Assignment 2 Pre-exilic prophets (Assyrian period)
We have discovered that many of the genres in the Bible have predictable patterns or
structuring devices. One of these patterns is called a chiasm. Chiasms are named after a
Greek letter written X because elements at the beginning of a passage are repeated in
inverse order as you move toward the end of the passage. Once the passage reaches its
middle turning point or hinge, you can recognize a reversal in the echoing elements. Chiasms
can draw your attention to what is at the beginning and end of a passage and highlight the
turning point in the middle. The standard way to describe a chiasm is to use an outline with a
sequence of letters followed by the same letters (with a prime mark) in reverse order. For
example, an outline for a prophetic passage might appear as follows:*
A God speaks a word of warning to Israel
B List of terms of judgment (key term: scattered)
C Prediction of peoples rejection
D Promise of a new day
C Prediction of a remnant returning
B Reversal of terms of judgment (scattered are gathered)
A God speaks a word of warning to nations who refuse to join Israel
The parallel element can be a key word or phrase, reference to a similar event, the choice of
speech vs. narrative, spatial or temporal indicators, etc.
Your assignment is to (1) Outline the chiasm in Hosea 1:9-2:23 by organizing the key words or
narrative elements in a chiastic outline (use as many letters and their primes as necessary).
Bear in mind that repeated elements may include key words or phrases, direct (quotes) or
indirect speech, spatial or temporal indicators, etc. (2) Underline the first and final statements
and circle the central statement. (3) Write a paragraph summarizing the flow of the passages
thought, drawing attention to the beginning, middle, and end.
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