Preface

Abbreviations

Introduction: Prophet versus Prophet

I. The Unfolding Drama of Research

A. PROPHECY IN GENERAL

B. “FALSE” PROPHECY

II. The Crisis of Faith

A. VOX POPULI IN ANCIENT ISRAEL

1. Confidence in God’s Faithfulness

2. Satisfaction with Traditional Religion

3. Defiance

4. Despair

5. Doubt as to God’s Justice

6. Historical Pragmatism

B. THE QUESTION OF THE JUSTICE OF GOD

III. Prophecy’s Inability to Face the Challenge

A. I KINGS 13 — A PERSPECTIVE ON PROPHETIC CONFLICT

1. Exposition of I Kings 13

B. THE LACK OF A VALID CRITERION

1. Message-centered Criteria

2. Criteria Focusing upon the Man

IV. The Inevitability of False Prophecy

A. THE TRANSITION FROM TRUE TO FALSE PROPHECY: HUMAN CULPABILITY

1. The Biblical Testimony

2. Reasons for the Change

B. FALSE PROPHECY AS GOD’S MEANS OF TESTING ISRAEL: DIVINE RESPONSIBILITY

2. Exegesis of Biblical Passages

3. Theological Observations

V. Israel Seeks a Solution

A. THE PROPHETS ARE HONORED AND SILENCED

1. History of Martyrdom

2. The Chronicler’s Ideal View

3. Cultic Prayers

4. Reasons for the Failure

B. WISDOM AND APOCALYPTIC FILL THE VOID

Conclusion

Excursus A: False Prophecy in the New Testament Period

Excursus B: “ ‘esā and dabar: The Problem of Authority/Certitude in Wisdom and Prophetie Literature”

Selected Bibliography

Index of Authors

Index of Scripture

Index of Hebrew Words