Interpreting Prophetic Literature: Historical and Exegetical Tools for Reading the Prophets

by James D. Nogalski

Exegeting a text burrowing deep into its history, language, and literary structure is an indispensable skill for any serious student of the Bible. Given their theological richness and poetic power, the prophetic texts of the Hebrew Bible would seem to be prime candidates for exegetical examination, but they often pose difficulty. In this book, James Nogalski offers solid, practical guidance on how to read and exegete a prophetic text in its literary, historical, and conceptual contexts. Assuming no prior knowledge of Hebrew, Nogalski devises an exegetical method that focuses on the distinctive elements of prophetic literature, rather than on the narrative material one finds in practically all introductions to exegesis. He provides clear examples for understanding poetic texts, prophetic genres, changing voices, and other important aspects of these texts. This book offers essential tools to help readers navigate the particular challenges and opportunities of interpreting the prophets. "

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2015

Reviews

[Jan Petrozzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interpreting Prophetic Literature and Exegetical Tools for Reading the Prophets, Westminster John Knox Press, 2015. Nogalski is the Director of Graduate Studies, Professor of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament at Baylor University sine 2007. His area of expertise lies in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. Nogalski’s area of expertise and interest is in the Minor Prophets. He is a current member of the Society of Biblical Literature Research and Publications Committee and the Steering Committee, Society of Biblical Literature, The Book of Twelve Group.
Nogalski has published several books: Introduction to Hebrew Prophets (2018), The Book of the Twelve: Hosea-Jonah (2018), The Book of the Twelve: Micah-Malachi (2018), The Book of the Twelve and Beyond: Collected Essays of James D. Nogalski (2017), Redactional Processes in the Book of the Twelve (2012), Two Sides of a Coin: Juxtaposing Views on Interpreting the Book of the Twelve/The Twelve Prophetic Books (2009), Reading and Hearing the Book of the Twelve (editor), ( 2000) and Literary Precursors to the Book of the Twelve (1993).
​Westminster John Knox Press is the academic and trade imprint for the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation and began publishing in 1838. They mainly publish religious books and serve scholars, students, and clergy along with general audiences. Much of what they publish is used in the training of seminarians. However, in 2018 they began publishing children’s books under the imprint of Flyaway Books. WJK Press is in Louisville, Kentucky. Additional information can be found at https://www.wjkbooks.com/.
​Interpreting Prophetic Literature, Historical an Exegetical Tools for Reading the Prophets is a fine example of what to look for when one is studying prophetic literature. Nogalski has left no stone unturned in this short book of only 127 pages. The book includes seven information-packed chapters: “Getting Started” gives an overview of prophetic books along with an overview of the process of interpretation. The second chapter is “Analyzing Literary Parameters,” followed by chapter three “Selecting Key Words.” Chapter four covers “Literary Forms and Rhetorical Aims.” Chapter fives discusses “Analyzing A Units Relationship to the Context” and chapter six covers “Common Themes in Prophetic Texts.” The final chapter is “Developing a Hermeneutical Approach.” This book includes numerous charts to support understanding, a scripture index and an abbreviation key. A very well written book and laid out logically, this book would well serve in Academia.

[Daniel Pairo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear and comprehensive book about prophetic literature.

I liked the easygoing reading and examples each Chapter has. Just like the author says, this book is a basic introduction for learning the peculiarities of prophetic literature. I recommend it for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a Masters degree.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic introduction to interpretive issues in prophetic literature from my primary PhD advisor. Its definitely a helpful guide, and I plan on using it in introductory level classes I teach on prophetic literature.

[David Smiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my full review forthcoming in the Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies.