Prophets in Chapter 7

Questions and Answers

What is Chapter 7 for?

For Review

Explain the difference between 'former' and 'latter' prophets. Provide examples of each.

The former prophets appear throughout the Old Testament, while the latter prophets come after the three kings and have books named after them. Examples of major prophets include Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel.

Which prophet was the first to have his sayings collected in a written work? Where does this book appear in the Bible?

Amos. The Book of Amos is found within the Prophetic Books.

What are the five marks or roles of the prophets? Briefly explain each.

<ol> <li>Received a call from God. 2. Spoke as God's messenger, often starting with 'Thus Says the Lord'. 3. Protect the Israelites' commitment to the law. 4. Advocates of the poor. 5. Servants of the Lord to call the Israelites back to God.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first prophet? What do all the later prophets have in common with him?

The first prophet was Abraham. Later prophets share the five marks of a prophet and loyalty to the law. Signup and view all the answers

What were the main social concerns of the prophets? What religious issues troubled them?

The main social concern was the unjust treatment of the poor, while the religious issue was the Israelites' unfaithfulness to YHWH. Signup and view all the answers

What were the two main concerns of the prophets Elijah and Elisha?

Social justice and religious devotion to YHWH. Signup and view all the answers

What were Amos's biggest complaints about the behavior of the people?

Amos complained about sins such as genocide, sexual excess, robbery, and injustice. Signup and view all the answers

What was unique about the way Hosea revealed God's word to the people?

Hosea named his children various warnings from God and preached about love's faithfulness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the common theme that unites the four prophets of the Northern Kingdom?

The prophets were conservative and radical. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between Amos's and Hosea's prophetic messages?

Amos was a prophet of judgment and doom, while Hosea portrayed God as loving and compassionate. Signup and view all the answers

What new ideas did each of the four prophets introduce to the religion of YHWH?

They introduced the idea that God can bring good out of destruction. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the major prophets of the Southern Kingdom before the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon?

Isaiah and Micah. Signup and view all the answers

How can we tell that more than one prophet wrote the Book of Isaiah? How is the Book of Isaiah divided?

It can be inferred that multiple authors contributed to the text, with divisions from chapters 1-39, 40-55, and 56-66. Signup and view all the answers

What was the message of the prophet Micah? What was special about his prophecy?

Micah's message was that if the people did not follow the law and the Lord, they would be destroyed; he was the first to preach the eventual fall of Jerusalem. Signup and view all the answers

According to the prophets, what caused the fall of Judah? What evidence suggests that God will restore the people?

The fall was caused by unfaithfulness; past restorations by God provide hope. Signup and view all the answers

What archaeological evidence is there to support the biblical story of the conquest and exile of Jerusalem?

Modern archaeologists found evidence in dig sites believed to be Jerusalem. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to King Johiachin? Why did Nebuchadnezzar return to Jerusalem ten years after the original conquest? What became of King Zedekiah?

Johiachin was deported to Babylon; Nebuchadnezzar returned to resist his rule but was eventually killed, and Zedekiah ruled until he attempted to revolt. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Prophets Overview

Former prophets are featured throughout the Old Testament; latter prophets come after the monarchy and have their own books.
Major latter prophets include Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel.
There are 15 total major and minor prophets within the latter category.

First Written Prophetic Work

Amos is recognized as the first prophet with sayings compiled in a book.
The Book of Amos is categorized among the Prophetic Books in the Bible.

Roles of Prophets

Prophets receive divine calls from God that compel them to leave their previous lives.
They serve as messengers, often beginning proclamations with "Thus Says the Lord".
They ensure the Israelites uphold their covenant with the law.
Prophets advocate for the poor, stressing social justice.
They act as servants to guide the Israelites back to faithfulness.

Abraham's Significance

Abraham is acknowledged as the first prophet.
All subsequent prophets share commonalities with Abraham, notably the five marks of a prophet and loyalty to God's law.

Prophets' main social concerns include injustice against the poor.
Religious issues troubling the prophets involve the Israelites’ infidelity to YHWH.

Prophets Elijah and Elisha

Elijah and Elisha focused on issues of social justice and commitment to YHWH.

Amos’s Complaints

Amos condemned widespread sins in the Northern Kingdom, including genocide, sexual promiscuity, theft, and systemic injustice.

Hosea’s Unique Prophecy

Hosea communicated God's messages through naming his children after warnings from God.
His teachings emphasize the parallel between parental love and the divine love for YHWH.

Themes of Northern Kingdom Prophets

A central theme among the Northern Kingdom prophets is their dual conservative and radical nature.

Distinction Between Amos and Hosea

Amos's messages focus on judgment and doom whereas Hosea emphasizes God's love and compassion.

Religious Innovations

The four Northern Kingdom prophets introduced concepts of God's ability to create good from destruction.

Major Southern Kingdom Prophets

Isaiah and Micah are identified as major prophets prior to Jerusalem's fall to Babylon.

Authorship of the Book of Isaiah

Multiple authorship of Isaiah is indicated by the timeline as the initial prophet likely died before its completion.
The Book of Isaiah is divided into sections: chapters 1-39, 40-55, and 56-66.

Micah’s Message

Micah warned that neglecting God's law would lead to destruction.
He is notable for predicting the eventual fall of Jerusalem.

Causes of Judah's Fall

Judah fell due to the people's unfaithfulness, resulting in divine punishment.
Previous biblical narratives suggest that God has a history of restoration after punishment.

Archaeological Evidence

Archaeologists have uncovered evidence in sites believed to be linked to Jerusalem’s conquest and exile.

Fate of King Johiachin and Zedekiah

King Johiachin was exiled to Babylon.
Nebuchadnezzar returned to Jerusalem ten years later but was ultimately killed along with his sons; Zedekiah ruled until he attempted rebellion.

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Description

This flashcard quiz focuses on understanding the distinctions between former and latter prophets, as well as major and minor prophets as discussed in Chapter 7. Review examples of each type to enhance your knowledge of Old Testament scripture.