Overview: This content essay assignment provides you with the opportunity to take a “deep dive” into the content of a particular interpretive issue within an Old Testament book. The ability to engage with the historical, literary and theological elements of interpretation is an essential skill to develop in biblical studies. Developing these skills through research and writing is a time-tested means toward becoming a more competent reader and interpreter of Scripture. The content essay assignment probes challenging issues by answering the interpretive questions that arise from Scripture text.

Instructions:
Content Essay: Isaiah Assignment
In an essay, answer the following questions about Isaiah 14:3-23:1. Who is the King of Babylon, and to which “Babylon” is this taunt referring? Be sure to consider this question within the context of Isaiah and the context of historical Babylon and historical Judah. What impact does the preceding oracle in Isaiah 13 have on our interpretation of Isaiah 14:3-23? Is this Babylon referring to the Neo-Babylonian Empire, the city of Babylon during the Assyrian period, or an eschatological Babylon? 2. Does the taunt in Isaiah 14:12-15 in some manner shift away from the King of Babylon to the “power” behind the King? Does it provide a prophetic glimpse back in time to image the fall of “Lucifer” (or Satan)? How should we understand the reference in verse 12 to the “Day Star, son of Dawn”? Content Essay: Amos AssignmentIn an essay, answer the following questions about Amos 1 – 2:1. What are the points of similarity or repetition that you see between the 6 oracles against the nations, along with the 7th oracle against Judah and the 8th oracle against Israel? What are the differences (or points of distinction) between these oracles? 2. What is the function of the oracles of Amos 1 – 2 in the broad scheme of the book? If Israel is the primary addressee, then how do the oracles relate together to form rhetoric of entrapment or indictment against Israel