1. Welcome to The Noon Hour Bible Class “The Twelve”

2. Introduction The Prophets and How Do They Fit Chronologically

11. The Twelve in Chronological Groups 1. Obadiah, Joel, and Jonah (Early in the divided kingdom). 2. Amos, Hosea, and Micah (Contemporaries of Isaiah). 3. Nahum, Zephaniah, and Habakkuk (prior to fall of the NK). 4. Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi (post-exilic prophets)

12. Historical Overview of Israel (Important Dates) 1050 BC, Saul-first king of Israel. 1010 BC, David-king of Israel. 970 BC, Solomon-king of Israel. 930 BC, the Divided Kingdom. 865 to 800 BC, Elijah and Elisha were ministering in the NK. 700 BC, Isaiah ministered 750 to 680 BC, wrote book of Isaiah. 722 BC, the NK falls to Assyria. 612 BC, Assyria falls to Babylon when Nineveh is destroyed.

13. Historical Overview of Israel (Important Dates) 605 BC, Babylon defeats Assyrian/Egyptian coalition and dominates Middle East. 605 BC, First deportation from Judah to Babylon (Daniel). 597 BC, Second deportation from Judah to Babylon (Ezekiel). 586 BC, Destruction of Jerusalem and third deportation (Jeremiah to Egypt). 539 BC, Cyrus, King of Persia, conquers Babylon and makes decree to rebuild temple in Jerusalem. 536 BC, Zerubbabel leads first Jewish return from Babylon to Jerusalem to rebuild temple.

14. Historical Overview of Israel (Important Dates) 535 BC, Zerubbabel begins work on temple after 70 years, but stopped by opposition. 515 BC, the temple finished under leadership of Haggai and Zechariah. 458 BC, Ezra leads second Jewish return from Babylon to Jerusalem for spiritual reforms. 444 BC, Nehemiah given decree to rebuild walls of Jerusalem leads third Jewish return. 420 BC, Malachi ministers to Judah about coming messenger and Messiah. 4 BC, Messiah is born after 400 years of silence.