Lesson 1 1 Prophets, Prophecy and the People of God Introduction I. The Office of Prophet. A. Definition of the word "Prophet." 1. Prophets were spokesmen for God (literally, a "mouth" for God), individually and divinely called by God for special service to instruct, exhort and warn the people. a. Through His grace, God sent prophets to Israel so they would know His will (Jer 7:25; Amos 2:10-11). 2. The word "prophet" appears as a noun over 300 times in the Old Testament, and appears as a verb approximately 115 times. a. The word "prophet" (Heb: nabi; or Gk: prophetes) originally comes from an ancient Hebrew word meaning "to bubble up boil up or pour forth words, like those who speak with fervor of mind or under divine inspiration " (Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament) 3. Prophets were: a. "Mouthpieces of the true God" (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words). b. "One who speaks forth by divine inspiration" (Thayer Greek-English Lexicon). c. "An inspired speaker" (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance). 4. Prophets were also called "seers", "shepherds" and "watchmen." a. As "seers" (Heb: ro'eh) prophets received "visions" from God of future events. b. As "shepherds" (Hebrew: ra'ah) prophets were to "pastor or feed God's people by preaching and teaching." They were preachers of righteousness and teachers of the Law. c. As "watchmen" (Hebrew: tsopeh) prophets were to "keep a close watch" on the spiritual conditions of the people of God, and issue the appropriate warnings of impending judgment. 5. Prophets did other functions: a. Served as counselors to kings (Isa 37:2-3; 2 Kgs 22:12-20; 1 Kgs 22:1ff; 2 Sam 7:1-17). b. Kept official records (1 Chr 29:29; 2 Chr 9:29; 12:15).
Lesson 1 2 B. The early prophets. 1. Moses, Deborah, Samuel, Nathan, and Gad (David's "seer"). C. Prophets were inspired by God. 1. There are more than a thousand claims of divine inspiration in the Old Testament. a. God revealed His will to the prophets at various times during the period of the Old Testament, and in various ways various methods (Heb 1:1). b. God spoke through and by prophets (Exo 4:10-17; 7:1; Jer 1:4-10). c. God testified by all the prophets (2 Kgs 17:13). d. Prophets spoke and wrote by the Spirit of Christ / the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (1 Pet 1:10-11; 2 Pet 1:19-21; 2 Tim 3:16-17). 2. Prophets were clearly conscious of their gift of inspiration, for one of their most common expressions is, "Thus says the Lord." 3. A few of the many examples of men inspired by God are: a. Moses (Exo 4:12-16; 7:1-2; Num 16:23). b. David (2 Sam 23:2). c. Isaiah (Isa 48:16; 50:4; 51:16). d. Jeremiah (Jer 1:9-10; 5:14; 15:19; 25:4; 36:17-18, 27-28). e. Ezekiel (Ezek 3:4, 17). D. The authority of the prophets. 1. Prophets were sent by God's authority as His "servants" to urge the people to keep God's commandments and statutes (2 Kgs 17:13). 2. Their words were as authoritative as God's words (Jer 15:19). They spoke with God's approval. 3. Jesus and the apostles recognized the authority of the prophets (Luke 24:27, 44; Acts 3:19-24; 10:43). E. Proof of their word. 1. The sign of a true prophet of God was his ability to reveal the future without error or exception (Deut 18:20-22). a. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul gives a similar test for those who claimed to have the gift of prophecy (1 Cor 14:37). 2. As Christians, we have the responsibility of testing all who claim to be prophets (1 John 4:1). a. The church at Ephesus was praised by the Lord for having tested those claiming to be apostles, and thus speaking by inspiration of the Holy Spirit (Rev 2:2).
Lesson 1 3 3. The message of Jesus Christ, spoken by the apostles and prophets, has already been proved validated and authenticated (Heb 2:3-4). F. The mission of prophets God's spokesmen, speaking of the past, the present, and the future. 1. Their primary concern was the moral and religious condition of the people primarily during the history of the divided kingdoms of Judah and Israel. a. They rebuked the people of God for their past sins, warned of present dangers, and foretold future events. (1). Their mission was to save the nation from its wickedness and idolatry by bringing them back to God and observance of the law. (2). Failing this, they had the duty of announcing that the nation would be destroyed. (3). They also encouraged the people, even in the face of certain captivity, by telling them God would save a remnant and return them to Jerusalem. 2. Prophets were champions of righteousness, and examples of great faith and courage. a. They put their lives in constant danger by warning and admonishing kings and rulers, often face to face, about their idolatrous practices. (1). They often stood alone. On other occasions they stood in the presence of false prophets, as did Jeremiah when he denounced the sins of Judah and the coming destruction of Jerusalem (Jer 5:29-31). (2). Priests were to be "holy even as God is holy," but most of the prophets died as martyrs because of their unwavering loyalty to God (Acts 7:52-53). (a). Stephen, the first Christian martyr, died in similar fashion (Acts 7:57-60). 3. Prophets were teachers, revivalists and reformers. a. The priests and Levites were normally the teachers in Israel. Unfortunately, there were times when the priests and Levites neglected their responsibilities (Ezek 22:26). b. Prophets were called to warn the people of the certainty of God's judgment and wrath if they persisted in their sinful ways and did not repent (Isa 5:24; Jer 6:13; Ezek 33:7-9). c. The message of the Old Testament prophets is relevant to our day because we face similar issues moral and spiritual decay is timeless (Rom 15:4).
Lesson 1 4 4. Prophets also prophesied about Jesus Christ the Messiah. a. There are over 350 prophecies in the Old Testament about Jesus Christ, His work of redemption, and the establishment of His kingdom the church (Luke 24:44-45; Rom 1:2; Acts 3:24-26; 1 Pet 1:10-11) b. They prophesied of one who is called "The Branch," would arise from within the lineage (family) of David and would reign over an everlasting kingdom. c. A portion of these Messianic (kingdom) prophecies include: (1). Isaiah (2:2-4; 7:14; 11:1-2; 42:1-3; 53:1-12; 61:1). (2). Jeremiah (23:5-6; 30:18-22; 31:31-34; 33:14-18). (3). Ezekiel (34:23-31; 37:1-28). (4). Daniel (2:44; 7:13-14; 9:24-27). (5). Hosea (1:10-11; 2:16-23; 11:1). (6). Joel (2:28-32; 3:18-21). (7). Amos (9:11-15). (8). Obadiah (17-21). (9). Jonah a type of Christ (Matt 12:40-41). (10). Micah (2:12-13; 4:1-5; 5:2; 7:14-17). (11). Nahum (None). (12). Habakkuk (3:12-13)? (13). Zephaniah (3:14-20). (14). Haggai (2:6-9, 23). (15). Zechariah (9:9; 11:12-13; 12:10; 13:7). (16). Malachi (3:1; 4:5-6). 5. God's final revelation, the New Testament, was made through His Son the Christian's prophet, and the greatest of all (Heb 1:1-3; Deut 18:15; Acts 7:37; Matt 17:1-5). G. Schools of prophets. 1. Samuel may have been instrumental in forming some sort of "schools of prophets" (cf. 1 Sam 3:1; 10:10-12; 19:20-24; 2 Kgs 9:1-13). a. They were apparently organized into communities or schools in certain cities from where their influence went out. (1). Gibeah (1 Sam 10:5, 10). (2). Ramah (1 Sam 14:18-24). (3). Bethel (2 Kgs 2:3) (4). Jericho (2 Kgs 2:5)
Lesson 1 5 (5). Gilgal (2 Kgs 4:38). b. Numerous references to these prophets suggest their work was important (1 Kgs 18:4; 20:35; 2 Kgs 2:3-15; 4:1,38; 6:1; 9:1). H. The relationship between prophets and priests. 1. Contrasts. a. Their call. (1). Prophets were individually called by God. (2). Priests were appointed as descendants of Aaron. b. Their office. (1). Prophets were representatives of God to the people bearing the message from God to man. (2). Priests were representatives of the people to God offering the sacrifices from man to God. c. The place of their ministry. (1). Prophets went to the people, sometimes traveling to distant cities. (2). The people came to the priests who ministered in the sanctuary the Tabernacle/Temple. 2. Similarities. a. Teachers of God's law. (1). Both prophets and priests taught the law of God to the people a regular duty of the priests, and a special duty of the prophets. (a). It has been said the priests were "informers," while the prophets were "reformers." II. Introduction to the Books of Prophecy. A. Prophets fall into two basic categories. 1. Literary prophets. a. Prophets known as "literary prophets" preserved the messages they received directly from God in written form. Those writings were inspired by God (2 Pet 1:21; 2 Tim 3:16). 2. Non-literary (or oral) prophets. a. Prophets known as "non-literary prophets" (or "oral" prophets) spoke messages they received directly from God most of which were recorded in other Old Testament books by divine inspiration.
Lesson 1 6 B. The work of non-literary (oral) and literary prophets. 1. During the period of the Divided Kingdom there were several non-literary and literary prophets who did their work in the northern kingdom of Israel or the southern kingdom of Judah. a. Non-literary (oral) prophets in Israel included: (1). Ahijah, who addressed Jeroboam, the first ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel (1 Kgs 11:30-39; 14:6-16). (2). Iddo, a "seer" whose visions were against Jeroboam (2 Chr 9:29; 13:22). (3). Jehu, a prophet from the southern kingdom of Judah who prophesied in Israel against Baasha (1 Kgs 16:1, 7) and denounced Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab (2 Chr 19:2-3; 20:34). (4). Elijah and Elisha, who stood up against Ahab, Jezebel, and other rulers and the false prophets of Baal. b. Non-literary (oral) prophets in Judah included: (1). Shemaiah, sent to Rehoboam (1 Kgs 12:22; 2 Chr 11:2; 12:5, 15). (2). Azariah, son of Obed, prophet in the days of King Asa (2 Chr 15:1). (3). Hanani, a contemporary of Azariah, who rebuked Asa and was imprisoned for it (2 Chr 16:7-10). Either he or another Hanani was the father of Jehu the "seer." (4). Eliezer, a prophet who predicted that the ships of King Jehoshaphat of Judah would be destroyed because he had joined forces with King Ahaziah of Israel (2 Chr 20:37). (5). Jahaziel, son of Zechariah, a Levite, in the reign of Jehoshaphat who predicted deliverance from Moab and Ammon (2 Chr 20:14). 2. Literary prophets were also active during the period of the Divided Kingdom, as well as during and after the captivity of Israel and Judah. a. Literary prophets before the captivity (Pre-exilic): (1). In Israel: Jonah, Amos, Hosea. (2). In Judah: Obadiah, Joel, Isaiah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and Jeremiah. b. Literary prophets during the captivity (Exilic): (1). Ezekiel and Daniel. c. Literary prophets after the captivity (Post-exilic): (1). Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.
Lesson 1 7 C. The kings and prophets of Israel and Judah. 1. Kings and prophets of Israel: King Date BC Prophet References Jereboam I 931-910 Ahijah, (Iddo?), 1 Kg 11:26 14-20 Man of God 2 Ch 10,13 Nadab 910-909 1 Kg 15:25-31 Baasha 909-886 Jehu 1 Kg 15:27 16:12 2 Ch 16:1-6 Elah 886-885 1 Kg 16:8-14 Zimri 885 1 Kg 16:9-20 Omri / Tibni 885-874 1 Kg 16:16-28 Ahab 874-853 Elijah, Micaiah 1 Kg 16:28 22:40 2 Ch 18:1-34 Ahaziah 853-852 Elijah 1 Kg 22:51 2 Kg 1:18 2 Ch 20:35-37 Joram (Jehoram) 852-841 Elisha, Obadiah 2 Kg 3:1 8:15 2 Ch 22:5-8 Jehu 841-814 Elisha 2 Kg 9:1 10:36 2 Ch 22:7-9 Jehoahaz 814-798 2 Kg 13:1-9 Joash (Jehoash) 798-782 Elisha 2 Kg 13:10 14:16 2 Ch 25:17-24 Jeroboam II 793-753 Jonah, Amos, Hosea 2 Kg 14:23-29 Zachariah 753-752 Hosea 2 Kg 15:8-12 Shallum 752 Hosea 2 Kg 15:13-15 Menahem 752-742 Hosea 2 Kg 15:16-22 Pekahiah 742-740 Hosea 2 Kg 15:23-26 Pekah 752-732 Hosea 2 Kg 15:27-31 2 Ch 28:5-8 Hoshea 732-722 Hosea 2 Kg 17:1-41
Lesson 1 8 2. The kings and prophets of Judah: King Date BC Prophet References Rehoboam 931-915 Shemaiah 1 Kg 12; 14:21-31 2 Ch 10 12 Abijah (Abijam) 915-913 1 Kg 15:1-8 2 Ch 13 Asa 913-873 Azariah, Hanani 1 Kg 15:9-24 2 Ch 14 16 Jehoshaphat 873-849 Jehu, Eliezer, Jahaziel 1 Kg 22:41-50 2 Ch 17 20 Jehoram (Joram) 849-842 Elijah, Obadiah 2 Kg 8:16-24 2 Ch 21 Ahaziah 842-842 Elijah 2 Kg 8:25 9:29 2 Ch 22:1-9 Athaliah (Queen) Joash (Jehoash) 842-837 2 Kg 11 2 Ch 22:10 23:21 837-800 Joel 2 Kg 11:21 12:21 2 Ch 24 Amaziah 800-783 Man of God 2 Kg 14:1-22 2 Ch 25 Uzziah (Azariah) 783-742 Isaiah 2 Kg 15:1-7 2 Ch 26 Jotham 742-735 Isaiah, Micah 2 Kg 15:32-38 2 Ch 27 Ahaz 735-715 Isaiah, Micah, Oded 2 Kg 16 2 Ch 28 Hezekiah 715-687 Isaiah, Micah 2 Kg 18 20 2 Ch 29 32 Manasseh 687-642 Habakkuk 2 Kg 21:1-18 2 Ch 33:1-20 Amon 642-640 Habakkuk, Nahum, Zephaniah Josiah 640-609 Habakkuk, Nahum, Zephaniah, Jeremiah, Huldah 2 Kg 21:19-26 2 Ch 33:21-25 2 Kg 22:1 23:30 2 Ch 34 35 Jehoahaz 609 Jeremiah 2 Kg 23:31-34 2 Ch 36:1-4 Jehoiakim 609-598 Jeremiah 2 Kg 23:34 24:7 2 Ch 36:5-8 Jehoiachin (Jeconiah) 598 Jeremiah 2 Kg 24:8-17 2 Ch 36:9-10 Zedekiah 597-586 Jeremiah 2 Kg 24:18 25:7 2 Ch 36:11-21
Lesson 1 9 D. Chronological order of the Major and Minor Prophets and to whom they spoke. Obadiah (Date Unknown) Edomites Joel (Date Unknown) Israel 1 Jonah (790-780 BC) Assyrians Amos (760-750 BC) Israel Hosea (750-725 BC) Israel Isaiah (740-690 BC) Judah 2 Micah (735-700 BC) Israel Northern kingdom of Israel destroyed by the Assyrians (722 BC) Zephaniah (630-625 BC) Judah Nahum (630-612 BC) Assyrians Habakkuk (612-606 BC) Judah Jeremiah (627-586 BC) Judah Jerusalem is attacked by the Babylonians in three waves and ultimately destroyed (605, 597, 586 BC) Daniel (605-534 BC) Captives in Babylon Ezekiel (592-570 BC) Captives in Israel Babylon is conquered by Cyrus, Jews allowed to return to Jerusalem (539 BC) Haggai (520 BC) Exiles of Babylon Zechariah 520-518 BC spoke to the returned exiles of Babylon Malachi 445-432 BC spoke to the returned exiles of Babylon Note: There are thirteen men in the OT named Obadiah. One was a contemporary of Elijah and Elisha (1 Kgs 18:3-16). Another was sent by Jehoshaphat to teach the law to the cities of Judah (2 Chr 17:7). And a third was one of those who helped repair the temple under Josiah (2 Chr 34:12). Others see Obadiah's message against Edom similar to a later period and may have been a contemporary of Amos (c. 750 BC), Jeremiah (c. 586 BC), or Malachi (c. 445 BC). There are at least twelve men in the OT named Joel. Regarding the date of Joel scholars give varying reasons for dates that range from as early as 900 BC to as late as 400 BC. Those who give an early date say neither Assyria nor Babylon are mentioned. The enemies are not Babylon and those who assisted in the fall of Judah but rather the Philistines, Phoenicians, Egyptians, and Edom (during its earlier years). Those who give a later date say Israel is not mentioned, only Judah. Furthermore, there is no mention of a king in Judah, neither the high places nor the idolatry which were all conditions of an earlier period. Therefore, they believe Joel was written during the period of the Babylonian exile and prior to the fall of Edom. E. Understanding and interpreting the prophets. 1. Three things to keep in mind when studying the prophets (Homer Hailey, A Commentary on the Minor Prophets, pp. 23-24): 1 Northern kingdom of Israel (Ten tribes) 2 Southern kingdom of Judah (Two tribes)
Lesson 1 10 a. "First, it is necessary to understand the political, moral, social, and religious conditions at the time in which the prophet lived and preached, and how he proposed to meet these conditions. b. "A second point what the prophets consider is God's relation to the heathen nations with whom the Jewish people came in contact. c. "A final point is the prophet's teaching of a future kingdom and king to be fulfilled in one who was to come a lasting King who should rule in righteousness was the true hope of the future." 2. Additional guidelines for interpreting the prophets (Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, Vol. 4, pp. 894-896). a. "Everything that God caused to be included in the Bible is of real importance for His people throughout the ages, yet the prophets spoke directly to men of their time. In interpreting any of the prophetical books it is very important to consider whatever can be learned of its historical background. b. "One should advance his understanding by proceeding from the simple to the less simple and from the clear to the less clear Proper method requires that the passages that are fairly obvious or simple to interpret should be carefully examined first, and that principles drawn from them provide the light in which the more difficult passages can be understood. c. "Like all literature, prophecy contains figures of speech. This does not mean that it is necessarily obscure. d. God inspired the writers in such a way that what was written down for permanent retention as part of His enduring message to His people should be complete in itself. Proper interpretation of the prophetic messages requires comparison of Scripture with other Scripture. Everything that can possibly be learned from the Bible alone about the historical background of the prophet message is important for their interpretation All the principles necessary for correct interpretation of prophecy can be found in the Bible External material can be helpful, but is not essential " III. The prophetic books. A. The period. 1. The time of the prophets covered about 400 years, from 800 to 400 BC. 2. The central event was the destruction of Jerusalem near the middle of that period. B. Seventeen books. 1. There are 17 books of prophecy, from Isaiah to Malachi. a. However, these are the works of only 16 prophets since Jeremiah wrote two the book that bears his name and Lamentations.
Lesson 1 11 2. Some of these books are identified as "Major Prophets" while others are known as "Minor Prophets." a. The distinction does not indicate the importance of their messages, but primarily indicate the size or length of the books. b. The writings identified as the "Minor Prophets" are smaller in size than those known as the "Major Prophets" of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel. Major Prophets Verses Chapters Isaiah 1,291 66 Jeremiah 1,364 52 Lamentations 154 5 Ezekiel 1,271 48 Daniel 530 14 Minor Prophets Verses Chapters Hoshea 197 14 Joel 73 4 Amos 146 9 Obadiah 21 1 Jonah 48 4 Micah 105 7 Nahum 47 3 Habakkuk 56 3 Zephaniah 53 2 Haggai 38 2 Zechariah 211 14 Malachi 55 3 3. Relationship to other books of the Old Testament. a. In many ways the 17 books of prophecy complement the 17 books of history. (1). The 17 books of history (Genesis to Esther) tell the story of the birth, rise and fall of the Hebrew nation. (2). The 17 prophetic books are not so much history as they are proclamations of God through His prophets directed mostly to the backsliding people of Judah and Israel during the period of the Divided Kingdom. (3). The 5 books of poetry (Job through Song of Solomon) belong mostly to the Golden Age of the reign of Saul, David and Solomon during the United Kingdom.
Lesson 1 12 C. Brief theme of each book. 1. The writings of Major Prophets: a. Isaiah: The "evangelical" or "Messianic" prophet writes of the glory of God, His judgment against evil, the virgin birth of the Messiah (Isa 7:14), and the salvation of man through the "Servant of the Lord," Jesus Christ (Isa 53). b. Jeremiah: Known as the "weeping prophet," foretold and witnessed the fall of Jerusalem, warned of God's judgment of His backsliding people, yet God's eternal love that provided salvation from sin through the gift of His Son. c. Lamentations of Jeremiah: A sequel to Jeremiah, speaks of the sorrow, misery and judgment that sin brings, and the assurance that God will show compassion upon all who repent. d. Ezekiel: In symbols like Revelation, Ezekiel describes the goodness and severity of God as seen in His dealing with sin. Sin must be punished, but God's mercy is great in His forgiveness of those who do His will. e. Daniel: The sovereignty of God over the affairs of men and nations in all ages. Foretold the four great world empires that would rule over the earth, and the everlasting kingdom of God (the church) that would be established during the days of the fourth empire (Rome). 2. The writings of the Minor Prophets: a. Hosea: Israel is pictured as God's adulterous bride; terrible idolatry denounced. God's persistent love for His people, in contrast to their unfaithfulness to Him. b. Joel: Spoke of "the day of the Lord" and foretold the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28-32), that was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-21). c. Amos: Great, fervent preacher (Amos 4:12), pronounced "Woe to you who are at ease in Zion" (Amos 6:1). God's righteous and holy love for His people. d. Obadiah: Foretold the overthrow of Edom, Esau's descendants, for their violence against Israel. God's delivering, vengeful love for His people. e. Jonah: The story of God's sparing Nineveh, Assyria's capital. God's universal, forgiving love, for Gentiles, as well as Jews. f. Micah: God's controversy with His people, showing God's hatred of evil and His delight in pardoning the repentant. Foretold the birthplace of Jesus (Mic 5:2). "What does the Lord require of you?" (Mic 6:8). God's pleading, punishing, and pardoning love for His people. g. Nahum: Prophesied 130 years after Jonah, Nahum tells of God's vengeance and goodness as he predicts in detail the destruction of Niveveh, "the bloody city" (Nah 3:1). God's avenging love for His people.
Lesson 1 13 h. Habbakuk: Promised that God would punish the Chaldeans (Babylonians) for their wickedness in overthrowing Judah. God's providential, delivering love for His people. i. Zephaniah: Divine judgment will fall on Judah as well as enemy nations. Israel is warned, but unconcerned. A remnant will be saved. God's jealous love for His people. j. Haggai: This and the following two books belong to the post-captivity period. Haggai returned with Zerubbabel and appealed to the people to "consider your ways" (Hag 1:5, 7) in order to complete the rebuilding of the temple. God's encouraging love for His people. k. Zechariah: Finding the people still complacent, he joined Haggai in charging them to complete the temple. Spoke of the "Lord of hosts," the prince of peace, and foretold the coming of the priest and king, who was Christ. God's remembering love for His people. l. Malachi: The last of the Old Testament inspired prophets, he lived about 100 years after Haggai and Zechariah. He was concerned with the reform movement of Ezra and Nehemiah. He reproved the people for heathen marriages, divorce, polluted sacrifices, corruption of the Sabbath, withholding tithes, and other sins, declaring that punishment will certainly be theirs if they did not repent. Malachi and Isaiah are the only prophets who foretold of the "forerunner" of the Messiah John the Baptist (Isa 40:3; Mal 3:1; cf. Matt 3:3). God's constant, continuing love for His people in contrast to their lack of steadfastness. D. The main theme of the prophetic books. 1. The justice, sovereignty and mercy of God. a. The prophets speak of the justice and sovereignty of God, and yet emphasize His mercy and deep love for Israel. (1). The books of prophecy depict God's providence in the affairs of the Divided Kingdom as well as God's providence in the affairs of the nations that would impact Judah and Israel either for good or for bad. (2). Prophets speak of both contemporary as well as future events in the history of God's people. (3). Their message contain both the dreaded righteous judgments of God and the punishment Judah and Israel would endure for their sins, as well as the message of love and compassion in the future restoration of His people. (4). Also throughout these messages are prophecies of the coming Redeemer the Messiah, Jesus Christ. 2. A relevant message. a. The message of the prophets was relevant to the moral and religious conditions of their own day (Jer 1:9-10).
Lesson 1 14 b. The message of the prophets is also relevant to our day (Rom 15:4). 3. The main message. a. The most important message of the prophets was the good news of the coming Christ (the Anointed One Messiah), His work of redemption, and the establishment of His kingdom (the Lord's church). (Luke 24:27; Acts 3:24; 10:43). E. Israel's fall. 1. Israel fell because the nation did not heed the prophets' messages from God, as we see in the challenge to Israel (2 Kgs 18:21-22). a. In His commission of Isaiah, God told him to warn the people that their ears were heavy and their eyes closed, "lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and understand with the heart, and turn again, and be healed" (Isa 6:10). b. Jeremiah foretold Jerusalem's ruinous fall because the people had denied God and rejected His prophets (Jer 5:10-15; 6:11-15). 2. God's people were destroyed for a lack of knowledge (Prov 29:18; Hos 4:6).