The Prophets Speak: A Study Guide

J.R.C. Perkin is President of Acadia University in Nova Scotia and a
professor of Religious Studies.

This little guide, written for the serious study group, is an adjunct to
an educational tv series that serializes the lives of individual
prophets. While the book would undoubtedly enrich the experience of
watching the presentations, it may be profitably used independently.

After an introductory chapter that discusses the nature of Hebrew
prophecy, we are introduced to Amos, Hosea, Isaiah of Jerusalem,
Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah of Babylon, and Jonah. Each chapter identifies
selected readings and offers comments under clear headings. Where
necessary, Hobbs provides chronological charts and definitions of
technical terms (e.g., apocalypse, cultic, eschatological, syncretism).
After each study, she presents a set of questions for discussion and
reflection, and sometimes an exercise for the group.

Perhaps the introductory chapter should have included a note on the
nature of Hebrew poetry. One may also question Jonah’s inclusion in
the book: true, it is a fine story, but it is surely a different kind of
literature than the other biblical books used. A brief
bibliography—including one or two histories of Israel, atlases, and
more volumes containing extended background—might also have been
included.

The book achieves a good balance between scholarship and church use.
The critical issues are presented in a way that will further
understanding. The Prophets Speak can be confidently recommended to
individuals and study groups.