How to Read Prophetic Literature

Source Material: Who Is Like Our God? (Pages 9–11)

Introduction

The author acknowledges that prophetic literature presents challenges for modern readers due to its vibrant imagery, incessant repetition, and bold language. To prevent readers from getting lost in the narrative, the author offers three tips for setting expectations and understanding the historical and literary context. These tips are inspired by Peter J. Gentry, a professor of Old Testament.

1. All Prophetic Literature Points Back to Deuteronomy

The study emphasizes that readers will review passages from Deuteronomy in the chapters of Amos 1 and Micah 1.

• Deuteronomy literally means "second law" and represents the second giving of the Mosaic Covenant just before Israel entered the Promised Land.
• This covenant was conditional; Israel had obligations to fulfill to keep the land.
• Moses prophesied (predicted) that Israel would eventually walk away from God and His Law.
• The author notes that much of Deuteronomy is fulfilled in the books of Kings, Chronicles, and the major and minor prophets.

2. Foretelling Prophecy Confirms God’s Faithfulness

Prophets such as Micah, Amos, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel often utilized "dual-fulfillment prophecies," which carried both immediate and future meanings.

• While prophets like Elijah and Elisha spoke God’s Word, the sins of Israel became so severe that messages had to be written down as evidence.
• This written evidence proves God’s predictions were true.
• The author includes a "spoiler alert": the people of Israel did not listen to Amos and Micah. Despite ample opportunity to repent, they experienced the predicted judgment because God keeps His Word.

3. Hebrew Literature is Recursive (Repetitive)

Recursive literature discusses a topic at length from one angle, then returns to the same topic from a different angle.

• The repetition found in prophetic books is a feature of Hebrew literature, not a bug. Readers should look for subtle differences in how a topic is discussed.
• Amos focuses on social injustice toward the poor and weak.
• Micah focuses on abusive and deceitful leaders or prophets.
• The author cites Peter J. Gentry, who compares the Hebrew approach to discourse to "left and right speakers of a stereo system" (How to Read and Understand the Biblical Prophets, p. 42).

Application

The chapter concludes by noting that the texts of Amos and Micah were intended for an ancient audience. The modern reader's journey involves determining the principle about God, seeing how it fits with the whole of Scripture, and then applying that principle to modern cultural contexts.