PROPHECY

Who was a Prophet Prophets in Israel were persons who interpreted the actions of God in the events of history. The terms “major” and “minor” have to do with the size of the book, not the importance of the message. Major prophets: Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Daniel Minor prophets: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

ISAIAH Counselor to kings from 740-701 B.C.E. Saw crises (war with Syria, Assyrian threats) as expressions of God’s rule over the nations Cause of the wars is social injustice Warned that failure to listen to God would bring destruction

EZEKIEL Preached a message of judgment and doom prior to 568 B.C.E. After 586 B.C.E., focused on hope and salvation Source of his hope is not political powers of the day but in God’s own nature and purpose – the temple is destroyed but God has moved into exile with his people Sins of the past will not keep the present generation from choosing life and salvations

JEREMIAH Preached from 627-586 B.C.E. Message changed as world events changed and called forth new understandings of the work of God Called for true piety, social justice, loyalty to God rather than military alliances Deepened the idea of repentance Made connection between the people and the land

DANIEL Offers hope and consolation to Jews who were suffering persecution Loyalty to God brings victory over one’s persecutors (1st half) Fate of the righteous is in the hands of God and God can be trusted to keep the future safe for His people (2nd half)