Case Studies in Prophetic Literature

Case Studies in Prophetic Literature

Level of Education: Doctoral Degree in Biblical Studies

Purpose

To analyze specific passages from the Major Prophets and explore their theological implications, providing insights for contemporary Christian faith and practice.

Objectives

1. Examine selected passages from the Major Prophets in detail.
2. Analyze the theological themes and messages within these passages.
3. Discuss the historical and cultural contexts of the passages.
4. Apply the theological insights to contemporary Christian life and ministry.

Key Concepts, Terms, and Keywords

• Prophecy (Navi): A message from God conveyed through a prophet.
• Judgment (Mishpat): God’s righteous assessment and response to sin.
• Repentance (Teshuvah): Turning away from sin and returning to God.
• Restoration (Tikkun): The promise of renewal and healing for God’s people.
• Covenant (Berit): A sacred agreement between God and His people.
• Divine Sovereignty (Malchut Elohim): God’s supreme authority over all creation.

Lesson Content

1. Introduction to Case Studies in Prophetic Literature

• Overview of the Major Prophets
  • The Major Prophets include Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel.
  • Each book contains specific passages that convey profound theological messages relevant to both their original audience and contemporary readers.
  • Scriptural Basis: Isaiah 1:1, Jeremiah 1:1-3, Lamentations 1:1, Ezekiel 1:1-3, Daniel 1:1-2.

2. Case Study 1: Isaiah 6:1-8

• Context and Content
  • Historical Context: Isaiah’s call to ministry during the reign of King Uzziah.
  • Scriptural Basis: Isaiah 6:1-8 – Isaiah’s vision of God’s glory and his commission as a prophet.
• Theological Themes
  • Divine Holiness: The vision of God on His throne, surrounded by seraphim declaring His holiness.
    • Scriptural Basis: Isaiah 6:3 – “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
  • Human Sinfulness and Repentance: Isaiah’s realization of his own sinfulness and his purification.
    • Scriptural Basis: Isaiah 6:5-7 – “Woe to me! I cried. I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty. Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.'”
  • Divine Mission: God’s call to Isaiah to be His messenger.
    • Scriptural Basis: Isaiah 6:8 – “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'”

3. Case Study 2: Jeremiah 31:31-34

• Context and Content
  • Historical Context: Prophecies of hope and restoration during the Babylonian exile.
  • Scriptural Basis: Jeremiah 31:31-34 – The promise of a new covenant.
• Theological Themes
  • Covenant Renewal: The transition from the old covenant to a new, transformative covenant.
    • Scriptural Basis: Jeremiah 31:31 – “The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.”
  • Internal Transformation: The law written on the hearts of the people.
    • Scriptural Basis: Jeremiah 31:33 – “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
  • Forgiveness of Sins: God’s promise to forgive and forget the sins of His people.
    • Scriptural Basis: Jeremiah 31:34 – “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

4. Case Study 3: Ezekiel 37:1-14

• Context and Content
  • Historical Context: Ezekiel’s prophecies during the Babylonian exile.
  • Scriptural Basis: Ezekiel 37:1-14 – The vision of the valley of dry bones.
• Theological Themes
  • Resurrection and Restoration: The symbolic resurrection of Israel and the promise of restoration.
    • Scriptural Basis: Ezekiel 37:5-6 – “This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”
  • Divine Power and Sovereignty: God’s ability to bring life and restore hope.
    • Scriptural Basis: Ezekiel 37:12-14 – “Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel… I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.'”

5. Case Study 4: Daniel 7:13-14

• Context and Content
  • Historical Context: Visions during the Babylonian exile and early Persian period.
  • Scriptural Basis: Daniel 7:13-14 – The vision of the Son of Man.
• Theological Themes
  • Messianic Prophecy: The coming of a divine figure with everlasting dominion.
    • Scriptural Basis: Daniel 7:13-14 – “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
  • Divine Sovereignty: God’s ultimate authority and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
    • Scriptural Basis: Daniel 7:14 – “He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him.”

6. Contemporary Applications

• Personal Reflection and Repentance
  • Applying the themes of repentance and divine mission from Isaiah’s vision to personal spiritual growth.
  • Example: Regularly seeking God’s purification and responding to His call to serve.
• Embracing the New Covenant
  • Living out the new covenant promises of internal transformation and forgiveness from Jeremiah.
  • Example: Engaging in spiritual disciplines that cultivate a heart aligned with God’s laws.
• Hope in Restoration
  • Finding hope in God’s power to restore and renew, as seen in Ezekiel’s vision of dry bones.
  • Example: Trusting God’s ability to bring life to seemingly hopeless situations.
• Faith in God’s Sovereignty
  • Strengthening faith in God’s sovereign rule and the coming of His kingdom, as depicted in Daniel’s vision.
  • Example: Living with the assurance of God’s ultimate victory and sharing this hope with others.

King Jesus’ Model/Example

• Matthew 24:30: “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.”
  • Explanation: Jesus’ reference to the Son of Man coming on the clouds echoes Daniel’s vision, emphasizing the fulfillment of the apocalyptic prophecy and His ultimate authority.

Exam Questions and Answers

1. Question: What are the key theological themes in Isaiah 6:1-8, and how do they relate to Isaiah’s prophetic mission? Answer: The key theological themes in Isaiah 6:1-8 include divine holiness, human sinfulness and repentance, and divine mission. These themes relate to Isaiah’s prophetic mission by emphasizing the need for purification before service and the call to be God’s messenger. Isaiah’s vision highlights the overwhelming holiness of God, the realization of personal and communal sin, and the readiness to respond to God’s call (Isaiah 6:3, 5-7, 8).
2. Question: How does Jeremiah 31:31-34 describe the new covenant, and what are its theological implications? Answer: Jeremiah 31:31-34 describes the new covenant as a transformative relationship between God and His people, characterized by the law written on their hearts, an intimate knowledge of God, and the forgiveness of sins. The theological implications include a shift from external adherence to internal transformation, the personal nature of the relationship with God, and the assurance of forgiveness and renewal (Jeremiah 31:31, 33-34).
3. Question: In Ezekiel 37:1-14, what is the significance of the vision of the valley of dry bones, and how does it convey hope and restoration? Answer: The vision of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37:1-14 signifies the resurrection and restoration of Israel from exile and spiritual death. It conveys hope and restoration by illustrating God’s power to bring life to what is dead, the promise of renewal, and the assurance of His Spirit’s presence. This vision emphasizes God’s sovereignty and ability to restore His people (Ezekiel 37:5-6, 12-14).
4. Question: What are the main themes in Daniel 7:13-14, and how do they relate to the concept of divine sovereignty? Answer: The main themes in Daniel 7:13-14 include messianic prophecy and divine sovereignty. The vision portrays the coming of the Son of Man, who is given authority, glory, and an everlasting dominion. This relates to the concept of divine sovereignty by emphasizing God’s ultimate authority over all nations and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, highlighting the certainty of God’s future rule and the fulfillment of His plans (Daniel 7:13-14).
5. Question: How can the themes of divine holiness and human repentance in Isaiah 6:1-8 be applied to contemporary Christian life? Answer: The themes of divine holiness and human repentance in Isaiah 6:1-8 can be applied to contemporary Christian life by encouraging believers to recognize and respond to God’s holiness, seek personal purification, and be willing to serve God. This involves regular self-examination, confession of sins, and a commitment to live according to God’s calling, fostering a deeper relationship with God and readiness to fulfill His mission (Isaiah 6:3, 5-7, 8).
6. Question: Discuss the significance of the new covenant in Jeremiah 31:31-34 for contemporary Christian practice. Answer: The new covenant in Jeremiah 31:31-34 is significant for contemporary Christian practice as it emphasizes internal transformation, personal relationship with God, and forgiveness of sins. This covenant encourages believers to cultivate a heart aligned with God’s laws, engage in spiritual disciplines that foster intimacy with God, and live confidently in the assurance of His forgiveness and renewal. It underscores the importance of a genuine and transformative faith (Jeremiah 31:31, 33-34).
7. Question: How does Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones provide a framework for understanding God’s power to restore and renew? Answer: Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones provides a framework for understanding God’s power to restore and renew by vividly illustrating His ability to bring life to what is dead. It conveys the message that no situation is beyond God’s redemptive power, offering hope and assurance of renewal. This vision encourages believers to trust in God’s ability to transform and restore their lives, communities, and circumstances (Ezekiel 37:5-6, 12-14).
8. Question: How can Daniel’s vision of the Son of Man in Daniel 7:13-14 inspire confidence in God’s ultimate authority and future kingdom? Answer: Daniel’s vision of the Son of Man in Daniel 7:13-14 inspires confidence in God’s ultimate authority and future kingdom by portraying the Messiah’s eternal dominion and sovereign rule. It reassures believers that God’s plans will be fulfilled, His kingdom will be established, and justice will prevail. This vision encourages believers to live with hope and assurance, trusting in God’s sovereignty and looking forward to His future reign (Daniel 7:13-14).
9. Question: What lessons can be learned from Isaiah’s response to God’s call in Isaiah 6:8, and how can they be applied to modern ministry? Answer: Lessons from Isaiah’s response to God’s call in Isaiah 6:8 include the importance of willingness to serve, responsiveness to God’s calling, and readiness to act despite personal inadequacies. These lessons can be applied to modern ministry by encouraging believers to be open to God’s call, actively seek ways to serve, and trust in God’s empowerment for the tasks He assigns. It highlights the significance of a willing heart and obedience in fulfilling God’s mission (Isaiah 6:8).
10. Question: How do the themes of resurrection and restoration in Ezekiel 37:1-14 relate to the concept of new life in Christ? Answer: The themes of resurrection and restoration in Ezekiel 37:1-14 relate to the concept of new life in Christ by illustrating God’s power to bring life from death and restore what is broken. In the New Testament, this is fulfilled through Christ’s resurrection, which offers believers new spiritual life and the hope of eternal life. These themes encourage believers to trust in God’s transformative power, embrace the new life offered in Christ, and live with the assurance of His continual renewal (Ezekiel 37:5-6, 12-14; Romans 6:4).

Research Citations (MLA Format)

1. Oswalt, John N. The Book of Isaiah: Chapters 1-39 (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament). Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1986. Available in eBook format.
2. Brueggemann, Walter. A Commentary on Jeremiah: Exile and Homecoming. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1998. Available in eBook format.
3. Hill, Andrew E. Lamentations: A Commentary (The Old Testament Library). Westminster John Knox Press, 2002. Available in eBook format.
4. Block, Daniel I. The Book of Ezekiel, Chapters 1-24 (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament). Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1997. Available in eBook format.
5. Goldingay, John. Daniel (Word Biblical Commentary, Vol. 30). Zondervan Academic, 1989. Available in eBook format.

This lesson provides an in-depth analysis of specific passages from the Major Prophets and explores their theological implications, offering insights for contemporary Christian faith and practice.