This book “Social Justice in Pre-classical Prophets” highlights about pre-classical prophets and the role they played in the Israelite society in promoting social justice. Pre-classical prophets Nathan (2 Samuel chapters 11 and 12), Elijah (1 Kings 18:1-40) and Elisha (2 Kings 4:1-7) were studied and the selected passages were interpreted based on Socio-historical and Reader Response approach.

In 2 Samuel chapters 11 and 12, Prophet Nathan confronts the social sin of king David and working towards establishing justice in Israelite society. Prophet Elijah’s response to Baalism based on 1 Kgs 18:1-40 is prophets reply to the religious threat and his method of social justice to defend Yahwism. Elisha and widow narrative in 2 Kgs 4:1-7 reveals the social concern of the prophet towards the marginalized and downtrodden. Through these three pre-classical narratives and their interpretation by the contemporary readers, a Prophetic model was developed for the church to promote social justice.

Contents

Acknowledgements
Abstract
Introduction
List of Abbreviations

Chapter 1: Survey of Methodologies

Introduction

1. Hermeneutics an Introduction
2. Historical Critical Approach
3. History of Historical Critical Methodology
4. Literary Approach
5. Postmodern Hermeneutics
6. Deconstruction
7. Demise of Wellhausen Paradigm
8. Methodologies Used in this Research

Conclusion

Chapter 2: Pre-Classical Prophets and Justice in Old Testament

Introduction

1. Prophets in the Hebrew Bible
2. Pre-Classical Prophets
3. Justice in Old Testament
4. Prophets and Social Justice
5. Pre-Classical Prophets Understanding of Justice

Conclusion

Chapter 3: Researches Made on the 8th and 9th Century Prophets

Introduction

1. Researches on Eighth Century Prophets
2. Research on the Book of Amos
3. Prophets Within form and Tradition Criticism
4. State of Amos Research – Present Trends and Projections
5. Elijah and Elisha Narrative
6. Importance of Prophets in Israelite Society

Conclusion

Chapter 4: Social Justice in 2 Samuel Chapters 11 and 12 from the Perspective of the Marginalized

Introduction

1. Historical Background of the Book of Samuel
2. Setting of Chapters Eleven and Twelve
3. Interpretation of the Text from Socio-Hisrocial Approach
4. Fourfold Punishment for David
5. Nathan’s Method for Establishing Social Justice
6. Interpretation of the Text from the Reader Response Approach
7. Specific Themes of Concerned Readers

Conclusion

Chapter 5: Elijah’s Response to Baalism – Social Justice in I Kings 18:1-40

Introduction

1. Introduction to the Elijah Narrative
2. The Historical Context of Elijah
3. Interpretation of 1 Kings 18 from Socio Historical Approach
4. Elijah’s Method to Counter Baalism
5. Interpretation of the Text from Reader Response Approach
6. Specific Themes of Concerned Readers

Conclusion

Chapter 6: Elisha and Social Justice of Marginalised Groups Like Widows, 2 Kings 4:1-7

Introduction

1. Introduction to the Elisha Narrative
2. Interpretation of the Passage from Socio-Historical Approach
3. Elisha’s Prophetic Model for Social Justice
4. Reader Response Interpretation of this Passage
5. Specific Themes of the Readers

Evaluation

Chapter 7: Pre-Classical Prophets Model for Social Justice

Introduction

1. Model for Social Justice from Prophet Nathan
2. Model for Social Justice from Prophet Elijah
3. Social Justice Model from Prophet Elisha

Conclusion

Conclusion
Bibliography

Rev Duraiswamy is an ordained minister of Evangelical Church of India. He has completed his Bachelors in Indian Philosophy and Masters in Public Administration from University of Madras. He has obtained his Bachelor of Divinity from Serampore College, Kolkata and Master of Theology in Old Testament from Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute, Chennai. He completed his Doctorate of Philosophy from SHUATS, Allahabad. He has taught Old Testament subjects at Calcutta Bible Seminary (CBS) and Madras Theological Seminary and College (MTSC) and served as Academic Dean of both these seminaries.

Currently he is serving as the Bishop’s Commissary of ECI Chennai Diocese and Treasurer of Evangelical Church of India and ECI Educational Trust, besides serving as a senior pastor of a local church in ECI Chennai Diocese.