Reading Response 3 for CHRTC 100
Welcome to the questions for reading responses for week 3.
Please write on two of the following questions. Please write 150 – 250 words for each response. Responses are due by 11:59 pm on Friday, May 23.
1. What role does the prophet play in the culture of ancient Israel? From whom does the prophet derive his or her authority?
2. Why does Hosea use the example of his marriage to parallel the relationship of Yahweh and Israel? How does the idea of ‘steadfast love’ (hesed) relate to this metaphor?
3. For what specific economic, ethical and religious sins do prophets such as Amos, Isaiah, and Micah condemn the covenant people? How relevant would these concerns be today in North American culture and society?
4. Why is Jeremiah accused of being “unpatriotic” and “defeatist”? What does he advise King Zedekiah to do? What is the great irony of Jeremiah’s final chapter of his life as recorded in the Book of Jeremiah?
5. Ezekiel reports two separate visions of the Temple in Jerusalem. What important ideas do his visions suggest to him and to the people in exile?
6. Harris notes a general shift in the messages of the prophets in the Latter Prophets from the early days to the later days. What is that general shift?
