demonstrate knowledge and awareness of the social, economic, religious issues underlying these texts;
3. Critically analyse biblical texts using a variety of approaches to interpretation;
4. Critically appreciate the variety of biblical concepts of justice;
5. Reflect theologically on biblical texts and relate biblical studies to other theological disciplines in a research project at a postgraduate standard.

Undergraduate

Level 2:

• One exegetical paper (1,500 words) (40%)
• One essay (1,500 words) (40%)
• Online tutorial participation (total 1,000 words) (20%)

Level 3:

• One exegetical paper (2,000 words) (40%)
• One essay (2,000 words) (40%)
• Online tutorial participation (1,000 words) (20%)

Postgraduate

• One exegetical paper (3,000 words) (40%)
• One essay (3,000 words) (40%)
• Online tutorial participation (1,800 words) (20%)

• Abernethy, A. et al. (eds) Isaiah and Imperial Context. Eugene: Pickwick, 2014.
• Anderson, G.A. Sin: A History. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2009.
• Chapman, S.B. The Law and the Prophets. Tübingen: Mohr/Siebeck, 2000.
• Coomber, M.J.M. (ed) Bible and Justice: Ancient Texts, Modern Challenges. London: Equinox, 2011.
• Gossai, H. Justice and Righteousness in the Social Critique of the Eighth-Century Prophets. New York: Peter Lang, 1993.
• Houston, W. Contending for Justice: Ideologies and Theologies of Social Justice in the Old Testament. London: T&T Clark, rev edn 2008.
• Janowski, B., and Stuhlmacher, P. (eds) The Suffering Servant: Isaiah 53 in Jewish and Christian Sources. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2004.
• Leclerc, T.L. Yahweh Is Exalted in Justice: Solidarity and Conflict in Isaiah. Philadelphia: Fortress, 2001.
• Reventlow, H.G. and Hoffman, Y. (eds) Justice and Righteousness: Biblical Themes and their Influence. Sheffield: JSOT, 1992.
• Weinfeld, M. Social Justice in Ancient Israel. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1995.

Set texts recommended for purchase: Nil