In this chapter, we will expand our prophetic coverage, exploring the books of Jeremiah, Obadiah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Ezekiel, and the second portion of Isaiah. Lengthy books like Jeremiah and Ezekiel are considered “major,” whereas the shorter books, such as the single-chapter Obadiah, are deemed “minor prophets.” Some books include personal details about the prophet, whereas others like Nahum are virtually devoid of such information. However, all of these writing prophets articulated Yahweh’s messages in the seventh century bceand through the crises leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 bceand the ensuing exile.

We will note how the traumatic events of Israel’s changing world impacted the urgency, tone, and even theological emphases of the prophets. For example, Second Isaiah contains one of the most explicit Old Testament statements of monotheism. In Ezekiel, we will observe the first focus on the role of individual responsibility for sin, along with an especially personal tone by means of the first-person voice. Finally, we will encounter the concept of the “Day of the Lord,” which represents Israel’s move toward eschatology.

The study of behavioral genetics seeks to answer two fundamental questions: To what extent are traits innate? And how can gene sequencing be utilized to predict behavior? This chapter begins with a critical evaluation of twin and adoption studies, describing the challenges of separating genetic influences from gene–environment interactions. The latter part explores modern genetic technologies, such as gene sequencing, and their application in identifying individuals who are at risk for developing neurological conditions, in predicting responses to treatment, and in employing polygenic screening for embryo selection.

This final chapter on Israel’s writing prophets highlights those whose messages supported postexilic restoration during the Persian period. As in earlier chapters, we will need to consider the conditionality of prophecy as well as its “forthtelling” rather than “foretelling” nature.

In 539 bce, the Persian king Cyrus allowed the first group of Israelite exiles to return to Jerusalem, now part of the administrative province of Yehud. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah serve to inspire this rebuilding process, particularly of the temple. We will observe in Zechariah growing evidence of a messianic hope in a future Davidic king as well as a literary shift from eschatology to apocalyptic forms. Malachi, dated around 470 bce, builds on earlier Old Testament prophetic themes of purity and covenant faithfulness. Much harder to date is Joel, as it contains sections indicative of two entirely different periods of Judah’s history; however, we will note the “day of Yahweh” theme in Joel, portrayed this time as a terrible day of reckoning for the nations. Jonah is unique as a narrative, conveying through rather humorous form the serious concern of Yahweh for all peoples.

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the neurotechnologies used to record and stimulate brain activity, from invasive techniques like optogenetics and intracranial electrodes to noninvasive methods such as electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging. It explains how these technologies are evaluated based on criteria like spatial resolution, temporal resolution, safety, and portability. With this framework, each technology is evaluated in terms of its power and constraints. This chapter highlights the trade-off between technological power and practical constraints, emphasizing the need for safer, more adaptable devices for both clinical and research purposes.