Books of the Nebi’im/Nevi’im (Prophets)

“Former Prophets”: Joshua, Judges, Samuel,Kings

“Latter Prophets”: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel,the Twelve Minor Prophets

Attained final form in 1st-2nd c. AD.

c. 922 BC Death of Solomon. Kingdomdivided into Israel and Judah

721 Israel taken by Assyrians. First deportation

640-609 Reign of Josiah of Judah, who assertsindependence and reforms law and faith

609 Egyptians take Syria/Palestine

609-598 BC Reign of Jehoiakim of Judah

603-602 Babylonians take region

597 Babylonians defeat Jehoiachin of Judah(r. 598-97)

597-87 Reign of Zedekiah of Judah

587 Babylonians defeat Zedekiah, take manyof Judean Israelites into exile

Books of Latter Prophets spanning historyfrom before Assyrian conquest in 721 BCto after Persian restoration in 538 BC

Isaiah (c. 742-701): Decline and fall of Israel

Jeremiah (c. 627-587): Decline and fall ofJudah

Ezekiel (c. 592-70): In exile

nabi’/navi’ (pl. nebi’im/nevi’im) = someonesent to declare message, speaking withauthority of sender. Connotations offoretelling future.

Prophet announces word of God and in processputs it into motion (e.g. Jer. 7: 27)

Prophet compelled by God to deliver messageeven if unpopular (e.g. Jer. 20: 9)

Prophets as advisors to kings

Isaiah (trad. lived 742-689 BC)

Only first 39 chapters rooted in 8th c. BC.Later chapters dealing with fall of Babylonin 539 BC and following events

742 BC Uzziah succeeded by Jotham

Isaiah’s message of piety:

People have turned away from God andhave abandoned law(e.g. Isa. 1: 17 and 23)

Lack of sincerity. Even God is sick ofit (Isa. 1: 11)

Jeremiah (active 627-587 BC)

From near Jerusalem. Apparently abductedby Judeans after fall of Jerusalem, died inEgypt

In periodic trouble due to criticism of kings

Jeremiah’s call (Jer. 1): Again sees self asunworthy, and divine touch enablingprophecy. Destructive and creative role(Jer. 1: 10)

The foe from the north? (Jer. 1: 14). Shaqed(almond tree)/shoqed (watching)

Jer. 7: Warning at gate of temple. Againcritique of insincerity (e.g. Jer. 7: 9).Pessimism

Ezekiel (active c. 593-70 BC)

Ezek. 1-24: Fall of Jerusalem

Ezek. 25-48: Anticipated restoration

Ezekiel’s vision recalling temple, givinghope to Jews in exile

Ezek. 20:

Criticising people for abandoning lawand worshipping false gods

God’s eternal forbearance in face ofhuman misbehaviour

Impact of the past on the present