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.