Prophets

What makes a prophet? “Mouthpiece” Irresistible call from God – Story of Jonah – “Thus says the Lord” 2 criteria for prophet’s veracity – Prophecy was fulfilled – Teaching accorded with divine doctrine

Message of the Prophets Carrot & Stick at the same time – Repent and be saved vs. don’t repent and face doom! 3 main themes – There is only ONE GOD! (1 st Commandment, people!) – The ONE God is holy, demands repentance of sin – The coming Messiah (Jesus)

First Prophets Moses – the first one – Giver of the Law – Most important Elijah – the second – Considered the chief of the “normal” prophets – Taken up to heaven in whirlwind (Ascension) – Still held close by Judaism – Jesus thought to be Elijah

Later Prophets Division: – Northern & Southern Prophets Major & Minor Prophets – Major: Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Daniel – Minor: 12 of them – Length of the book, not the importance of the teaching

Prophets of the North Northern Kingdom of Israel Cycle of sin & redemption continues – As people stray from God, Israel suffers Kings of Israel turned away from God and abused their people Prophets of Social Justice: Hosea & Amos

Hostility to prophets Elijah fled to escape the headsman Amos banished Hosea abandoned by his wife – Became a prostitute at the temple

Destruction of Israel Amos & Hosea preached that Israel would be destroyed for its sins Time of Hosea – Assyria rose up and destroyed Kingdom of Israel in 722 BC – Ten Tribes of Israel become the Ten Lost Tribes – Lost identity as God’s people

Biblical Readings 1 Kings 18 2 Kings 4:32-37, Amos 3 Amos 6 Amos 9 Hosea 5