INTRODUCTION THE PROPHETS

1
INTRODUCTION THE PROPHETS
2
WRONG VIEW OF THE PROPHETS

• Mysterious predictions about the future books
  as coded mystical guides
• This obscures the role of God
• Forces onto prophecy an imbalanced perspective
  too heavily focused on the future

3
How To View Prophets Prophecy

• Prophecy message from God proclamation of his
  perspective plan
• Prophet spokesperson for Deity
• Given by Spirit of God (Joel 228 2 Peter
  120-21)

4
STORY LINE OF THE PROPHETS

• Pre-Classical Prophets (before 8th C.)
• Moses 1st Israelite prophet of stature
• Balaam provided 4 oracles
• Deborah only named prophet in Judges
• Principally King Court
• Samuel
• Nathan
• Elijah Elisha

5
STORY LINE OF THE PROPHETS

• Classical Prophets (8th C. 5th C.)
• Social commentators of their day
• Mentions invasion, destruction of cities,
  deportation, and exile
• Mentions return of remnant, restoration of the
  land, emergence of the Messiah
• 1st crisis Assyria (8th century)
• Northern Kingdom Amos Hosea
• Southern Kingdom Isaiah Micah

6
STORY LINE OF THE PROPHETS

• Classical Prophets (8th C. 5th C.)
• 2nd Crisis Babylon (7th-6th Century)
• Early Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Nahum, Jeremiah
• Jeremiah most important during this crisis
• Exile Rise of Persia
• Among Exiles in Babylon Ezekiel
• Daniel
• Return from Exile Zechariah Haggai
• Obadiah Zechariah?
• Malachi only 5th century prophet

7
LITERARY PERSPECTIVE

• Types of Oracles
• Indictment
• Judgment
• Instruction Repent, etc.
• Aftermath Future Fulfillment
• Apocalyptic Literature
• Investing historical events with cosmic
  significance.
• Each detail does not have exact equivalent
• Distinguish between present and the wrapping
• National Lamentation (Lamentations)

8
FEES CONTRIBUTION

• Prophecy is both for and against Israel
• Prophecy is often specific and ad hoc
• Tension between near future and ultimate future
• Many types of literature involved