The Pre-Exilic The Pre-Exilic ProphetsProphets

General OverviewGeneral Overview

The Old Testament prophets spoke into The Old Testament prophets spoke into the life situations of their day.the life situations of their day.

They called the people of God back to They called the people of God back to faithfulness to the Covenant.faithfulness to the Covenant.

They pronounce judgement on individuals They pronounce judgement on individuals and nations.and nations.

They offered hope and future blessing for They offered hope and future blessing for a restored people of God.a restored people of God.

The ProphetsThe ProphetsElijah & Elisha (Kings)Elijah & Elisha (Kings)Pre-ExilicPre-Exilic Jonah (2 Kings 14:25) - NinevahJonah (2 Kings 14:25) - Ninevah Amos, Hosea - Israel Amos, Hosea - Israel Micah, Isaiah – JudahMicah, Isaiah – Judah

Prophesied during fall of Northern KingdomProphesied during fall of Northern Kingdom Zephaniah, Habakkuk - JudahZephaniah, Habakkuk - Judah

The Prophets (cont)The Prophets (cont)

Preceding or During fall of Jerusalem (587)Preceding or During fall of Jerusalem (587) Jeremiah (Lamentations), Ezekiel, DanielJeremiah (Lamentations), Ezekiel, Daniel Nahum – against NinevahNahum – against Ninevah Obadiah – against Edom Obadiah – against Edom Restoration – 1Restoration – 1stst wave (538BC) wave (538BC) Haggai, Zechariah – Ezra 5:1; 6:14 Haggai, Zechariah – Ezra 5:1; 6:14 Post-RestorationPost-Restoration Joel, MalachiJoel, Malachi

Timeline of the Prophets

Jonah 770 B.C. to Ninevah

Amos 760 to Israel

Hosea 760 - 730   to Israel

Isaiah 740 - 700 to Judah

Micah 737 - 690 to Judah

Habakkuk   630 to Judah

Zephaniah   627 to Judah

Jeremiah 627 - 580 to Judah

Daniel 605 - 530 to Judah

Ezekiel 593 - 570 to Judah

Nahum 593 - 570 to Ninevah

Haggai 520 to Judah

Zechariah 520 - 518 to Judah

Joel 500 to Judah

Obadiah 587? to Edom

Malachi 515 B.C. to Judah

JonahJonah

Prophet to NinevahProphet to NinevahDuring reign of Jeroboam II of IsraelDuring reign of Jeroboam II of IsraelOutline of BookOutline of Book The disobedient prophet (1)The disobedient prophet (1) Jonah’s Prayer (2)Jonah’s Prayer (2) Ninevah Repents (3)Ninevah Repents (3) Jonah’s Reaction (4)Jonah’s Reaction (4)Judgement on Israel delayedJudgement on Israel delayed

Jonah – Key ThemesJonah – Key ThemesThe book contrasts Jonah’s hatred of The book contrasts Jonah’s hatred of

Israel’s enemies and God’s compassion Israel’s enemies and God’s compassion for them.for them.

It reminds us that God’s concerns are It reminds us that God’s concerns are greater than ours.greater than ours.

Jonah’s disobedience leads to judgementJonah’s disobedience leads to judgementHis obedience leads to revivalHis obedience leads to revivalJonah opens up the question of foreign Jonah opens up the question of foreign

missions.missions.The book challenges our attitudes to The book challenges our attitudes to

ethnicity, persecutors and faith for revival.ethnicity, persecutors and faith for revival.

Jonah in the New TestamentJonah in the New Testament

Jonah is one of four Old Testament prophets referred to by Christ

Christ uses Jonah as a “sign” in reference to His death and burial (Matt

Jesus is the greater Jonah The repentance of the Ninevites in Jonah’s

day is used to critique the Israelites of Jesus’ day.

Matt 12:39–41; Luke 11:29–32

Case Study - Jonah 4Case Study - Jonah 4

What reasons did Jonah have for being What reasons did Jonah have for being upset?upset?

How would the history of Assyria and How would the history of Assyria and Israel have affected Jonah’s attitudes?Israel have affected Jonah’s attitudes?

What does the story of the worm and vine What does the story of the worm and vine reveal about Human and divine priorities?reveal about Human and divine priorities?

In what ways might Christians today be In what ways might Christians today be “selfish with God’s grace”?“selfish with God’s grace”?

Eighth Century ProphetsEighth Century Prophets

This was a period in the history of the two This was a period in the history of the two kingdoms when the Assyrian threat kingdoms when the Assyrian threat loomed large.loomed large.

Isaiah and Micah prophesied in JudahIsaiah and Micah prophesied in JudahAmos and Hosea prophesied in the northAmos and Hosea prophesied in the north

Amos - TimesAmos - TimesJeroboam II of Israel & Uzziah of JudahJeroboam II of Israel & Uzziah of JudahAn era of peace, prosperity and stabilityAn era of peace, prosperity and stabilityA consumer society with its luxury goodsA consumer society with its luxury goodsA divided society – “haves” and “have nots”A divided society – “haves” and “have nots” The rich had second homesThe rich had second homesMoral decline & InjusticeMoral decline & Injustice Financial scandals, bribery and corruptionFinancial scandals, bribery and corruption Seven day trading. Permissiveness. Rising Seven day trading. Permissiveness. Rising

alcohol consumptionalcohol consumption

Amos – the man and messageAmos – the man and messageA poor southerner preaching in the north.A poor southerner preaching in the north.Preached 30 years before fall of SamariaPreached 30 years before fall of SamariaKey ThemesKey Themes The plight of the poorThe plight of the poor Judicial corruptionJudicial corruption IdolatryIdolatry

Amos – OverviewAmos – OverviewJudgements against nations (1:1-2:15)Judgements against nations (1:1-2:15)Concerning IsraelConcerning Israel Three oracles of judgement (3:1-5:17)Three oracles of judgement (3:1-5:17) Three oracles of woe (5:18-6:14)Three oracles of woe (5:18-6:14) Five visions of judgement (7:1-9:10)Five visions of judgement (7:1-9:10) Promise of restoration (9:11-15)Promise of restoration (9:11-15)

Amos in the New TestamentAmos in the New TestamentThere are two New Testament quotations There are two New Testament quotations

from Amos, both in the speeches of Acts.from Amos, both in the speeches of Acts. Acts 7:42-43Acts 7:42-43 Amos 5:25-27 Amos 5:25-27 Acts 15:16-17Acts 15:16-17 Amos 9-11 Amos 9-11Note the points Stephen and James Note the points Stephen and James

respectively are making:respectively are making: (Those who reject Christ are like) The

Israelites disobeyed God in the past The Old Testament prophets affirmed that

God would seek a people from among the Gentiles

Case Study – Amos 7Case Study – Amos 7 Two key points from chapter 7Two key points from chapter 7 His praying affected God (7:1-9)His praying affected God (7:1-9) His preaching angered men (7:10-17)His preaching angered men (7:10-17) Questions:Questions: What two forms of destruction did Amos save What two forms of destruction did Amos save

Israel from? Israel from? What did God decide to do against Israel? What did God decide to do against Israel? Where did Amaziah tell Amos to go? Where did Amaziah tell Amos to go? What lessons do we learn from this chapter?What lessons do we learn from this chapter?

HoseaHoseaProphet to Northern Kingdom - 760-730BCProphet to Northern Kingdom - 760-730BCHosea – The prophet whose persistent love Hosea – The prophet whose persistent love

models God’s and ultimately wins through.models God’s and ultimately wins through.Gomer – The unfaithful wife whose choices Gomer – The unfaithful wife whose choices

lead to deeper degradation, until helpless, she lead to deeper degradation, until helpless, she is recognised by her abandoned husband.is recognised by her abandoned husband.

The Book abounds in metaphors and similies The Book abounds in metaphors and similies to bring home the message – husband, father, to bring home the message – husband, father, healer, fowler, lion, leapard, bear, dew, rain, healer, fowler, lion, leapard, bear, dew, rain, tree, moth, rot, heifer, vine, wine, grapes, figs.tree, moth, rot, heifer, vine, wine, grapes, figs.

Hosea - OutlineHosea - OutlineAn Unfaithful Wife (1-3)An Unfaithful Wife (1-3)An Unfaithful PeopleAn Unfaithful People God’s Lawsuit again Israel (4-7)God’s Lawsuit again Israel (4-7) Warnings of Divine Judgement (8-10)Warnings of Divine Judgement (8-10) God’s Love for Israel (11)God’s Love for Israel (11) The Broken Covenant – Judgement (12-13)The Broken Covenant – Judgement (12-13) Restoration (14)Restoration (14)

Hosea – Key ThemesHosea – Key Themes

God’s covenant with Israel forms the basis God’s covenant with Israel forms the basis of Hosea’s messageof Hosea’s message

There is only one God for Israel; there is There is only one God for Israel; there is no place for other gods.no place for other gods.

This God loves IsraelThis God loves IsraelBut, their sin demands judgementBut, their sin demands judgementGod has not given them upGod has not given them upHe will restore them to Himself againHe will restore them to Himself again

Hosea in the New TestamentHosea in the New Testament

Matthew 2:14Matthew 2:14 Hosea 11:1 Hosea 11:1Matthew 9:13 and 12:7     Hosea 6:6 Matthew 9:13 and 12:7     Hosea 6:6 Luke 23:30                        Hosea 10:8 Luke 23:30                        Hosea 10:8 Romans 9:25-26               Hosea 2:23; 1:10Romans 9:25-26               Hosea 2:23; 1:101 Corinthians 15:55          Hosea 13:14 1 Corinthians 15:55          Hosea 13:14 1 Peter 2:9-10                   Hosea 2:23, 1:10 1 Peter 2:9-10                   Hosea 2:23, 1:10

Case Study – Hosea 4Case Study – Hosea 4

What were some of the sins in the land? What were some of the sins in the land? What did the prophets and priests reject What did the prophets and priests reject

and not give to the people? and not give to the people? What will happen to those who have no What will happen to those who have no

understanding of God? understanding of God? How might the Book of Hosea speak into How might the Book of Hosea speak into

our circumstances today?our circumstances today?

MicahMicahProphet to Southern Kingdom - 740-686BCProphet to Southern Kingdom - 740-686BCA contemporary of IsaiahA contemporary of IsaiahOracles delivered by Micah over 20+ years.Oracles delivered by Micah over 20+ years. 1:6-7 given before the fall of Samaria in 722.1:6-7 given before the fall of Samaria in 722. 1:10-16 - the march of Sennacherib 7011:10-16 - the march of Sennacherib 701The “Amos” of the SouthThe “Amos” of the SouthNew Testament ReferencesNew Testament References Matthew 2:6Matthew 2:6 Micah 5:2 Micah 5:2 Matthew 10:35, 36Matthew 10:35, 36 Micah 7:6 Micah 7:6

Micah - OutlineMicah - Outline Impending Judgment (1-2)Impending Judgment (1-2) Rulers and Prophets Rebuked (3)Rulers and Prophets Rebuked (3) Israel’s Restoration (4)Israel’s Restoration (4) Israel’s Future Ruler and Deliverance (5)Israel’s Future Ruler and Deliverance (5)The lord’s Case against Israel (6:1-7:6)The lord’s Case against Israel (6:1-7:6)Future Hope, Prayer and Praise (7:7-20)Future Hope, Prayer and Praise (7:7-20)

Micah – Key ThemesMicah – Key ThemesThreat of divine judgement for breaking Threat of divine judgement for breaking

covenant with Yahweh.covenant with Yahweh.Yahweh as a God of justice and mercy who Yahweh as a God of justice and mercy who

pleads for the cause of the poor and requires pleads for the cause of the poor and requires his people to do the same.his people to do the same.

God will judge the sin of social injustice!God will judge the sin of social injustice!After judgement, Yahweh will restore After judgement, Yahweh will restore

Jerusalem through the promised Davidic Jerusalem through the promised Davidic king.king.

Yahweh is the God of all nations.Yahweh is the God of all nations.

Case Study – Micah 2Case Study – Micah 2

Of what sins were the wealthy in Judah Of what sins were the wealthy in Judah guilty? (1-2)guilty? (1-2)

How had the wealthy in Judah treated How had the wealthy in Judah treated God’s prophets? What sort of prophets God’s prophets? What sort of prophets did they desire? (6,11)did they desire? (6,11)

How do we feel about judgement How do we feel about judgement prophecies? How does that relate to prophecies? How does that relate to preaching in the church?preaching in the church?

Is the preacher a prophet?Is the preacher a prophet?

ZephaniahZephaniah Prophet to Judah during reign of Josiah (640-Prophet to Judah during reign of Josiah (640-

609BC) following a prophetic silence of 70 years. 609BC) following a prophetic silence of 70 years. Zephaniah was of royal blood, descended from Zephaniah was of royal blood, descended from

Hezekiah.Hezekiah. The two previous kings had brought the religious The two previous kings had brought the religious

and moral life of the nation to an all-time low.and moral life of the nation to an all-time low. Before Josiah’s programme of reform in 621, Before Josiah’s programme of reform in 621,

following the discovery of the law-book in the following the discovery of the law-book in the temple.temple.

It is possible that Zephaniah’s prophecies prepared It is possible that Zephaniah’s prophecies prepared the people of Judah for the reforms that were to the people of Judah for the reforms that were to follow.follow.

Zephaniah - OutlineZephaniah - Outline1:1 Introducing Prophet and his times1:2-3 Judgement on the world1:4-2:31:4-2:3 Judgement on JudahJudgement on Judah The Day of the LordThe Day of the Lord2:4-152:4-15 Judgement on the NationsJudgement on the Nations3:1-73:1-7 Judgement on JerusalemJudgement on Jerusalem3:83:8 World JudgementWorld Judgement3:9-203:9-20 A Message of Restoration and A Message of Restoration and

Hope Hope

Zephaniah – Key ThemesZephaniah – Key Themes More references to the day of the LORD than any

other OT book. Obadiah, Joel, Amos, and Isaiah all spoke of this day. Zephaniah emphasized the universality of its judgment.

Zephaniah stressed the sovereign justice of Yahweh (1:2-3, 7, 14-18; 3:8) and His willingness to receive the repentant (2:3). He also emphasized the wickedness of man (1:3-6, 17; 3:1, 4).

The theme of Yahweh's relationship to Jerusalem is prominent in Zephaniah as well (1:4-13; 3:1-7, 11-17).

Zephaniah 1 Zephaniah 1 God’s Judgement is coming on Judah because ofGod’s Judgement is coming on Judah because of Idolatry (1:4-6)Idolatry (1:4-6) Alliance with Foreign Powers (1:8)Alliance with Foreign Powers (1:8) Violence and Lies (1:9)Violence and Lies (1:9) Deism – God is not involved in human affairs (1:12)Deism – God is not involved in human affairs (1:12) The Day of the Lord The Day of the Lord This is a period of time when God is manifestly at This is a period of time when God is manifestly at

work. For many, it was thought to be a time of work. For many, it was thought to be a time of blessing. However, because of the people’s sin it blessing. However, because of the people’s sin it would be a time of judgement instead. would be a time of judgement instead.

The Day of the LordThe Day of the Lord The New Testament writers pick up the phrase in 1

Corinthians 1:8; 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Philippians 1:6, 10; 2:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10, 12; and Rev. 16:14.

Introduced in Scripture as a time of judgment (Isaiah 13:6, 9; Joel 1:15; 2:1-2, 11, 31; 3:14; Amos 5:18, 20; Obadiah 15; Zephaniah 1:7, 14). Thus, when the New Testament writers use the phrase, it should be understood as a time of judgment and wrath. Nonetheless, there is hope (2:3; Luke 21:36; Isaiah 26:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Revelation 3:10).

Case Study – Zephaniah 3:9-20Case Study – Zephaniah 3:9-20

In what ways will God purify his people (3:9-13)?In what ways will God purify his people (3:9-13)?

What are the blessings experienced by the What are the blessings experienced by the restored people of God (3:14-20)?restored people of God (3:14-20)?

What might these verses say to Christians and What might these verses say to Christians and the Church today?the Church today?

HabakkukHabakkukProphet to Judah around 612 – 599 BCProphet to Judah around 612 – 599 BCUnknown apart from this bookUnknown apart from this bookThis was during the later part of Josiah’s This was during the later part of Josiah’s

reign and into the reign of Johoiakim. This reign and into the reign of Johoiakim. This was a time of international upheavalwas a time of international upheaval

Josiah was killed in a battle against EgyptJosiah was killed in a battle against Egypt Johoiakim faced threats from increasingly Johoiakim faced threats from increasingly

dominant Babylon and raids from other dominant Babylon and raids from other neighbouring countries (2 Kings 24:1-2)neighbouring countries (2 Kings 24:1-2)

A time of great social injusticeA time of great social injustice

Habakkuk - OutlineHabakkuk - Outline 1-2 A dialogue between the prophet and God1-2 A dialogue between the prophet and God 1:1-4 First complaint – Injustice in the land1:1-4 First complaint – Injustice in the land 1:5-11 God’s answer – Judgment through Babylon1:5-11 God’s answer – Judgment through Babylon 1:12-2:1 Second Complaint - “Can’t use them”1:12-2:1 Second Complaint - “Can’t use them” 2:2-5 God’s answer – They too will be judged2:2-5 God’s answer – They too will be judged 2:6-20 Woes against Babylon2:6-20 Woes against Babylon Chapter 3 is the prophet’s prayer. He celebrates Chapter 3 is the prophet’s prayer. He celebrates

God’s deeds in the past while longing for God to God’s deeds in the past while longing for God to work again in similar ways. He submits himself to work again in similar ways. He submits himself to God affirming he will trust in God no matter what.God affirming he will trust in God no matter what.

Habakkuk – Key ThemesHabakkuk – Key ThemesProphetic indignation over God’s apparent Prophetic indignation over God’s apparent

toleration of injustice.toleration of injustice.Confidence in the justice and power of God.Confidence in the justice and power of God.The Response of the righteous is The Response of the righteous is

faithfulness and trust in God.faithfulness and trust in God.God’s assurance that the wicked will be God’s assurance that the wicked will be

punished.punished.

HabakkukHabakkuk One of the most significant New Testament

quotations from the Old Testament comes from Habakkuk 2:4. This quotation appears in Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; and Hebrews 10:38.

Ellisen notes, “Few verses of the Bible have had such a profound effect in the development of theology and the proclamation of the faith.”

Other references to Habakkuk occur in a quotation in Acts 13:41 of Habakkuk 1:5 and allusions in Luke 13:6 (Hab 3:17); 1 Corinthians 12:2 (Hab 2:18–19); and 2 Peter 3:9 (Hab 2:3).

Case Study – HabakkukCase Study – Habakkuk

Follow through the four sections of the Follow through the four sections of the dialogue in 1:1-2:5.dialogue in 1:1-2:5.

Identify the main points made byIdentify the main points made by The prophet?The prophet? Yahweh?Yahweh?

Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted at significant points in the Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted at significant points in the New Testament. What do we learn from its New Testament. What do we learn from its context? context?

What might we learn as 21What might we learn as 21stst century Christians century Christians from this passage?from this passage?

Habakkuk – A Lesson in PrayerHabakkuk – A Lesson in Prayer Habakkuk’s prayer may be divided into three Habakkuk’s prayer may be divided into three

sections:sections: 3:2. A prayer that God would renew his deeds of 3:2. A prayer that God would renew his deeds of

old.old. 3:3-15. A celebration of God’s past victories as the 3:3-15. A celebration of God’s past victories as the

Divine Warrior.Divine Warrior. 3:16 The prophet’s twofold commitment “to wait 3:16 The prophet’s twofold commitment “to wait

patiently for the day of calamity” and to put his trust patiently for the day of calamity” and to put his trust and hope in God under any circumstances and hope in God under any circumstances (compare 2:2-4).(compare 2:2-4).

NahumNahumA prophet from Judah.A prophet from Judah.Prophecy against Ninevah, the capital city of Prophecy against Ninevah, the capital city of

AssyriaAssyriaThe date is between the fall of Thebes to the The date is between the fall of Thebes to the

Assyrians in 663 BC (Nahum 3:8-10), and the Assyrians in 663 BC (Nahum 3:8-10), and the fall of Nineveh to the Babylonians and Medes fall of Nineveh to the Babylonians and Medes in 612 BC.in 612 BC.

Nahum - OutlineNahum - Outline1:1 Title1:1 Title1:2-15 Nineveh's doom - by the decree of

Jehovah2 Siege and destruction of Nineveh - decreed

by Jehovah3 Nineveh's sins and her inevitable doom,

Nahum – Key ThemesNahum – Key ThemesThe Lord brings punishment upon Assyria The Lord brings punishment upon Assyria

because of her gross sin.because of her gross sin.God is a jealous and avenging God (1:2)God is a jealous and avenging God (1:2)He will not leave the guilty unpunishedHe will not leave the guilty unpunished