Introductions of the 5 Major Prophetical Books of the Old Testament-
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel
Isaiah
Author- Isaiah
Recipients- The people of Judah
Dated- Between 740 B.C. to 700 B.C.
Theme- Imminent judgment and final restoration of the people of Judah
Content- Judgment on Judah for rebellion, judgment of nations (Chapters 1-39), Restoration of God’s people (Chapters 40-66), Prophecies regarding Jesus’ ministry.
Jeremiah
Author- Jeremiah
Recipients- The people of Judah
Dated- Between 626 B.C. to 586 B.C.
Theme- Jeremiah prophesies the exile of Judah to Babylon and God finally making a new covenant with his people.
Content- The call of Jeremiah to prophesy, Prophecies to Judah (Chapters 2-45), Prophecies to Gentile nations (Chapters 46-51)
Lamentations
Author- Jeremiah
Recipients- Jews in Babylonian exile
Dated- Around 586 B.C.
Theme- Jeremiah and the Jews lament the fall of Jerusalem and Judah
Content- The desolation of Jerusalem, God’s anger against his people, Judah cries out for restoration.
Ezekiel
Author- Ezekiel
Recipients-Jews who were taken to Babylon in 597 B.C.
Dated- Between 590 B.C. to 570 B.C.
Theme- Ezekiel prophesies to the Jews their return to Jerusalem and rebuilding of the temple.
Content- Judgment against God’s people, Ezekiel’s visions and symbolic acts, Idolatry in the temple and judgment on it, Exile of Jerusalem, Judgment of the nations, Temple restored and restoration of God’s order after Israel is cleansed.
Daniel
Author- Daniel
Recipients- Jews who were exiled in Babylon
Dated- Around 530 B.C.
Theme- God’s plan and purpose for Israel during and after Gentile domination. Final restoration of Israel.
Content- Accounts of Daniel and his friends, King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel’s dreams and visions of Israel’s future and the antichrist, 2 resurrections.