Encountering the Old Testament, 3rd Edition

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Chapter

24. Introduction to the Prophets: Voices of God's Servants

What is your impression of the office of prophet?
Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints, declared himself to be a prophet. Do you think it was possible for him to be a prophet like the Old Testament prophets? Why?
Why do you think that the classical prophets were not part of the period when Israel was in bondage in Egypt?
What problem do you find with making comparisons between Old Testament prophets and those of other ancient Near Eastern religions?
Are there any prophets today? Who are they?

Divide the class into six groups. Assign one of the characteristics of prophets to each group. Ask the group to find the characteristic in a specific prophet. Conclude the class with a feedback session in which the examples are given. Class time allowed: 20 minutes.
Divide the class into seven groups. Assign one of the prophetic themes to each group. Have the groups identify examples of each of these themes. Conclude with a general discussion using the group findings. Class time allowed: 20 minutes.
Ask each student to find a partner and discuss the question: Are the words of the Old Testament prophets relevant today? Conclude with a feedback session in which you outline the ways these prophesies are relevant. Class time allowed: 25 minutes.