Basic Forms of Prophetic Speech

An application of form-criticism to the Old Testament, showing how the concept of judgement in the prophets reveals radically changed ideas of prophecy.

The English-speaking student of the Old Testament is offered in this book a clear example of how the form-critical method may be thoroughly and consistently applied to the study of prophecy. Though the major focus of the book is upon a single speech form - the announcement of judgement - the foundation is laid for a study of the whole of prophecy from this perspective.'
From the Preface by the Translator.

The prophetic message awakens the people of God and calls them back from their perverse ways. But the history of the investigation of prophecy shows that the understanding of these messages has changed profoundly over time. Claus Westermann provides indications of the astonishing differences in the conceptions of prophecy throughout the history of its interpretation. He also summarises and analyses the works of the scholars over the last fifty years who have made major contributions to the development of prophetic research. Translated into English by Hugh C. White, this provides a valuable introduction to some of the major problems that have been, and still are, at the heart of the study of Old Testament prophecy.

The prophetic message awakens the people of God and calls them back from their perverse ways. But the history of the investigation of prophecy shows that the understanding of these messages has changed profoundly over time. Claus Westermann provides indications of astonishing differences in the conceptions of prophecy throughout the history of its interpretation.