A smooth stone : biblical prophecy in historical perspective / David Arthur.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Arthur, David, 1953 September 21-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Prophets.

Physical Description:

x, 416 pages ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Lanham, Md. : University Press of America, [2001]

Contents:

Part 1 Of Prophets and Prophecy

Prophecy in Ancient Israel 7

Definition and Role 8

Means and Methods 12

Relative Status 14

Preclassical Prophecy 17

Origins 18

Traits 24

Balaam, Seer of God 29

Samuel, Maker of Kings 41

Nathan, Court Councilor 55

Elijah, Man of God 63

The Salvation Prophets 75

Prophecy and War 75

Micaiah 87

Part 2 Messengers of God

Classical Prophecy 97

Historical Setting 97

Distinguishing Characteristics 98

The Prophetic Call 103

Typical Speech Forms 105

Symbolic Actions 107

Amos 109

Part 3 A Maker of Riddles

Ezekiel 155

Historical Setting 155

Personal Peculiarities 157

The Core Message 167

The Jerusalem Allegory 201

Literary Considerations 201

The Allegory 204

The Tyre Prophecies 211

The Egypt Prophecies 233

Into the Dragon's Lair 249

Melek 269

Part 4 The Famine

Postclassical Prophecy 289

Social Context 289

Historical Evolution 291

Prophecy and Tradition 299

Common Misconceptions 299

The Development of a Prophetic Tradition 301

The Two Isaiahs 309

The Historical Setting 319

The Servants of Yahweh 327

The Vision of Isaiah 345

Interpretive Premises 345

Exegesis 346

Prophecy's Demise 387

Conclusion: The Prophetic Challenge 391

Epilogue: At the Ford of the Jabbok 397.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [405]-408) and index.

ISBN:

0761820744

OCLC:

47100970