An Introduction to the Old Testament Prophetic Books

by C. Hassell Bullock

This introduction provides a clearer picture of the history of Israel. The reader will gain a better understanding of Old Testament prophets and prophetic literature.

Genres: Theology, Old Testament, Nonfiction, Religion, Christian, Biblical Studies, Poetry

480 pages, Hardcover

First published February 8, 1986

Reviews

[Robert Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A more helpful book than the mountains of critical scholars he reviews. Generally never wrong, but neither great prose nor exhaustive. This is a good resource to read in seminary, perhaps return to when you do a sermon series on a book, and then move on from. But helpful to get going and wade through scholarship.

[Rachel Winkler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is great as a reference for historical context and overarching themes and messages of each of the OT prophetic books. I read it cover to cover for a class, but I think it would be more useful as a reference for study, exegesis, etc.

[Brad Hough · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 // Incredibly helpful resource. More than any other section of the Bible, the prophets have always felt kind of opaque to me. They seemed to either say the exact same thing or recount fantastical visions that I guiltily felt held no application for my life today. This meant that instead of actually reading through and meditating on them, I would hastily skim when I got to this section of my Bible reading plan (or wherever I encountered them).

Bullock does a fantastic job of introducing these prophets by highlighting both their similarities and their distinctives. His writing is accessible, and after reading I feel well-equipped to dive in for my own study. I am thankful for the work Bullock (and others) have put into making these books clearer.

[Ethan McCarter · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an introductory textbook so it's neither exhaustive nor a thrilling read. It's helpful for what it is; namely, preliminary material for a book study in the Prophets or for a seminary course. The work does well on the academic side of things and addresses those in a succinct, clear manner. It's much more than a Sunday school course looking through individual books, but not as much as a commentary on the individual book. The author doesn't delve too far into theological interpretation, he's definitely an evangelical scholar, and does not always describe too much of the interpretive challenges from a theological perspective. The structural analyses of the books are helpful; some books he wrote on were more helpful than others. I'd recommend this book for those wanting an academic introduction into the Prophetic books, pastors gathering information for a preaching series, or a theology or biblical studies student.

[LAMONT D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reference book from my seminary days that was deemed very helpful at the time. I retained it in my own personal library but will endeavor to pass it on to someone else that can use it for their own study and exegesis. The author highlights each prophet noting the differences including their unique style and activity along with their circumstances while living. Each chapter also contains a detailed outline of the prophetic book associated with the prophet while diving into the audience and message from God's prophet.

[Richard Fishburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening

Bullock has done a phenomenal work in his compilation of information regard the prophets. Through this work the reader is able to better envision God’s word in the mouths of these writers. The context revealed for time, setting, and audience of each of the prophets offers much upon which to reflect.

[Daniel Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid overview of the major and minor Old Testament prophetic books. Content is excellent but structure can be inconsistent (and thus frustrating). Still, it is a valuable introduction to this section of Scripture and its historical context.

[Jerome · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucid, sound introduction to the prophets. Good resource for teachers and students and laymen alike.

[Derek Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to a difficult portion of the Bible

[Ray Hollenbach · Rating 3 out of 5]

The nicest thing I can say about this book is that it’s a textbook. Very average. Theologically fair, and well researched.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's probably the best introduction to the subject matter from a critical orthodox position that is available.

[Bill Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for seminary. Fine introduction to the OT prophetic books. Certainly not a book I would choose to read for fun.

[Ali McNeely]

For BT514: OT Prophets (audit)

[Dave Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great help as I wrote a paper in seminary covering the prophets.

[Caleb Hegg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every teacher, scholar, student of the Bible should have this book on their shelf. It certainly is not something you would read straight through, but each prophetic book has its own chapter and gives extensive information on the prophetic work.
Bullock approaches the text from a theologically conservative perspective which is a breath of fresh air compared to many modern liberal scholars. His arguments are solid and his writing and theology spark ideas and concepts. This book should be referenced anytime someone is going to teach or study a biblical prophet and their book.

[Zachary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely a textbook, and one I would highly recommend to anyone doing any level of preaching or research on the prophetic books. It is not organized cannonically (in the order the books appear in the Bible), but rather chronologically (when it is most likely they were written). Rather than give you a straight-forward "here's how it is" factual approach Bullock outlines the various controversies and stances regarding each book.

That latter fact itself makes the book very valuable, for where commentaries or other books take one perspective and tend to present that as fact, this one presents varying perspectives. It definitely points towards one perspective in each case, supplying reasons for that support.

I'm not so sure I would recommend this for more passive Bible study, of the "I just want to learn a little more about the Bible" variety. Rather, this book is for anyone who really wants to dive in and study about the prophetic books and start to try understand them from a more academic perspective.

So, in the end, this is a solid book to supplement any Bible study being done on the prophetic books.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book can be helpful in giving an overview. Feel like it doesn't necessarily add much over what a study Bible provides. I feel like it's about that level. Does have some helpful comments on themes in books. His summaries of books, given the length of some of the books of the genre is, out of necessity, so broad that I found it to be of little value.

[Nathan Leopard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable introduction to the Prophets. I actually enjoyed it quite a bit more than Interpreting the Prophetic Word. There is a little bit of Dispensational leanings at certain points, but is balanced out with a fair representation of the opposing view.

[Gary Fields · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was great when it comes to the background information on each of the prophetic books, but I found it to be lacking on dealing with the actual content. There many prophecies that were left unaddressed or only had a paragraph or two devoted to them.

[Chris Comis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information, but a bit on the "academic respectability" end of the spectrum.

[Mike Jorgensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little dry, but reliable. Worthy of a spot on my reference shelf.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything I wanted it to be.

[Joel Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good summary of each of the prophets, their time period and their message.