Isaiah-Malachi
OT516 Fall 2015
Thursdays, 8:30-12:00
Instructor: Richard (Dick) Belcher, Jr.
rbelcher@rts.edu
Course Description
This course presents an expository study of the message of the prophets that
looks at their meaning in the context of OT history, which is foundational for
understanding their message for God's people today. Issues surrounding the
interpretation of prophecy, the unfolding of revelation in relationship to the
Messiah, and the significance of the prophets for ministry are emphasized.
Course Objectives
1) To set the prophets in their historical setting in order to better understand the
message of the prophets.
2) To be able to summarize the message of each prophetic book.
3) To become familiar with some of the issues related to the interpretation of
prophecy.
4) To see how the prophets lay the groundwork for the coming of the Messiah.
Textbooks and Other Materials
1) Ray Dillard and Tremper Longman III, Introduction to the OT (2nd ed.; Grand
Rapids: Zondervan, 2006), hereinafter IOT.
2) Willem A. VanGemeren, Interpreting the Prophetic Word (Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 1990), hereinafter IPW.
3) John C. Whitcomb, Jr., Chart of Old Testament Kings and Prophets (5th rev.
ed.; Winona Lake, IN: BMH Books, 1977): to be purchased through RTS
Charlotte bookstore.
4) Additional Assigned Reading (see schedule below):
a) Richard Pratt, "Historical Contingencies and Biblical Predictions," The Way of
Wisdom (eds. J. I. Packer and Sven K. Sonderlund; Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Publishing House, 2000), pp. 180-203. This article can be accessed at:
http://www.frame-poythress.org/category/glossolalia/?orderby=title&order=ASC
Isaiah-Malachi Syllabus
2
b) D. Brent Sandy and Ronald Giese, Jr., Cracking Old Testament Codes
(Nashville: Broadman and Holman Publishers, pp. 139-96, hereinafter COTC.
On reserve in the library.
c) Samuel E. Waldron, To Be Continued (Merrick, NY: Calvary Press Publishing,
2005), pp. 11-79, part of this book analyzes OT and NT prophets
d) Vern Poythress, "Modern Spiritual Gifts as Analogous to Apostolic Gifts,"
JETS 39.1 (March 1996): 1-94 (not the whole article); the categories and
distinctions that Poythress discusses are very valuable; this article can be
accessed at http://www.frame-poythress.org/poythress_articles/1996Modern.htm
e) John Walton , Ancient Israelite Literature in its Cultural Context (Grand
Rapids: Zondervan, 1990), pp. 201-228. On reserve in the library.
Assignments
1) Each of the prophetic books must be read, as well as the assigned reading.
2) A Prophetic Profile must be turned in on each prophetic book except for
Obadiah and Joel. The Profile will be based on your assigned reading in IOT and
IPW and will follow a Prophetic Profile guideline.
3) Hebrew reading: for those who know Hebrew there is a Hebrew reading for
each week. The assignment consists of reading Hebrew for 20 minutes starting
at a designated chapter and verse. The Hebrew assignment is listed on the
Schedule. You are not required to read Walton. The Hebrew reading is worth one
point on the quiz each week.
4) Each class will begin with a quiz consisting of outlines. The lowest quiz grade
will be dropped.
5) There will be three exams. The exams will be based on the lectures.
6) A paper is required. It should focus on a particular passage from the prophets
(see the handout "Guidelines for the Paper")
Grades
1) Exams
2) Paper
3) Prophetic Profiles
4) Quizzes
4) Reading Requirements
50%
20%
20%
05%
05%
Isaiah-Malachi Syllabus
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Schedule
Date
Subject
Reading/Assign
Aug 20
Intro to Course
OT Prophecy: Revelation
versus Manipulation
The Role of OT Prophets:
Proclamation and Prosecution
Aug 27
Prophecy: Definition and
Interpretation
Amos*
Pratt art
*indicates when Prophetic
Profile is due for that book
Walton Ch 8
Amos Outline (Quiz 1)
IOT 420-434
IPW 127-37
Hebrew reading: Amos 9:11 (if you finish
the chapter within 20 minutes, go back to 9:1)
Sept 3
Hosea*
IOT 397-408
IPW 105-120
Jonah*
IOT 443-448
IPW 146-149
IPW Ch 1
Hosea Outline (#2)
Hebrew reading: start Hosea 1:1 and read for 20 minutes
Sept 10
Finish Jonah
Isaiah*
IOT 301- 311
IPW 246-66
IPW Ch 2-3
Jonah Outline (#3)
Hebrew reading: start Isaiah 7:1
First Exam through Jonah (given outside of class)
Isaiah-Malachi Syllabus
Sept 17
4
Micah*
IOT 449-455
IPW 150-159
Isaiah 40-66
IOT 312-320
IPW 266-89
COTC Ch 7
Isaiah Outline (#4)
Hebrew reading: start Isaiah 65:17
Sept 24
Zephaniah*
IOT 470-476
IPW 173-79
Habakkuk*
IOT 463-469
IPW 168-173
Nahum*
IOT 456-462
IPW 161-168
Zephaniah Outline (#5)
Hebrew reading: start Habakkuk 2:1
Oct 1
Jeremiah*
IOT 321-341
IPW 290-320
COTC Ch 8
Jeremiah Outline (#6)
Hebrew reading: start Jeremiah 31:31
Passage for paper due
Oct 8
No Class: Reading Week
Isaiah-Malachi Syllabus
Oct 15
5
Obadiah
IOT 435-442
IPW 141-46
Joel
IOT 409-419
IPW 120-27
No profiles for Obadiah and Joel
Hebrew reading: start Joel 3:1 (Hebrew chapter/verse)
Waldron 11-79
Poythress article
Joel Outline (#7)
2nd exam Isaiah-Joel (given outside of class)
Oct 22
Ezekiel*
IOT 354-370
IPW 322-38
Ezekiel Outline (#8)
Hebrew reading: start Ezekiel 37:1
Oct 29
Daniel*
IOT 371-398
IPW 338-52
Walton 217-28
COTC Ch 9
Daniel Outline (#9)
Hebrew reading: start Daniel 9:24
Nov 5
Finish Daniel
Haggai*
IOT 477-483
IPW 187-93
IPW Ch 8
Haggai Outline (#10)
Hebrew reading: start Haggai 2:7
Isaiah-Malachi Syllabus
Nov 12
6
Zechariah*
IOT 484-495
IPW 193-202
Malachi*
IOT 496-502
IPW 202-210
IPW Ch 12
Zechariah Outline (#11)
Hebrew reading: start Malachi 2:13 (you must read 2:16)
Nov 19
No Class ETS
Nov 26
No Class Thanksgiving
****Prophets paper due on December 3***
Dec 3-4, 7-8
Final Exam (Ezekiel through Malachi)
Isaiah-Malachi Syllabus
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RTS Charlotte Classroom Internet Usage
RTS Charlotte recognizes how essential it is for students to have reliable, campus-wide
access to the internet. For that reason, we have made wi-fi available for our student
body, not only in the library and student lounges, but also in the classrooms. We know
that students need to use the internet to download class materials, access files on the
Cloud, and to access other important information.
However, we also recognize that internet access in the classroom provides opportunity
for abuse and misuse. Some students have unfortunately used their internet access to
engage in many activities that distract them from the classroom lectures (e.g., surfing the
web, checking sports scores, playing games). Not only does such activity hamper a
student’s own seminary education, but it distracts other students who can see their
computer screens. In addition, donors and classroom guests (who often sit in the back)
can see this inappropriate internet usage, which reflects poorly on RTS.
So, how can these challenges be addressed? One option is to turn off the internet
entirely. But, we recognize that this creates problems for students who use it for
legitimate reasons. Thus, we prefer to address this problem by appealing to the integrity
of the students as ones who are preparing for a lifetime of ministry to Christ and his
church. We are asking each student to take personal responsibility for their behavior in
this area and to encourage others around them to do the same.
In order to encourage this accountability, and to change the culture of the campus as it
pertains to the internet, we are asking each student to sign the pledge below at the
beginning of each term. As a pledge, we ask you to sign with integrity and with an
honest desire to keep it.
“On my honor as a student at Reformed Theological Seminary, and as a one
preparing for the gospel ministry, I pledge that I will use the internet in the classroom
only for appropriate class-related activities.”
Print Name:___________________________________________________
Signed:___________________________________________________
Date: _____________________________________________________
Isaiah-Malachi Syllabus
8
Course Objectives Related to MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes
Course:
Professor:
Campus:
Date:
Isaiah to Malachi (OT 516)
Richard Belcher
Charlotte
March 2009
MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes
In order to measure the success of the MDiv curriculum, RTS has defined
the following as the intended outcomes of the student learning process.
Each course contributes to these overall outcomes. This rubric shows the
contribution of this course to the MDiv outcomes.
Rubric




Mini-Justification
Strong
Moderate
Minimal
None
*As the MDiv is the core degree at RTS, the MDiv rubric will be used in this syllabus.
Articulation
(oral &
written)
Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both
oral and written, of essential biblical, theological,
historical, and cultural/global information, including
details, concepts, and frameworks.
Scripture
Significant knowledge of the original meaning of
Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research
further into the original meaning of Scripture and to
apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances.
(Includes appropriate use of original languages and
hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical,
and cultural/global perspectives.)
Reformed
Theology
Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and
practice, with emphasis on the Westminster
Standards.
Sanctification
Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the
student’s sanctification.
Desire for
Worldview
Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of
God.
Winsomely
Reformed
Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an
appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians,
especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the
Gospel in a God-honoring manner to non-Christians;
and a truth-in-love attitude in disagreements.)
Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture
to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm.
Preach
Worship
Shepherd
Church/World
Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christianworship forms; and ability to construct and skill to
lead a worship service.
Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in
spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings;
and encouraging a concern for non-Christians, both
in America and worldwide.
Ability to interact within a denominational context,
within the broader worldwide church, and with
significant public issues.
Moderate
Strong
Moderate
Minimal
articulation of essential biblical,
theological, and historical
information is covered, but mostly
written, not oral
the original meaning of the
Prophets is covered with an
emphasis on research in a paper
and substantial time spent on
meaning for today
a few theological issues are covered
(openess view of God, prophecy
and historical contingency,
eschatology views, covenant)
Learning about the character of
God in the prophets aids this
implicit not explicit
None
None
Moderate
None
None
None
we talk about how to preach and
teach the prophets