Books of the Nebi’im/Nevi’im (Prophets) “Former Prophets”: Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings “Latter Prophets”: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, the Twelve Minor Prophets Attained final form in 1st-2nd c. AD.

c. 922 BC Death of Solomon. Kingdom divided into Israel and Judah 721 Israel taken by Assyrians. First deportation 640-609 Reign of Josiah of Judah, who asserts independence and reforms law and faith 609 Egyptians take Syria/Palestine

609-598 BC Reign of Jehoiakim of Judah 603-602 Babylonians take region 597 Babylonians defeat Jehoiachin of Judah (r. 598-97) 597-87 Reign of Zedekiah of Judah 587 Babylonians defeat Zedekiah, take many of Judean Israelites into exile

Books of Latter Prophets spanning history from before Assyrian conquest in 721 BC to after Persian restoration in 538 BC Isaiah (c. 742-701): Decline and fall of Israel Jeremiah (c. 627-587): Decline and fall of Judah Ezekiel (c. 592-70): In exile

nabi’/navi’ (pl. nebi’im/nevi’im) = someone sent to declare message, speaking with authority of sender. Connotations of foretelling future. Prophet announces word of God and in process puts it into motion (e.g. Jer. 7: 27) Prophet compelled by God to deliver message even if unpopular (e.g. Jer. 20: 9) Prophets as advisors to kings

Isaiah (trad. lived 742-689 BC) Only first 39 chapters rooted in 8th c. BC. Later chapters dealing with fall of Babylon in 539 BC and following events 742 BC Uzziah succeeded by Jotham

Isaiah’s message of piety: People have turned away from God and have abandoned law (e.g. Isa. 1: 17 and 23) Lack of sincerity. Even God is sick of it (Isa. 1: 11)

Jeremiah (active 627-587 BC) From near Jerusalem. Apparently abducted by Judeans after fall of Jerusalem, died in Egypt In periodic trouble due to criticism of kings

Jeremiah’s call (Jer. 1): Again sees self as unworthy, and divine touch enabling prophecy. Destructive and creative role (Jer. 1: 10) The foe from the north? (Jer. 1: 14). Shaqed (almond tree)/shoqed (watching) Jer. 7: Warning at gate of temple. Again critique of insincerity (e.g. Jer. 7: 9). Pessimism

Ezekiel (active c. 593-70 BC) Ezek. 1-24: Fall of Jerusalem Ezek. 25-48: Anticipated restoration Ezekiel’s vision recalling temple, giving hope to Jews in exile

Ezek. 20: Criticising people for abandoning law and worshipping false gods God’s eternal forbearance in face of human misbehaviour Impact of the past on the present