Justice, Righteousness and the Social Critique of the Eighth-Century Prophets

The Author: Hemchand Gossai, born in Guyana, South America, received his B.A. (Summa Cum Laude) from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, his M. Div. from Luther Northwestern Seminary (1983), and his Ph.D. from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland (1986). He has published numerous articles and studies. Dr. Gossai has taught at Luther Northwestern Seminary and the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota and is presently an assistant professor of Religion and Philosophy at Culver-Stockton College.

«Professor Gossai is the first to have made a detailed study of the different ways in which the Hebrew terms (and their cognates) for 'righteous(ness)' and 'just(ice)' are used in different parts of the Hebrew Bible. Only when this firm linguistic-analytical basis has been laid does the author apply his findings to the use of these same terms by the great social prophets of eighth-century BCE Israel. This work will prove invaluable not only to all who are interested in the social critique applied by those great figures in that period of Israel's history, but also to those who are looking for a solid biblical (Old Testament) base for the wider study of peace, justice and political and cultural freedom in society today.» (James D. Martin, University of St. Andrews, Scotland)«Professor Gossai has provided a careful and thorough-going examination of these central notions in the social critique of the eighth-century prophets. His work is fully conversant with contemporary research and points to the relevance of these prophetic voices for our own time. It is an impressive piece of work.» (James Limburg, Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary)«É portanto um livro importante e muito atual.» (Revista Bíblica Brasileira)