Introduction to Stone the Prophets The prophets in the Old Testament are usually split into two groups, the major and minor prophets. Major Prophets Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Minor Prophets Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi The major prophets derive this name due to their length and the number of themes they discuss. The minor prophets are shorter and usually more singular in theme, yet they are no less important. Their writings span Israel's history from about 760 BC to 430 BC; they spoke during the times of Israel's kings through to Israel's tragic exile in the 500 BCs and then their eventual return some 70 years later. Following this, the next period of Israel's history is often known as the silent years until the birth of Jesus Christ due to the absence of prophetic revelation. Yet the in-between years were also full of historical significance and cultural change that prepared the way for Jesus' arrival. The prophets were called by God to be His voice through both word and symbol. They came from a diverse range of backgrounds and situations. While the prophets do speak of dreams and visions about future events, they predominantly speak a message to call the Israelites back to faithfulness with their covenant-keeping God. The prophets were loved by some and hated by many in their day because of their message. God's deep love for his people and the people's love in return are the foundation of the covenant. Any spiritual rituals only become significant when they are the outward expression of this inner heart and attitude. Amazingly, even when faced with the continued disobedience of His beloved Israel, God would still speak a promise of future blessing and redemption to come. He would remain faithful even if Israel didn't; going beyond the terms of the covenant, replacing it with the new covenant which was written on hearts rather than stone tablets. Weaved through these writings are both tragic warnings of judgement and yet frequent announcements of hope; with a repeated call to return to God. They also spoke a message of justice for the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners, for God had not forgotten them. The prophets call the Israelites back to greater purity in their lives, justice towards their neighbors, and humility before God. They affirmed that God had selected Israel as His chosen people to live in a special relationship with him as a witness to the world of what was possible for all people. Yet they also pointed out Israel's successes and chronic failing in their relationship with their God and their neighbor. The prophets share warnings of judgement, often referred to as the Day of the Lord. These warnings are shared in hope that Israel would repent and return to her God and that others would one day avoid the same mistakes and turn to God, the source of life. Finally, the prophets speak of restoration, redemption, and renewal to come. They herald the day of the Messiah who would bring peace and righteousness to the world. He would be a savior who would die and rise again to life. The Messiah would cleanse the world of sin and recreate the Earth to be whole again. The Messiah would be the catalyst for the new covenant through his blood shed, which would include all people, not just the Jews, whom God's Spirit would fill and change and who would serve God faithfully. The message of the prophets can be summarized well in the words recorded in Amos 5:4, God acting as a love-sick father called out “Come back to me and live.”