What you will learn:

Contrary to a widespread misunderstanding, the primary concern of biblical prophets is not to predict the future. Rather, they are called to deliver a warning message to their contemporaries, which they were given by divine inspiration or vision. The prophets uncover the failures of the people and their upper class and threaten judgment and terrible retribution for them.

But in the midst of their announcements of judgment the prophets also announce future salvation. God does not intend to abandon his people. He promises, again and again, a new order, a new covenant (Jeremiah 31), and even a new king from the house of David, who will provide for peace and the people’s renewed turning to God (e.g. Isaiah 11). According to the size of the books, we distinguish the great prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel from the twelve little prophets. The course is intended to give an introduction to this fundamental collection of texts within the Holy Scriptures.