This first lecture in David’s four-part series on the Trei Asar, the twelve minor prophets, explores how these remarkable biblical figures transformed the idea of religious practice – in particular, the way in which nations and individuals should worship a divine entity that cannot be seen.
In this talk, David examines the lives and messages of the first three of these twelve prophets:
- Hoshea (Hosea)
- Amos
- Yoel (Joel).
Throughout the lecture, David discusses the prophetic themes contained within the books, including that:
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- God is the God of the whole world
- nations are judged
- Israel is judged on its behavior as a society of individuals
- the importance of teshuva for individuals and nations
- the messianic age
- God’s relationship with the people of Israel
- justice is more important than sacrifice.
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The talk outlines the historical and geopolitical contexts for these prophets and their messages. David also flags the cultural and spiritual legacies of these remarkable biblical figures.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:34:10 — 89.9MB)
This lecture was recorded in 2015 at the Jewish Museum in Melbourne.