The Spirit in the DtrH/Former Prophets

While the Spirit in the Deuteronomistic History (DtrH) may not have the same explicit role as he does in the New Testament book of Acts, the Spirit is nonetheless ever-present in the lives of both Israel and Judah’s leaders and prophets. To be sure, the Spirit moves in a variety of ways and with a very similar modus operandi in the DtrH to that in the NT as he empowers, strengthens for service, and inspires the prophets. We also find that in the DtrH the Spirit convicts of sin, effects miracles through the man or woman of God, and renders discernment to those he has called. Put simply, the Spirit’s role in the DtrH, as in the NT, is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

The Minor Prophets’ Relation to the Torah and Former Prophets

This essay tracks references to Israel’s past in the Minor Prophets as one avenue into exploring their connections to the Torah and Former Prophets, while also observing ways in which shared or similar traditions shape prophetic rhetoric. Key themes emerge, such as God’s character, apostasy and idolatry, covenant and judgment, and critique of power and leadership. Specific remarks, particularly in the last of the Twelve, indicate complex and innovative processes of the reinterpretation of Torah and prophecy. These derive canonical meaning when the Book of the Twelve is read in relation to the Torah and Former Prophets as authoritative collections.

Moses and a Prophet Like Moses in Deuteronomy

This chapter critically examines the literary figure of Moses in Deuteronomy, particularly the book’s directive that Mosaic prophecy have an ongoing place in Israel (18:15–22). It begins by examining Moses as Deuteronomy’s distinctive persona, YHWH’s covenant mediator able to present a veritable divine voice to the reader. It then turns to Deuteronomy’s vision of leadership in an ideal Israel, including official prophetic leadership. Deuteronomy promises a Mosaic prophet for each new generation, a prophet who will stand among YHWH’s heavenly confidants and directly hear YWHW’s will for communication to Israel. It surveys the employment of the Mosaic paradigm in the Tetrateuch (Gen, Exod, Lev, Num), in the Former Prophets (Josh, Judg, 1-2 Sam, 1-2 Kgs) or Deuteronomistic History (Deut, Josh, Judg, 1-2 Sam, 1-2 Kgs), and in the Latter Prophets (Isa, Jer, Ezek, Hos, Joel, Amos, Obad, Jonah, Mic, Nah, Hab, Zeph, Hag, Zech, and Mal). Biblical figures of special interest include Deborah, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, Hosea, Huldah, Jeremiah, and Malachi. Taken together, the evidence examined shows that the core elements of Mosaic prophecy predate Deuteronomy and are amply attested in the pre-exilic prophets, mostly in those prophets oriented on the Sinai covenant.

The Concept of Memra in Targum Amos

The Memra concept is notable in Aramaic Bible translation or Targum. In Targum Amos, the term is employed seven times in the Aramaic rendering of the Hebrew text of the prophet Amos. This study investigates how scholars interpreted the Memra concept in the context of earlier studies that focussed on the Pentateuchal Targums and the Former Prophets. It then ventures to establish how the notion of Memra is used in TJ Amos and how this compares with previous scholarly findings.