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Overview of the Prophetic Books
Completion requirements
The Prophetic Books of the Old Testament are essential for understanding God’s messages to Israel during various periods of their history. These books can be divided into the Major Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel) and the Minor Prophets (the remaining twelve books).
The Major Prophets contain substantial prophecies regarding Israel’s conduct, their impending judgment, and God’s future restoration plans. Isaiah prophesies during a period of prosperity and decline. Jeremiah warns of imminent destruction and exile, and Ezekiel, prophesying during the exile, offers messages of judgment and hope. Daniel not only was a faithful witness in Babylon but was used by God to bring prophecies about the time of Jesus and some think beyond.
The Minor Prophets, while shorter, deliver equally significant messages. They address issues of social justice, religious faithfulness, and future judgment and restoration. Some, like Hosea and Amos, prophesy during times of prosperity, warning of impending judgment due to societal injustices and religious corruption. Others, like Haggai and Zechariah, prophesy during the post-exilic period, encouraging the returned exiles in their efforts to rebuild their nation and renew their covenant relationship with God.
Major vs Minor
It is important to affirm that “minor” doesn't mean these prophets were less important. The terms “major” and “minor” are simply a way to divide the Old Testament prophetic books by length, not by importance.
| Book | Major/ Minor |
Main Message | Timeline (Estimated Date of Writing) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Isaiah |
Major |
Call for repentance, prediction of exile, Messianic prophecies |
740-681 B.C. |
|
Jeremiah |
Major |
Warning of upcoming exile, call for repentance, promise of a new covenant |
626-586 B.C. |
|
Lamentations |
Major |
Expression of grief over the destruction of Jerusalem |
Around 586 B.C. |
|
Ezekiel |
Major |
Warnings and promises to exiled Israel, visions of restoration |
593-571 B.C. |
|
Daniel |
Major |
Stories of faith, prophetic visions of future kingdoms |
605-530 B.C. |
|
Hosea |
Minor |
Illustration of God's faithful love for unfaithful Israel |
755-715 B.C. |
|
Joel |
Minor |
Call to repentance, prophecy of the Day of the Lord |
Around 835 B.C. |
|
Amos |
Minor |
Call for justice and righteousness, warnings of judgment |
760-753 B.C. |
|
Obadiah |
Minor |
Judgment against Edom, restoration of Israel |
Around 586 B.C. |
|
Jonah |
Minor |
God's mercy to repentant Nineveh, lesson about compassion |
Around 785-775 B.C. |
|
Micah |
Minor |
Condemnation of injustice, Messianic prophecies |
735-700 B.C. |
|
Nahum |
Minor |
Judgment on Nineveh |
663-612 B.C. |
|
Habakkuk |
Minor |
Dialogue with God about suffering and injustice |
Around 605 B.C. |
|
Zephaniah |
Minor |
The Day of the Lord, judgment, and restoration |
640-609 B.C. |
|
Haggai |
Minor |
Encouragement to rebuild the temple |
Around 520 B.C. |
|
Zechariah |
Minor |
Encouragement to rebuild the temple, Messianic prophecies |
520-470 B.C. |
|
Malachi |
Minor |
Call for covenant faithfulness, prophecy of Elijah's return |
Around 460-430 B.C. |
*Please note that the dates provided are estimated and can vary based on different scholarly interpretations.