I do not understand the application of Early and Late as used of Malachi and Joel in the timeline search for "prophet." They seem to conflict as to direction.
I do not understand the application of Early and Late as used of Malachi and Joel in the timeline search for "prophet." They seem to conflict
That's exactly the point. On many historical events of Scripture, there are contradicting scholarly opinions on when they took place or were recorded. Some scholars may date the time a prophet was active earlier, others later. One very relevant distinction is whether real "foretelling" prophecy is possible, i.e. whether a prophet - inspired by the Holy Spirit - could predict events such as the exile. If not, the prophet's activity (or the recording of such) needs to be placed later than the historical event the prophet warned/talked/wrote about. So, often you will find "early" and "late" datings in the timeline.
So, often you will find "early" and "late" datings in the timeline.
I don't think that was his confusion. Looking at his screenshot, Malachi has an "early date" and one which comes later (not labeled "late"). This makes sense. Joel, however, has one labeled "late" which is actually earlier than another one (which is not labeled "early"). Two questions arise for me:
So, often you will find "early" and "late" datings in the timeline. I don't think that was his confusion. Looking at his screenshot, Malachi has an "early date" and one which comes later (not labeled "late"). This makes sense. Joel, however, has one labeled "late" which is actually earlier than another one (which is not labeled "early"). Two questions arise for me: Why isn't the dating consistent (use of label "early" and "late") Why is the "late" date for Joel before the (presumably) "early" one?
Yes, that looks like a bug: any "(Late)" date should come after an early or unlabeled one. I'll pass this along to get fixed.
In some cases (like Malachi) there might only be an early or late variant: that's an editorial judgment.
