Imagine – A society where wickedness and injustice is predominant … where social injustice, immorality, corruption, and hypocrisy rule the culture. The people worship idols – entertainment, money, possessions, themselves. Pride/haughtiness of spirit is commonplace in the hearts of the people. People revel in excess/overindulgence – possessions, entertainment, alcohol, drugs – and are never satisfied. Corruption runs rampant in government and religion – Judges and government officials are paid off to look the other way or settle a legal matter in an individual’s favor; preachers preach to make money not because they were called by God to speak truth. Violent acts are committed on a daily basis and yet those in control of society does little to punish the perpetrators. In fact, the society celebrates violence – entertainment/religion/culture. Sexual immorality is commonplace. It is not hidden but viewed in the light of day for everyone to see – entertainment/religion/culture. The wealthy oppress the poor. The wealthy loan money to the poor at extremely high interest. The poor are unable to repay the loan and basically becomes a slave to the wealthy. The poor man loses his house, his possessions, his job, and many instances his family. Businesses use unethical schemes to increase their profits. Meanwhile, those who follow the path of righteousness and justice are constantly persecuted by those who dominate the society/culture. The wicked and unjust view the righteous and just as being intolerant/judgmental. They are wet blankets, joy killers, religious zealots who seek to deny the majority their freedom to live, worship, and make a dollar however they choose. The wicked and unjust have nothing but contempt and ridicule for the righteous and just.
Is it hard to imagine such a society?
What is it like for a righteous and just person to live in such a society? Torment/anguish/distress.
What question(s) would a righteous and just person living in such a society have for God? Where are You? Why do You allow the innocent to suffer and the wicked to prosper? Why do bad people have it so good and good people have it so bad? Why haven’t You done something to resolve this inequity? When will You release Your vengeance upon the wicked and unjust?
The scenario I described to you existed in the Book of Habakkuk. The questions posed are asked by the prophet Habakkuk.
Background on Habakkuk -
Where – Southern Kingdom of Judah
When – Approximately 609-597 B.C.
Background – Unrighteousness and injustice prevailed in Judah during Habakkuk’s day. Idolatry/hypocrisy - The people worshipped other gods as well as God. Pride was prevalent in the hearts of the people – We are God’s chosen people. He would never allow anything bad happen to us. Corruption in government and religion – Bribery commonplace; prophets prophesy for money. Merchants regularly cheating their customers. Widespread social injustice – wealthy oppressing the poor. Sexual immorality is commonplace. The wicked and unjust view the righteous and just as being intolerant/judgmental. They are wet blankets, joy killers, religious zealots who seek to deny the majority their freedom to live, worship, and make a dollar however they choose. The wicked and unjust have nothing but contempt and ridicule for the righteous and just. Essentially, in Judah during Habakkuk’s day the wicked enjoy the good life while the righteous suffer.
What is it like for a righteous and just person such as Habakkuk to live in such a society? Torment/anguish/distress.
What question(s) would a righteous and just person living in such a society have for God? Where are You? Why do You allow the innocent to suffer and the wicked to prosper? Why do bad people have it so good and good people have it so bad? Why haven’t You done something to resolve this inequity? When will You release Your vengeance upon the wicked and unjust?
Read Habakkuk 1:1-4
What is Habakkuk’s reaction to all the wickedness and injustice that he is seeing?
Where are You? Why do You allow the innocent to suffer and the wicked to prosper? Why do bad people have it so good and good people have it so bad? Why haven’t You done something to resolve this inequity? When will You release Your vengeance upon the wicked and unjust?
A perplexed Habakkuk complained to God why He was doing nothing to punish the wicked in Judah.
Read Habakkuk 1:5-6
What is God’s response to Habakkuk’s complaint? I am raising up the Chaldeans to be my instrument of punishment against the wicked and unjust in Judah. Who are the Chaldeans? They are probably better known as the Babylonians. In Habakkuk’s day, the Babylonian empire was the most powerful and feared empire in the Middle East. God provides a description of the might and power of the Babylonians in verses 7-11. Let’s see what Habakkuk thinks of God’s response.
Read Habakkuk 1:12-13
Was God’s response to Habakkuk’s complaint what he expected? No. He probably expected God to inflict a natural disaster upon Judah – famine, locusts. Or punish the wicked and unjust with a plague of some kind. Anything but sending a foreign power to destroy Judah. Especially one that was wicked and depraved as Babylonia.
What was Habakkuk’s response to God’s answer to his complaint? Let me get this straight God. You are going to use an evil, ungodly people to discipline the wicked and unjust people of Judah who despite being wicked and unjust are still Your Chosen People which makes Judah more righteous than the Chaldeans. How can you a holy God who is to pure to even look at evil, who is so just that you cannot show favor to evil, how can You use the evil, ungodly Chaldeans to be Your instrument of discipline against Your people?
Read Habakkuk 2:1-4, 8, 15-16
Verse 1 – What was Habakkuk doing? Waiting to hear from God regarding his second complaint. He expected to be chastised by God. Thinking of how to respond to God’s chastisement.
Verses 4, 8, 15-16 – the “proud one” refers to the Chaldeans. Basically, God tells Habakkuk the fact that the Chaldeans will be His instrument of punishment does not mean He looks upon them with favor. On the contrary, the Chaldeans will eventually know God’s wrath for all the evil they have done – their idolatry, their pride, the death and destruction they have inflicted on others, the wealth they have stolen from other nations. God is saying to Habakkuk, “Don’t worry. My standard of holiness has not changed just because I am going to use the wicked Chaldeans to punish the wicked in Judah. The Chaldeans will one day know my wrath.”
Read Habakkuk 3:1-2, 16-19 (vs. 3-15: beautiful and frightening imagery of God)
Does God’s response in chapter 2 improve Habakkuk’s spirits/make him feel better about God’s plan to punish Judah with the Chaldeans? No. Verse 1 – Shigionoth – a highly emotional poem. It was to be read with great fear/anxiety/supplication in one’s voice.
What does Habakkuk mean when he pleads to God “in wrath remember mercy?” God, do not be too harsh in your discipline. Temper your wrath with mercy/compassion.
Vs. 16 – physical evidence of Habakkuk’s fear/anxiety at the knowledge of how God will discipline. He will question no more how God will carry this out. God has answered his complaints. Even though Habakkuk does not understand God’s method for disciplining the wicked and unjust in Judah, even though it also meant the righteous and just would experience God’s discipline as well, Habakkuk continued to put his faith in God. Why? Habakkuk knew that the God who disciplines is also the God who saves … the God who brings wrath is also the God who shows mercy … the God who instills fear is also the God who instills courage.
Application:
1) Twice Habakkuk questioned/complained to God and twice God responded in a way that Habakkuk did not expect Him to or want Him to. Although he still could not fully grasp why God would discipline Judah through the Chaldeans, Habakkuk remained faithful to God. It is just like God to do what we do not expect Him to do or how we want him to do it. Ex. Abraham, Jericho, Gideon, David, Jonah, Christ’s birth and death.
If God did everything the way we wanted Him to … if God answered our prayers the way we want Him to answer them … then He would not be God, we would.
2) Habakkuk knew that tribulation was headed his way. He was afraid of what the future held for him and his people. Rather than allow fear to overwhelm his faith, Habakkuk’s faith overwhelmed his fear. Today, there is a lot of fear and anxiety in our country. Economy, wars, a new president. Do not allow fear to overwhelm your faith. Let your prayer be that of Habakkuk’s in chapter 3 especially verses 17-19.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Background on Prophetic Books (cont'd)
27. Daniel –
Where – Babylonia/Persia
When – approximately between 605-530 B.C.
Theme – The book of Daniel is part historical narrative (chapters 1-6) and part prophecy (chapters 7-12)
Background – Daniel, like Ezekiel, was one of the thousands of people in Judah who were forced from their homeland into exile in Babylon. His exile occurred before the destruction of Jerusalem and the massive exile that took place in 586 B.C. Daniel was a teenager who came from an upper class family in Judah. Despite his young age, Daniel had great wisdom and even greater integrity. He rejected the pagan lifestyle in Babylon and clung to obedience to God. He practiced his faith in the face of adversity. Daniel was willing to die before compromising his faith. Read Daniel chapters 1 and 6. Daniel was a close adviser to Babylonian and Persian rulers. God gave Daniel the ability to interpret dreams/visions. He also gave Daniel visions of the future (Daniel chapters 7-12). Like Ezekiel, there is a tremendous amount of symbolism and references to End Times events that are difficult to understand. Don’t worry, neither did Daniel.
Key verse: I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, "My lord, what will the outcome of all this be? He replied, "Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end … As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance. (Daniel 12:8-9, 12)
Interesting facts – Nebuchadnezzar is a prominent individual in the book of Daniel. He was the greatest of all the Babylonian rulers and is regarded by historians as one of the greatest rulers in ancient history. He constructed the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Minor Prophets – consist of 12 books
28. Hosea –
Where – Northern Kingdom of Israel/Samaria
When – approximately between 755-710 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – The Northern Kingdom had been seduced by idolatry, specifically the worship of Baal, a popular fertility god in the region. Worship of Baal included acts of sexual immorality. In doing so, the Northern Kingdom committed spiritual adultery, abandoning their true love, God, for a lifeless foreign god. God called Hosea to proclaim words of condemnation and judgment to the people and leaders of the Northern Kingdom. God also had Hosea proclaim words of hope telling the people that His love for them is eternal despite their having abandoned Him for another god. God did more than tell Hosea to prophesy. He commanded Hosea to marry a prostitute who soon after their marriage returned to her profession and had adulterous affairs with other men. Later, God commanded Hosea to show love for his wife and bring her back to his home. Their relationship was successfully restored. Hosea’s marriage was an illustration of God’s relationship with Israel.
Key verse: Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: "Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips. (Hosea 14:1-2)
Interesting facts – God had Hosea to regularly refer to events, people, and cities found in Genesis through Judges in order to get across His message.
29. Joel –
Where – Southern Kingdom of Judah
When – The book offers no indication when it was written. Joel could have prophesied as early as 800 B.C. or as late as 400 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – Judah had experienced a massive natural disaster. Swarms of locusts invaded the land destroying most of the vegetation. The locust invasion was followed by a drought. Soon afterwards livestock (sheep, cattle, oxen) began to starve to death. Famine gripped the land. The nation plunged into an economic crisis. Joel prophesied that the locust plague was a prelude to the “Day of the Lord” when God would pour out his wrath upon the wicked. He encouraged the people to repent and seek God through prayer, fasting, and solemn assemblies. In the last chapter, Joel prophesies of a time when God will pour out His Spirit (rather than wrath) on all people young and old, men and women.
Key verse: I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. (Joel 2:28-29)
Interesting facts – In Acts chapter 2, Peter proclaimed Joel’s prophecy in Joel 2:28-29 to have been fulfilled at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came down upon the believers there.
30. Amos –
Where – Northern Kingdom of Israel/Samaria
When – 760-750 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – The Northern Kingdom was enjoying a time of peace and great prosperity during the 700’s B.C. It was at the zenith of its power. They attended religious observances held in shrines and sanctuaries. The people believed they were reaping the benefits of being God’s chosen people. In the midst of this wonderful time, God sends to Israel a shepherd from the Southern Kingdom of Judah named Amos to prophesy condemnation and judgment (Read Amos chapter 7:14-15) Why? Beneath the veneer of prosperity were tremendous social injustice, immorality, corruption, and hypocrisy. Therefore, God would send an enemy from the north (Assyria) to punish the Northern Kingdom.
Key verse: Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and thus may the LORD God of hosts be with you, just as you have said! (Amos 5:14)
Interesting facts – Amos says he began prophesying in Israel two years before an earthquake. Archaeological evidence shows a major earthquake occurred in Israel around the mid-700’s B.C.
Where – Babylonia/Persia
When – approximately between 605-530 B.C.
Theme – The book of Daniel is part historical narrative (chapters 1-6) and part prophecy (chapters 7-12)
Background – Daniel, like Ezekiel, was one of the thousands of people in Judah who were forced from their homeland into exile in Babylon. His exile occurred before the destruction of Jerusalem and the massive exile that took place in 586 B.C. Daniel was a teenager who came from an upper class family in Judah. Despite his young age, Daniel had great wisdom and even greater integrity. He rejected the pagan lifestyle in Babylon and clung to obedience to God. He practiced his faith in the face of adversity. Daniel was willing to die before compromising his faith. Read Daniel chapters 1 and 6. Daniel was a close adviser to Babylonian and Persian rulers. God gave Daniel the ability to interpret dreams/visions. He also gave Daniel visions of the future (Daniel chapters 7-12). Like Ezekiel, there is a tremendous amount of symbolism and references to End Times events that are difficult to understand. Don’t worry, neither did Daniel.
Key verse: I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, "My lord, what will the outcome of all this be? He replied, "Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end … As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance. (Daniel 12:8-9, 12)
Interesting facts – Nebuchadnezzar is a prominent individual in the book of Daniel. He was the greatest of all the Babylonian rulers and is regarded by historians as one of the greatest rulers in ancient history. He constructed the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Minor Prophets – consist of 12 books
28. Hosea –
Where – Northern Kingdom of Israel/Samaria
When – approximately between 755-710 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – The Northern Kingdom had been seduced by idolatry, specifically the worship of Baal, a popular fertility god in the region. Worship of Baal included acts of sexual immorality. In doing so, the Northern Kingdom committed spiritual adultery, abandoning their true love, God, for a lifeless foreign god. God called Hosea to proclaim words of condemnation and judgment to the people and leaders of the Northern Kingdom. God also had Hosea proclaim words of hope telling the people that His love for them is eternal despite their having abandoned Him for another god. God did more than tell Hosea to prophesy. He commanded Hosea to marry a prostitute who soon after their marriage returned to her profession and had adulterous affairs with other men. Later, God commanded Hosea to show love for his wife and bring her back to his home. Their relationship was successfully restored. Hosea’s marriage was an illustration of God’s relationship with Israel.
Key verse: Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: "Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips. (Hosea 14:1-2)
Interesting facts – God had Hosea to regularly refer to events, people, and cities found in Genesis through Judges in order to get across His message.
29. Joel –
Where – Southern Kingdom of Judah
When – The book offers no indication when it was written. Joel could have prophesied as early as 800 B.C. or as late as 400 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – Judah had experienced a massive natural disaster. Swarms of locusts invaded the land destroying most of the vegetation. The locust invasion was followed by a drought. Soon afterwards livestock (sheep, cattle, oxen) began to starve to death. Famine gripped the land. The nation plunged into an economic crisis. Joel prophesied that the locust plague was a prelude to the “Day of the Lord” when God would pour out his wrath upon the wicked. He encouraged the people to repent and seek God through prayer, fasting, and solemn assemblies. In the last chapter, Joel prophesies of a time when God will pour out His Spirit (rather than wrath) on all people young and old, men and women.
Key verse: I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. (Joel 2:28-29)
Interesting facts – In Acts chapter 2, Peter proclaimed Joel’s prophecy in Joel 2:28-29 to have been fulfilled at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came down upon the believers there.
30. Amos –
Where – Northern Kingdom of Israel/Samaria
When – 760-750 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – The Northern Kingdom was enjoying a time of peace and great prosperity during the 700’s B.C. It was at the zenith of its power. They attended religious observances held in shrines and sanctuaries. The people believed they were reaping the benefits of being God’s chosen people. In the midst of this wonderful time, God sends to Israel a shepherd from the Southern Kingdom of Judah named Amos to prophesy condemnation and judgment (Read Amos chapter 7:14-15) Why? Beneath the veneer of prosperity were tremendous social injustice, immorality, corruption, and hypocrisy. Therefore, God would send an enemy from the north (Assyria) to punish the Northern Kingdom.
Key verse: Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and thus may the LORD God of hosts be with you, just as you have said! (Amos 5:14)
Interesting facts – Amos says he began prophesying in Israel two years before an earthquake. Archaeological evidence shows a major earthquake occurred in Israel around the mid-700’s B.C.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Background on Prophetc Books
The Prophetic Books – Consist of 17 books that were written immediately prior to, during and immediately after the exile of the Jews to Babylon – the Babylonian exile. (See timeline chart). Three great Middle Eastern empires are referred to often in the Prophetic Books: Assyrian empire (900 B.C.-612 B.C.), Babylonian empire (612 B.C.-538 B.C.), and Persian empire (538 B.C.-330 B.C.) Each book was named for the prophet who wrote it except for Lamentations which was written by Jeremiah. The Prophetic Books are divided into two categories: Major Prophets and Minor Prophets. They are called “major” prophets and “minor” prophets not because one group of books is more important than the other but because the content of one group is greater than the other.
Major Prophets – consist of five books
23. Isaiah –
Where - Southern Kingdom of Judah.
When – approximately between 740-680 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Setting – From 800-740 B.C., the Southern Kingdom had experienced 50 years of peace and prosperity. By 740 B.C., peace and prosperity gave way to fear and uncertainty. Their popular king Uzziah died creating a void in leadership. Assyria was more and more becoming a threat. Moreover, the people of Judah had wandered away from God. They walked the path of unrighteousness and idolatry. At this time (740 B.C.), God calls Isaiah to be a prophet and proclaim His word to Judah. Read Isaiah chapter 6. He also had prophetic words for other nations in the region.
Interesting facts – The word “salvation” appears 26 times in Isaiah, more than any other Prophetic Book. Isaiah had two sons whom God gave names to. Their names were to be a … a constant message to the people. The oldest was named Shear-Jashub which means “remnant will return.” His name symbolized the promise of restoration for Judah. The second son was named Mahar-Shalal-Hash-Baz which means “quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil.” His name symbolized the promise of judgment/punishment for the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Read Isaiah chapter 8.
Key verse: But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me, and the Lord has forgotten me." Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb?Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me. (Isaiah 49:14-16)
24. Jeremiah -
Where - Southern Kingdom of Judah.
When – approximately between 626-580 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Setting –After a brief revival of faithful worship to God during the reign of King Josiah, the people of Judah once again walked the path of unrighteousness and idolatry. The Kingdom of Judah got caught in the middle of a struggle between Egypt and Babylonia to determine who would be the dominant power in the Middle East. God calls Jeremiah at a young age (late teens, early twenties) to be a prophet and proclaim His word to Judah. Read Jeremiah chapter 1. For forty years, Jeremiah warned the people about their blatant rejection of God. He told their leaders to listen to God’s counsel and side with Babylonia against Egypt. If they refused, Judah would be destroyed and her people sent into exile to Babylon for seventy years; however, God would bring a remnant back to Judah to worship Him. Unfortunately, the leaders and people rejected Jeremiah’s message. Consequently, Babylon conquered Judah and destroyed the city of Jerusalem including the Temple in 586 B.C. Jeremiah personally witnessed the destruction.
Key verse: This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” (Jeremiah 29:10-14)
Interesting facts – Jesus quoted Jeremiah more than any other prophet.
25. Lamentations –
Where - Southern Kingdom of Judah.
When – approximately between 586-580 B.C.
Theme – An expression of grief and despair by Jeremiah over the conquest of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
Setting –Babylon had conquered Judah and destroyed the city of Jerusalem including the Temple. Jeremiah personally witnessed the destruction.
Chapter 1 – The Price of Sin
Chapter 2 – God Punishes Sin
Chapter 3 – A Personal Cry to God
Chapter 4 – A Graphic Portrayal of Suffering Caused by Sin
Chapter 5 – A Plea to God to Remember His People and Restore Them
Key verse: I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him. The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. (Lamentations 3:19-26)
Interesting facts – Lamentations 3:23 was the inspiration for the hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” by Thomas O. Chisholm, a Methodist minister in the early 1900’s who was forced to leave the ministry due to poor health. In a letter dated 1941, Thomas O. Chisholm wrote that although his income has not been enough due to his impaired health, he must record the unfailing faithfulness of God for the "wonderful displays of His providing care" and for which he is "filled with astonishing gratefulness."
26. Ezekiel –
Where - Babylonia
When – approximately between 593-565 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Setting –Ezekiel was one of the thousands of people in Judah who were forced from their homeland into exile in Babylon. His exile occurred before the destruction of Jerusalem and the massive exile that took place in 586 B.C. Ezekiel was destined to become a priest in Jerusalem and yet in Babylon God called him to be a prophet. Read Ezekiel chapter 2. Ezekiel was to proclaim God’s words of condemnation to the people of Judah in exile in Babylon. They had yet to repent for the sins they were presently being punished for. Ezekiel also proclaimed words of restoration. Read Ezekiel chapter 37:1-14. Ezekiel also proclaimed words of condemnation and restoration to Gentiles. Ezekiel is a very difficult book to read because it contains a tremendous amount of symbolism and references to End Times events but do not let that discourage you from reading it.
Key verse: Therefore prophesy and say to them: This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD. (Ezekiel 37:12-14)
Interesting facts – Almost seventy times in Ezekiel, God says “They (Jews & Gentiles) will know that I am God.” Ezekiel chapter 28 is regarded by many Christian scholars as a reference to the origin of Satan.
Major Prophets – consist of five books
23. Isaiah –
Where - Southern Kingdom of Judah.
When – approximately between 740-680 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Setting – From 800-740 B.C., the Southern Kingdom had experienced 50 years of peace and prosperity. By 740 B.C., peace and prosperity gave way to fear and uncertainty. Their popular king Uzziah died creating a void in leadership. Assyria was more and more becoming a threat. Moreover, the people of Judah had wandered away from God. They walked the path of unrighteousness and idolatry. At this time (740 B.C.), God calls Isaiah to be a prophet and proclaim His word to Judah. Read Isaiah chapter 6. He also had prophetic words for other nations in the region.
Interesting facts – The word “salvation” appears 26 times in Isaiah, more than any other Prophetic Book. Isaiah had two sons whom God gave names to. Their names were to be a … a constant message to the people. The oldest was named Shear-Jashub which means “remnant will return.” His name symbolized the promise of restoration for Judah. The second son was named Mahar-Shalal-Hash-Baz which means “quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil.” His name symbolized the promise of judgment/punishment for the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Read Isaiah chapter 8.
Key verse: But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me, and the Lord has forgotten me." Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb?Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me. (Isaiah 49:14-16)
24. Jeremiah -
Where - Southern Kingdom of Judah.
When – approximately between 626-580 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Setting –After a brief revival of faithful worship to God during the reign of King Josiah, the people of Judah once again walked the path of unrighteousness and idolatry. The Kingdom of Judah got caught in the middle of a struggle between Egypt and Babylonia to determine who would be the dominant power in the Middle East. God calls Jeremiah at a young age (late teens, early twenties) to be a prophet and proclaim His word to Judah. Read Jeremiah chapter 1. For forty years, Jeremiah warned the people about their blatant rejection of God. He told their leaders to listen to God’s counsel and side with Babylonia against Egypt. If they refused, Judah would be destroyed and her people sent into exile to Babylon for seventy years; however, God would bring a remnant back to Judah to worship Him. Unfortunately, the leaders and people rejected Jeremiah’s message. Consequently, Babylon conquered Judah and destroyed the city of Jerusalem including the Temple in 586 B.C. Jeremiah personally witnessed the destruction.
Key verse: This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” (Jeremiah 29:10-14)
Interesting facts – Jesus quoted Jeremiah more than any other prophet.
25. Lamentations –
Where - Southern Kingdom of Judah.
When – approximately between 586-580 B.C.
Theme – An expression of grief and despair by Jeremiah over the conquest of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
Setting –Babylon had conquered Judah and destroyed the city of Jerusalem including the Temple. Jeremiah personally witnessed the destruction.
Chapter 1 – The Price of Sin
Chapter 2 – God Punishes Sin
Chapter 3 – A Personal Cry to God
Chapter 4 – A Graphic Portrayal of Suffering Caused by Sin
Chapter 5 – A Plea to God to Remember His People and Restore Them
Key verse: I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him. The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. (Lamentations 3:19-26)
Interesting facts – Lamentations 3:23 was the inspiration for the hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” by Thomas O. Chisholm, a Methodist minister in the early 1900’s who was forced to leave the ministry due to poor health. In a letter dated 1941, Thomas O. Chisholm wrote that although his income has not been enough due to his impaired health, he must record the unfailing faithfulness of God for the "wonderful displays of His providing care" and for which he is "filled with astonishing gratefulness."
26. Ezekiel –
Where - Babylonia
When – approximately between 593-565 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Setting –Ezekiel was one of the thousands of people in Judah who were forced from their homeland into exile in Babylon. His exile occurred before the destruction of Jerusalem and the massive exile that took place in 586 B.C. Ezekiel was destined to become a priest in Jerusalem and yet in Babylon God called him to be a prophet. Read Ezekiel chapter 2. Ezekiel was to proclaim God’s words of condemnation to the people of Judah in exile in Babylon. They had yet to repent for the sins they were presently being punished for. Ezekiel also proclaimed words of restoration. Read Ezekiel chapter 37:1-14. Ezekiel also proclaimed words of condemnation and restoration to Gentiles. Ezekiel is a very difficult book to read because it contains a tremendous amount of symbolism and references to End Times events but do not let that discourage you from reading it.
Key verse: Therefore prophesy and say to them: This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD. (Ezekiel 37:12-14)
Interesting facts – Almost seventy times in Ezekiel, God says “They (Jews & Gentiles) will know that I am God.” Ezekiel chapter 28 is regarded by many Christian scholars as a reference to the origin of Satan.
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