Prophets and Teachers

Abstract

Abstract The first part of this chapter examines the school tradition in the literary style of the teachings of the prophets – Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the Book of the Twelve (the minor prophets) – which were compiled by editors in Jerusalem at various stages during the centuries following return from the Babylonian exile. Examples are also given from other Old Testament books (Judith, Proverbs, Samuel, Job, Psalms, Ecclesiastes) where the same subject matter is being covered. The second part of the chapter examines books of the teachers, the schoolmen who rallied to the cause of Jeremiah, and are called here the Deuteronomists; their works include Deuteronomy itself, the prose narratives in Jeremiah, and the historical books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings. The school setting of these teachers is clearly reflected in their style. Once again examples are given from other Old Testament books (Isaiah, Proverbs, Psalms, Ezra, Exodus, Samuel, Kings, Micah) where the same subject matter is being covered.