UNDERSTANDING THE BOOKS OF PROPHECY

Introduction

The Prophets comprises the Former Prophets (Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel [counted as one book], 1 and 2 Kings [counted as one book]) and the Latter Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, the Twelve Minor Prophets [counted as one book]).

Major prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel

Minor prophets: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi

What’s the Big Idea?

The central theme of prophecy is Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:20 “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.”

Amen means “so be it”. It is derived from a root word which means “fixed” or “sure”. The related verb means “to be reliable” or “to be trusted”.

2 Peter 1:20–21 “knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

All of Scripture bears witness about Christ.

John 5:39 “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,”

Luke 24:44 “Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”” (see Luke 24:27)

Reminders For Reading

Prophets often acted like covenant lawyers.

Hosea 12:2 “The Lord has an indictment against Judah and will punish Jacob according to his ways; he will repay him according to his deeds.”

Investigate the historical, cultural, and Scriptural context.

Isaiah 1:1 “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.”

Don’t get lost in the details, but look for the main themes.

See 1 Peter 1:10-12...

Let Scripture interpret Scripture.

See Luke 4:16-21… (reference: Isaiah 61:1-2, 42:6-7, 58:6)

See Acts 2:14-21… (reference: Joel 2:28-32)

The prophets often use symbolic imagery.

See Jeremiah 1:11-16...

The Hebrews word for almond sounds like the word for watching. The almond tree flowers in January and bears fruit in March. So it was alluding to the fact that judgment was coming quickly.

Understand that there is sometimes an immediate and ultimate fulfillment.

Hosea 11:1 “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”

Matthew 2:14–15 “And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.””

See 2 Samuel 7:1-17...

Make it Personal By Asking Good Questions

Are there any truths about God, His promises, or His works that should move me to worship Him? Are there any sins that I need to confess and repent of? Are there any acts of obedience that I should pursue? What are some practical things I can do to obey His Word? What are some practical things I can do to flee from sin and temptation? Is there someone that I need to share these truths with? Are there promises I need to hold on to? Are there warnings I need to heed? Are there events I need to look forward to?