INTRODUCTION TO THE PROPHETS
The Bible
JANUARY 24, 2023
PROPHETS
BIM-KENYA
, INTRODUCTION TO THE PROPHETS
The final group of books in the Old Testament contain the writings of the prophets.
THE PROPHETIC MINISTRY
The prophets were men and women drawn from every walk of life who were called by
God to deliver a special message to their generation. Their position was not hereditary like that
of the priest and kings.
Some of them were writing prophets, in that their messages are preserved as books of the
Bible. Others were speaking prophets, like Elijah and Elisha, who were not called to write books
but served in the prophetic office and delivered a powerful Word from God to their generation.
The prophetic books provide instruction, correction, and prediction of future events. The
messages are both negative (declaring impending judgment upon Israel and the nations for sin)
and positive (foretelling the coming of the Messiah, the future restoration of Israel, etc.)
The ministry of the prophets was vital to Israel because, although God had been faithful
to bring them into their own land from slavery in Egypt, they had not kept God's law and were
constantly failing in their commitment to Him. With idol worship, civil war, immorality, and
unconcern, Israel needed to be recalled repeatedly to repent and embrace the purpose of their
existence.
The prophetic books are vital to believers today because they verify the Word of God as
their predictions are fulfilled and they provide knowledge of future events so we can be
prepared. The insights we gain from their messages can keep us from following false prophets
and teachers and being deceived. The prophets motivate us to evangelize and reach the lost
before it is too late. These books also call us to reflect upon our own commitment to God and
recognize areas in which we need repentance and renewal.
THE DIVISION OF THE PROPHETIC BOOKS
The prophetic books are divided into the major and minor prophets based upon the length
of their messages, not the content as all of the books are equally important. Several of the books
were written during a time when the nation of Israel was divided into two separate kingdoms,
Israel and Judah, which is noted on the charts that follow.
The Bible
JANUARY 24, 2023
PROPHETS
BIM-KENYA
, INTRODUCTION TO THE PROPHETS
The final group of books in the Old Testament contain the writings of the prophets.
THE PROPHETIC MINISTRY
The prophets were men and women drawn from every walk of life who were called by
God to deliver a special message to their generation. Their position was not hereditary like that
of the priest and kings.
Some of them were writing prophets, in that their messages are preserved as books of the
Bible. Others were speaking prophets, like Elijah and Elisha, who were not called to write books
but served in the prophetic office and delivered a powerful Word from God to their generation.
The prophetic books provide instruction, correction, and prediction of future events. The
messages are both negative (declaring impending judgment upon Israel and the nations for sin)
and positive (foretelling the coming of the Messiah, the future restoration of Israel, etc.)
The ministry of the prophets was vital to Israel because, although God had been faithful
to bring them into their own land from slavery in Egypt, they had not kept God's law and were
constantly failing in their commitment to Him. With idol worship, civil war, immorality, and
unconcern, Israel needed to be recalled repeatedly to repent and embrace the purpose of their
existence.
The prophetic books are vital to believers today because they verify the Word of God as
their predictions are fulfilled and they provide knowledge of future events so we can be
prepared. The insights we gain from their messages can keep us from following false prophets
and teachers and being deceived. The prophets motivate us to evangelize and reach the lost
before it is too late. These books also call us to reflect upon our own commitment to God and
recognize areas in which we need repentance and renewal.
THE DIVISION OF THE PROPHETIC BOOKS
The prophetic books are divided into the major and minor prophets based upon the length
of their messages, not the content as all of the books are equally important. Several of the books
were written during a time when the nation of Israel was divided into two separate kingdoms,
Israel and Judah, which is noted on the charts that follow.
