books of the Twelve Prophets, The

Book Description

This comprehensive scholarly work brings together cutting-edge research on the Book of the Twelve Prophets, offering fresh insights into one of the most complex collections in biblical literature. Leading international researchers examine how these formerly independent prophetic writings were assembled into a unified collection, exploring the editorial processes and guiding principles that shaped their final form.

The volume addresses fundamental questions about the structure and development of this prophetic corpus, investigating the connections between the minor prophets and other biblical texts including the major prophets and wisdom literature. Scholars present their findings on the intricate web of intertextual relationships that bind these ancient voices together.

Beyond textual analysis, this work delves into the enduring theological themes that make these prophetic writings relevant today. The contributors explore the prophets' powerful social criticism, their vision for just and ecologically responsible living, messianic expectations, and profound wrestling with questions of divine justice. The book traces how these themes resonated through history, examining their reception in the Qumran community, the New Testament, and rabbinical literature.

Particularly timely is the volume's engagement with contemporary debates surrounding divine violence in prophetic texts. This scholarly collection offers readers a deeper understanding of how ancient prophetic voices continue to speak to modern spiritual and ethical concerns, bridging the gap between rigorous academic research and meaningful spiritual reflection.