Timeline
The Prophets of the Old Testament
Every Old Testament prophet placed in time, from Moses and Samuel through Elijah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah to Malachi: the kings they served under, who they spoke to, their message, and key verses.
The Prophets of the Old Testament
All Israel
Northern Kingdom (Israel)
Judah
To the Nations
In Exile
After the Return
Before the Kings
United Monarchy
Divided Kingdom
Assyrian Period
Babylonian Period & the Exile
The Return
Moses (Exodus – Deuteronomy)
The pattern for every prophet after him. Jehovah spoke with him mouth to mouth, gave the law through him, and promised a prophet like him to come.
At a glance - Audience: All Israel, from Egypt to the plains of Moab - Served under: No king. Moses led the nation himself, with Aaron as high priest. - Forerunner: Placed here as the standard by which later prophets were measured (Deuteronomy 18:20-22)
Message - Delivered Jehovah's word to Pharaoh and led Israel out of Egypt. - Received the law at Sinai and set the covenant before the people: blessing for obedience, curse for rebellion (Deuteronomy 28). - Gave the test of a true prophet: what he speaks in Jehovah's name comes to pass (Deuteronomy 18:22).
Scripture > “I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.” > — Deuteronomy 18:18
“And there hath not arisen a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom Jehovah knew face to face,” — Deuteronomy 34:10
Looking ahead Peter applies the promise of a prophet like Moses to Jesus (Acts 3:22-23).
Deborah (Judges 4–5)
A prophetess who judged Israel under her palm tree between Ramah and Beth-el. She summoned Barak and gave the word that delivered Israel from Sisera.
At a glance - Audience: The tribes of Israel under Canaanite oppression by Jabin of Hazor - Served under: No king; she herself judged Israel (Judges 4:4-5) - Dates: The period of the judges (c. 1380–1050 BC). Counting the years Judges gives from the start of that period puts her roughly in the 1200s BC.
Message - Called Barak to gather ten thousand men to mount Tabor, and told him the honor of the victory would go to a woman (4:6-9). - Gave the word to attack, and Jehovah routed Sisera's chariots (4:14-15). - Sang the victory song with Barak (Judges 5).
Scripture > “Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, she judged Israel at that time.” > — Judges 4:4
“And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which Jehovah hath delivered Sisera into thy hand; is not Jehovah gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.” — Judges 4:14
Samuel (1 Samuel 1–25)
Raised at the tabernacle under Eli, he was prophet and the last of the judges. He anointed Israel's first two kings and told Saul that to obey is better than sacrifice.
At a glance - Audience: All Israel, "from Dan even to Beer-sheba" - Served under: Eli the priest as a boy; then judged Israel himself; anointed Saul and later David - Dates: From his call at Shiloh to his death before David took the throne (1 Samuel 25:1)
Message - Called by name in the night at Shiloh; Jehovah let none of his words fall to the ground (1 Samuel 3). - Called Israel to put away their foreign gods at Mizpah (7:3-6). - Warned the people what a king would take from them, then anointed Saul at their insistence (8–10). - Rebuked Saul's disobedience at Gilgal and over Amalek, and anointed David at Bethlehem (13; 15; 16).
Scripture > “And Samuel grew, and Jehovah was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of Jehovah.” > — 1 Samuel 3:19-20
“And Samuel said, Hath Jehovah as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” — 1 Samuel 15:22
In the New Testament Peter speaks of "all the prophets from Samuel and them that followed after" (Acts 3:24), treating Samuel as the head of the prophetic line.
Nathan (2 Samuel 7; 12; 1 Kings 1)
Brought David the promise of an everlasting throne, then confronted him over Bathsheba with a parable and the words "Thou art the man."
At a glance - Audience: King David and his court - Served under: David and, at the start of his reign, Solomon - Wrote: A history of David and of Solomon (1 Chronicles 29:29; 2 Chronicles 9:29)
Message - Delivered the covenant with David: his son would build the house, and his throne would be established for ever (2 Samuel 7:4-17). - Told the parable of the poor man's ewe lamb and named David's sin (2 Samuel 12:1-14). - Secured Solomon's succession when Adonijah tried to seize the throne (1 Kings 1:11-40). - Helped set the Levites' music in the house of Jehovah alongside Gad (2 Chronicles 29:25).
Scripture > “And thy house and thy kingdom shall be made sure for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.” > — 2 Samuel 7:16
“And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;” — 2 Samuel 12:7
Gad (1 Samuel 22:5; 2 Samuel 24)
"David's seer." He guided David in his fugitive years and brought the choice of judgment after the census, which led to the altar on Araunah's threshing floor.
At a glance - Audience: David, from his days as a fugitive through his reign - Served under: David - Wrote: A history of David's acts (1 Chronicles 29:29)
Message - Told David to leave the stronghold and return to the land of Judah (1 Samuel 22:5). - After the census, set three judgments before David: famine, flight, or pestilence (2 Samuel 24:11-14). - Told David to build an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, the place where the temple would later stand (2 Samuel 24:18; 2 Chronicles 3:1).
Scripture > “And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the stronghold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hereth.” > — 1 Samuel 22:5
“And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of Jehovah; for his mercies are great; and let me not fall into the hand of man.” — 2 Samuel 24:14
Ahijah the Shilonite (1 Kings 11:29-39; 14:1-18)
Tore his new garment into twelve pieces and gave Jeroboam ten. Years later, old and blind, he foretold the end of Jeroboam's house for its idolatry.
At a glance - Audience: Jeroboam I and the Northern Kingdom - Served under: Solomon (the torn garment) and Jeroboam I - Wrote: A prophecy concerning Solomon (2 Chronicles 9:29)
Message - Announced that ten tribes would be torn from Solomon's son because of Solomon's idolatry (1 Kings 11:31-33). - Promised Jeroboam a sure house if he would keep Jehovah's statutes as David had (11:38). - When Jeroboam's wife came in disguise, foretold her son's death and the cutting off of Jeroboam's house for the golden calves (14:1-16).
Scripture > “And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces; for thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee” > — 1 Kings 11:31
Shemaiah (1 Kings 12:22-24; 2 Chronicles 12)
Stopped Rehoboam from making war on the ten tribes, and when Shishak of Egypt invaded, told Judah it was because they had forsaken Jehovah.
At a glance - Audience: Rehoboam and Judah - Served under: Rehoboam - Wrote: Histories of Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 12:15)
Message - Forbade Rehoboam's army of 180,000 to fight against Israel: "this thing is of me" (1 Kings 12:21-24). - When Shishak came against Jerusalem, declared that Jehovah had left them to Shishak because they had left him (2 Chronicles 12:5). - When the king and princes humbled themselves, announced that Jehovah would not destroy them, though they would serve Shishak (12:6-8).
Scripture > “Now Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith Jehovah, Ye have forsaken me, therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak.” > — 2 Chronicles 12:5
Man of God from Judah · 1 Kings 13
Azariah son of Oded (2 Chronicles 15:1-8)
Met King Asa returning from victory with a plain promise: seek Jehovah and he will be found; forsake him and he will forsake you. Asa responded with reform.
At a glance - Audience: Asa and all Judah and Benjamin - Served under: Asa
Message - Reminded Judah of the days of the Judges, when Israel was without the true God and a teaching priest, and there was no peace (15:3-6). - Urged them to be strong, for their work would be rewarded (15:7). - Asa took courage, put away the abominable idols, and renewed the altar of Jehovah (15:8).
Scripture > “and he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: Jehovah is with you, while ye are with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” > — 2 Chronicles 15:2
Hanani the Seer (2 Chronicles 16:7-10)
Reign of Asa (c. 910–869 BC)
Rebuked Asa for hiring the king of Syria instead of relying on Jehovah. Asa put him in the stocks for it.
At a glance - Audience: Asa, king of Judah - Served under: Asa - Family: Father of Jehu the prophet, who rebuked Baasha and later Jehoshaphat
Message - Asa had paid Ben-hadad of Syria with temple treasure to break his league with Baasha of Israel (16:1-6). - Hanani reminded Asa that Jehovah had given him victory over the Ethiopians when he relied on him (16:8). - Asa was angry and put the seer in prison (16:10).
Scripture > “For the eyes of Jehovah run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly; for from henceforth thou shalt have wars.” > — 2 Chronicles 16:9
Jehu son of Hanani · 1 Kings 16:1-7
Elijah (1 Kings 17 – 2 Kings 2)
Stood against Ahab and Jezebel's Baal worship. He shut the heavens, called down fire on Carmel, and was taken up by a whirlwind into heaven.
At a glance - Audience: The Northern Kingdom at the height of Baal worship - Served under: Ahab and Ahaziah of Israel; also sent a letter to Jehoram of Judah (2 Chronicles 21:12-15) - From: Tishbe, among the sojourners of Gilead
Message - Announced a drought "according to my word," and was fed by ravens and by the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17). - Challenged the 450 prophets of Baal on mount Carmel; fire fell from Jehovah and consumed the sacrifice (18:20-40). - Fled from Jezebel to Horeb, where Jehovah spoke in a still small voice (19:1-18). - Pronounced judgment on Ahab for Naboth's vineyard and on Ahaziah for consulting Baal-zebub (21; 2 Kings 1). - Cast his mantle on Elisha and was taken up into heaven (1 Kings 19:19-21; 2 Kings 2:11).
Scripture > “And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the sojourners of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As Jehovah, the God of Israel, liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.” > — 1 Kings 17:1
“And Elijah came near unto all the people, and said, How long go ye limping between the two sides? if Jehovah be God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.” — 1 Kings 18:21
“And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, Jehovah, he is God; Jehovah, he is God.” — 1 Kings 18:39
Looking ahead Malachi promised Elijah would come before the day of Jehovah (Malachi 4:5). Jesus said John the Baptist was that Elijah (Matthew 11:14), and Elijah appeared with Moses at the transfiguration (Matthew 17:3).
Micaiah son of Imlah (1 Kings 22:1-38; 2 Chronicles 18)
The one prophet Ahab hated. Four hundred prophets promised victory at Ramoth-gilead; Micaiah saw Israel scattered like sheep without a shepherd.
At a glance - Audience: Ahab of Israel, with Jehoshaphat of Judah as his ally - Served under: Ahab
Message - Brought out at Jehoshaphat's request, he first mocked the court prophets' words, then told the truth (22:15-17). - Described a vision of a lying spirit in the mouth of Ahab's prophets (22:19-23). - Struck by Zedekiah and sent to prison on bread and water, he answered that if Ahab returned in peace, Jehovah had not spoken by him (22:24-28). - Ahab disguised himself in battle, but a random arrow found him, and he died that evening (22:34-37).
Scripture > “And Micaiah said, As Jehovah liveth, what Jehovah saith unto me, that will I speak.” > — 1 Kings 22:14
Jahaziel · 2 Chronicles 20:14-17
Elisha (1 Kings 19:16-21; 2 Kings 2–13)
Elijah's successor, who asked for a double portion of his spirit. Over some fifty years he worked more recorded miracles than his master.
At a glance - Audience: The Northern Kingdom, the sons of the prophets, and even foreigners (Naaman of Syria) - Served under: Jehoram (Joram), Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Jehoash of Israel - From: Abel-meholah; called from the plow (1 Kings 19:19)
Message - Parted the Jordan with Elijah's mantle and healed the waters of Jericho (2 Kings 2). - Multiplied the widow's oil, raised the Shunammite's son, and healed Naaman's leprosy (4–5). - Showed his servant the hills full of horses and chariots of fire around Dothan (6:8-23). - Sent a young prophet to anoint Jehu king, to cut off the house of Ahab (9:1-10). - On his deathbed, promised Jehoash three victories over Syria (13:14-19).
Scripture > “And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I am taken from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” > — 2 Kings 2:9
“And he answered, Fear not; for they that are with us are more than they that are with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Jehovah, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And Jehovah opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” — 2 Kings 6:16-17
In the New Testament Jesus pointed to Naaman, the Syrian, as one cleansed by Elisha when many in Israel were not (Luke 4:27).
Obadiah (Obadiah)
The shortest book in the Old Testament, aimed at Edom. Proud in its rock fortress, Edom had stood by and gloated when Jerusalem was plundered.
At a glance - Audience: Edom, the descendants of Esau, and by implication the people of Judah - Served under: The book names no king
Message - Edom's pride has deceived it; Jehovah will bring it down from the clefts of the rock (1-4). - Edom violated its brother Jacob: it stood aloof, rejoiced, looted, and handed over survivors (10-14). - The day of Jehovah is near on all the nations; what Edom has done will be done to it (15-16). - Mount Zion will be holy, the house of Jacob will possess its possessions, "and the kingdom shall be Jehovah’s" (17-21).
Scripture > “The pride of thy heart hath deceived thee, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? Though thou mount on high as the eagle, and though thy nest be set among the stars, I will bring thee down from thence, saith Jehovah.” > — Obadiah 1:3-4
“For the day of Jehovah is near upon all the nations: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee; thy dealing shall return upon thine own head.” — Obadiah 1:15
A note on dating Obadiah gives no date. This chart follows the view that the plundering of Jerusalem he describes is the raid of the Philistines and Arabians under Jehoram of Judah, when Edom also revolted (2 Chronicles 21:8-17). Others place him just after 586 BC, when Edom joined in Jerusalem's fall (Psalm 137:7).
Joel (Joel)
A devastating locust plague becomes a picture of the coming day of Jehovah. He calls Judah to rend their hearts, and promises the Spirit poured out on all flesh.
At a glance - Audience: Judah and Jerusalem, its priests and elders - Served under: The book names no king
Message - Describes a locust invasion that stripped the land, and calls for a solemn fast (1:1-20). - Uses the plague to warn of the day of Jehovah, "a day of darkness and gloominess" (2:1-11). - Calls for repentance from the heart, since Jehovah is gracious and merciful (2:12-17). - Promises restored years and the outpouring of Jehovah's Spirit, then judgment on the nations in the valley of Jehoshaphat (2:18–3:21).
Scripture > “and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto Jehovah your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” > — Joel 2:13
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:” — Joel 2:28
A note on dating Joel names no king. The early date used here fits the boy-king Joash's reign, when the priests and elders led Judah, and the enemies named (Tyre, Sidon, Philistia, Egypt, Edom) rather than Assyria or Babylon. Some place the book after the exile instead.
In the New Testament At Pentecost Peter said, "this is that which hath been spoken through the prophet Joel," and quoted 2:28-32 (Acts 2:16-21).
Zechariah son of Jehoiada · 2 Chronicles 24:20-22
Jonah (Jonah; 2 Kings 14:25)
Foretold Jeroboam II's expansion of Israel's borders, then fled from a call to preach to Nineveh. After the great fish, he went, and the city repented.
At a glance - Audience: Nineveh, capital of Assyria; earlier, Jeroboam II and Israel (2 Kings 14:25) - Served under: Jeroboam II of Israel - From: Gath-hepher in Zebulun
Message - Fled toward Tarshish, was thrown overboard, and was swallowed by a great fish prepared by Jehovah (1). - Prayed from the fish's belly: "Salvation is of Jehovah" (2). - Preached that Nineveh would be overthrown in forty days; the king and people fasted in sackcloth, and God relented (3). - Was angry at God's mercy, and was taught by the gourd that Jehovah pities even Israel's enemies (4).
Scripture > “But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that which I have vowed. Salvation is of Jehovah.” > — Jonah 2:9
“And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil which he said he would do unto them; and he did it not.” — Jonah 3:10
“and should not I have regard for Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?” — Jonah 4:11
A note on dating His ministry is fixed by 2 Kings 14:25 in the reign of Jeroboam II. The book is told in the third person and does not say when it was written.
In the New Testament Jesus called his three days and nights in the fish the sign of his own burial, and said the men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment because they repented (Matthew 12:39-41).
Amos (Amos)
A herdsman from Tekoa in Judah sent north to Beth-el. Amid Jeroboam II's prosperity, he condemned the oppression of the poor and empty religious festivals.
At a glance - Audience: The Northern Kingdom, especially its wealthy at Samaria and its shrine at Beth-el - Served under: Jeroboam II of Israel; Uzziah of Judah - Dates: "Two years before the earthquake" (Amos 1:1; compare Zechariah 14:5)
Message - Judgment on the surrounding nations, then on Judah, then on Israel itself (1–2). - Israel sold "the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes" (2:6). - Jehovah hates their feasts while justice is trampled (5:21-24). - Five visions of judgment; Amaziah the priest of Beth-el tells him to go home (7–9). - Closes with the promise that the tabernacle of David will be raised up (9:11-15).
Scripture > “But let justice roll down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” > — Amos 5:24
“Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was a herdsman, and a dresser of sycomore-trees: and Jehovah took me from following the flock, and Jehovah said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.” — Amos 7:14-15
In the New Testament James quotes Amos 9:11-12 at the Jerusalem council as fulfilled in the Gentiles' coming to God (Acts 15:15-17).
Hosea (Hosea)
Told to marry Gomer, who proved unfaithful. His broken marriage became a living picture of Israel's spiritual adultery and of Jehovah's love that would not let go.
At a glance - Audience: The Northern Kingdom (often called Ephraim) in its final decades - Served under: Jeroboam II of Israel; Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah (Hosea 1:1)
Message - His children's names announce judgment: Jezreel, Lo-ruhamah ("not pitied"), and Lo-ammi ("not my people") (1). - He buys back his adulterous wife, as Jehovah will take Israel back (3). - Israel lacks knowledge of God; priests and people alike have forgotten his law (4). - Jehovah desires goodness and the knowledge of God, not mere sacrifice (6:6). - "When Israel was a child, then I loved him" — a father's grief over a wayward son (11).
Scripture > “For I desire goodness, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings.” > — Hosea 6:6
“How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I cast thee off, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboiim? my heart is turned within me, my compassions are kindled together.” — Hosea 11:8
In the New Testament Jesus twice quoted Hosea 6:6, "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice" (Matthew 9:13; 12:7), and Matthew applied 11:1, "Out of Egypt did I call my son," to the child Jesus (Matthew 2:15).
Isaiah (Isaiah)
Called in the year Uzziah died by a vision of Jehovah high and lifted up. Counselor to kings, he foretold Immanuel, the Servant who suffers for sin, and Cyrus by name.
At a glance - Audience: Judah and Jerusalem, with oracles on the surrounding nations - Served under: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah (Isaiah 1:1) - Dates: From the year Uzziah died (6:1) to at least the death of Sennacherib (37:38)
Message - Ahaz feared Syria and Israel; Isaiah urged faith and gave the sign of Immanuel (7). - Hezekiah trusted Jehovah, and the Assyrian army of Sennacherib was struck down outside Jerusalem (36–37). - Foretold the Babylonian exile after Hezekiah showed his treasures to Babylon's envoys (39). - Comfort for the exiles: Jehovah would raise up Cyrus to rebuild Jerusalem (40–48; 44:28). - The Servant of Jehovah would be wounded for our transgressions (52:13–53:12).
Scripture > “And I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, Here am I; send me.” > — Isaiah 6:8
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” — Isaiah 7:14
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5
In the New Testament Isaiah is quoted by name more than any other prophet. John cites 53:1 and 6:10 together and says "These things said Isaiah, because he saw his glory; and he spake of him" (John 12:38-41).
Micah (Micah)
A country prophet from Moresheth who spoke against both capitals, Samaria and Jerusalem. He named Bethlehem as the birthplace of the ruler from everlasting.
At a glance - Audience: Samaria and Jerusalem, especially their rulers, priests, and false prophets - Served under: Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah (Micah 1:1)
Message - Samaria will become a heap; the judgment reaches the gate of Jerusalem (1). - Condemns those who covet fields and seize houses, and the leaders who judge for reward (2–3). - Zion will be plowed as a field (3:12) — but in the latter days the mountain of Jehovah's house will be exalted (4:1-5). - A ruler will come out of Bethlehem Ephrathah (5:2). - What Jehovah requires: to do justly, love kindness, and walk humbly with God (6:8).
Scripture > “But thou, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” > — Micah 5:2
“He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God?” — Micah 6:8
Remembered later A century on, elders defended Jeremiah by citing Micah's warning in Hezekiah's day, and how Hezekiah repented (Jeremiah 26:17-19). The chief priests quoted 5:2 to Herod when the wise men came (Matthew 2:5-6).
Oded · 2 Chronicles 28:9-15
Nahum (Nahum)
About a century after Jonah, Nineveh had returned to its cruelty. Nahum announced its final fall: Jehovah is slow to anger, but will by no means clear the guilty.
At a glance - Audience: Nineveh, capital of Assyria; a word of comfort to Judah - Served under: The book names no king. It was written after the fall of Thebes ("No-amon," 3:8-10) in 663 BC, and before Nineveh fell in 612 BC. - From: Elkosh (1:1)
Message - Jehovah is a jealous God who avenges, yet a stronghold for those who trust him (1:2-8). - Good tidings for Judah: the yoke of Assyria will be broken (1:13-15). - A vivid vision of Nineveh's siege: chariots in the streets, the river gates opened (2). - "Woe to the bloody city" — no healing for Assyria's wound (3).
Scripture > “Jehovah is slow to anger, and great in power, and will by no means clear the guilty: Jehovah hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.” > — Nahum 1:3
“Jehovah is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that take refuge in him.” — Nahum 1:7
Zephaniah (Zephaniah)
A descendant of King Hezekiah who warned of the great day of Jehovah, likely helping to prepare the way for Josiah's reforms.
At a glance - Audience: Judah and Jerusalem, with oracles against Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Ethiopia, and Assyria - Served under: Josiah (Zephaniah 1:1) - Family: Great-great-grandson of Hezekiah (1:1)
Message - The day of Jehovah is near: a day of wrath against those who worship Baal and the host of heaven (1). - "Seek ye Jehovah, all ye meek of the earth"; perhaps they will be hidden in that day (2:3). - Jerusalem has not received correction (3:1-7). - A remnant will be gathered, and Jehovah will rejoice over his people with singing (3:12-20).
Scripture > “The great day of Jehovah is near, it is near and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of Jehovah; the mighty man crieth there bitterly.” > — Zephaniah 1:14
“Jehovah thy God is in the midst of thee, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love; he will joy over thee with singing.” — Zephaniah 3:17
A note on dating The oracles against Baal worship (1:4-5) suggest the early years of Josiah, before his great reform of 622 BC.
Jeremiah (Jeremiah; Lamentations)
The weeping prophet. For forty years he warned Judah to submit to Babylon, was beaten, imprisoned, and thrown in a pit, and lived to see Jerusalem fall.
At a glance - Audience: Judah and Jerusalem, and the nations (1:5) - Served under: Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah; then Gedaliah the governor - From: Anathoth, of a priestly family (1:1) - Dates: From Josiah's thirteenth year (1:2) to after he was taken to Egypt (43–44)
Message - Preached at the temple gate that the temple would not save them while they broke the covenant (7; 26). - Foretold seventy years of servitude to Babylon (25:11-12; 29:10). - Jehoiakim cut his scroll with a penknife and burned it; Jeremiah dictated it again (36). - Promised a new covenant written on the heart (31:31-34). - Bought a field at Anathoth during the siege as a sign that the land would be restored (32).
Scripture > “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee; I have appointed thee a prophet unto the nations.” > — Jeremiah 1:5
“Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of Jehovah, the temple of Jehovah, the temple of Jehovah, are these.” — Jeremiah 7:4
“Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:” — Jeremiah 31:31
In the New Testament Hebrews quotes the new covenant of 31:31-34 at length as fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 8:8-12).
Huldah (2 Kings 22:14-20; 2 Chronicles 34:22-28)
When the book of the law was found in the temple, Josiah's officials went to Huldah the prophetess. She confirmed its judgments, but promised Josiah peace in his day.
At a glance - Audience: King Josiah, through Hilkiah the high priest and his officials - Served under: Josiah, in his eighteenth year - Lived: In Jerusalem, in the second quarter; wife of Shallum, keeper of the wardrobe (22:14)
Message - All the curses of the book would come on Jerusalem, because they had forsaken Jehovah (22:15-17). - Because Josiah humbled himself and wept, he would be gathered to his grave in peace before the evil came (22:18-20). - Her word led to the reading of the covenant before all the people and to Josiah's sweeping reform (23:1-25).
Scripture > “because thy heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before Jehovah, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith Jehovah.” > — 2 Kings 22:19
Habakkuk (Habakkuk)
Asked God why he let wickedness go unpunished, and was told the Chaldeans were coming. He waited on his watchtower and learned that the righteous shall live by faith.
At a glance - Audience: Judah; the book is a dialogue between the prophet and Jehovah - Served under: The book names no king. The Chaldeans are about to rise (1:5-6), which suggests the reign of Jehoiakim, before Nebuchadnezzar first came against Jerusalem in 605 BC.
Message - First complaint: how long will violence and injustice go on in Judah? (1:2-4) - Answer: Jehovah is raising up the Chaldeans (1:5-11). - Second complaint: how can a holy God use a nation more wicked than Judah? (1:12–2:1) - Answer: the vision will surely come; woe to the proud oppressor; the righteous shall live by faith (2). - A closing prayer of trust in Jehovah even if every crop fails (3).
Scripture > “Behold, his soul is puffed up, it is not upright in him; but the righteous shall live by his faith.” > — Habakkuk 2:4
“For though the fig-tree shall not flourish, Neither shall fruit be in the vines; The labor of the olive shall fail, And the fields shall yield no food; The flock shall be cut off from the fold, And there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in Jehovah, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” — Habakkuk 3:17-18
In the New Testament Paul builds on 2:4 in teaching justification by faith (Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11), and Hebrews quotes it as well (Hebrews 10:38).
Uriah son of Shemaiah · Jeremiah 26:20-23
Daniel (Daniel)
Taken to Babylon as a youth, he served at the courts of Babylon and Persia for nearly seventy years, and saw visions of the kingdoms to come and of God's everlasting kingdom.
At a glance - Audience: The kings of Babylon and Persia, and the exiles of Judah - Served under: Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius the Mede, and Cyrus - Dates: From the third year of Jehoiakim (1:1) to the third year of Cyrus (10:1)
Message - Refused to defile himself with the king's food, and God gave him favor and wisdom (1). - Interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the great image: a stone cut without hands would become a kingdom that never ends (2). - His friends were delivered from the fiery furnace (3), and he from the lions' den (6). - Read the handwriting on the wall the night Babylon fell (5). - Prayed over Jeremiah's seventy years and received the vision of the seventy weeks (9).
Scripture > “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s dainties, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” > — Daniel 1:8
“And in the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall the sovereignty thereof be left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.” — Daniel 2:44
In the New Testament Jesus spoke of "the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet" (Matthew 24:15), and took up the title Son of man from Daniel 7:13 (Matthew 26:64).
Ezekiel (Ezekiel)
A priest carried to Babylon with King Jehoiachin. By the river Chebar he saw the glory of Jehovah, watched it depart the temple, and later saw dry bones live.
At a glance - Audience: The exiles in Babylon, at Tel-abib by the river Chebar (3:15); with oracles on Jerusalem and the nations - Served under: In exile; dates his visions by "king Jehoiachin's captivity" (1:2), while Zedekiah reigned in Jerusalem - Dates: From the fifth year of the captivity (593 BC) to the twenty-seventh (29:17)
Message - Called as a watchman to Israel: warn the wicked, or answer for their blood (3:16-21; 33). - Acted out the siege of Jerusalem with a clay tile, lying on his side, and rationed food (4–5). - Saw the glory of Jehovah leave the temple because of the idolatry there (8–11). - Each soul answers for its own sin (18). - After the news of Jerusalem's fall: a new heart, the valley of dry bones, and a vision of a new temple (36–48).
Scripture > “the word of Jehovah came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of Jehovah was there upon him.” > — Ezekiel 1:3
“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.” — Ezekiel 36:26
“Again he said unto me, Prophesy over these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of Jehovah.” — Ezekiel 37:4
Lamentations (Lamentations)
Jeremiah's five laments over Jerusalem in ruins. At their center, in the darkest place, stands the confession that Jehovah's compassions are new every morning.
At a glance - Audience: The survivors of Jerusalem's fall, and all who mourned it - Setting: After Nebuchadnezzar's army burned the temple and the city, and Zedekiah was blinded and taken to Babylon (2 Kings 25:1-21) - Author: The book does not name its writer. The Greek Old Testament introduces it as Jeremiah's, and Jewish and Christian tradition have received it so; he was known for lamenting (2 Chronicles 35:25).
Message - The city sits solitary like a widow; her friends have betrayed her (1). - Jehovah has done what he purposed, for Jerusalem sinned grievously (2:17; 1:8). - In the midst of affliction, hope: Jehovah's lovingkindnesses and faithfulness (3:21-33). - Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to Jehovah (3:40). - A closing prayer: "Turn thou us unto thee, O Jehovah" (5:21).
Scripture > “How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people! She is become as a widow, that was great among the nations! She that was a princess among the provinces is become tributary!” > — Lamentations 1:1
“It is of Jehovah’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22-23
Haggai (Haggai; Ezra 5:1)
Eighteen years after the return, the temple's foundation lay neglected while the people built their own houses. Haggai roused them, and within a month the work resumed.
At a glance - Audience: Zerubbabel the governor, Joshua the high priest, and the returned remnant - Served under: Darius I of Persia, in his second year (1:1) - Dates: Four messages, all within about four months of 520 BC
Message - "Consider your ways": they sowed much and brought in little because Jehovah's house lay waste (1:2-11). - The people obeyed, and Jehovah stirred their spirit to work (1:12-15). - The new house looked like nothing beside Solomon's, but its latter glory would be greater (2:1-9). - Jehovah would make Zerubbabel as a signet ring (2:20-23).
Scripture > “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your ceiled houses, while this house lieth waste?” > — Haggai 1:4
“The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, saith Jehovah of hosts; and in this place will I give peace, saith Jehovah of hosts.” — Haggai 2:9
“Now the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem; in the name of the God of Israel prophesied they unto them.” — Ezra 5:1
Zechariah (Zechariah; Ezra 5:1)
Haggai's younger colleague. Through eight night visions and later oracles he encouraged the rebuilding and looked ahead to a king coming to Zion, lowly and riding on a donkey.
At a glance - Audience: The returned remnant in Jerusalem, Zerubbabel, and Joshua the high priest - Served under: Darius I of Persia (1:1; 7:1) - Family: Son of Berechiah, son of Iddo, of a priestly family (1:1; Nehemiah 12:16)
Message - "Return unto me, saith Jehovah of hosts, and I will return unto you" (1:3). - Eight night visions: the horsemen, the measuring line, Joshua clothed in clean garments, the lampstand and the two olive trees, and more (1–6). - Fasting means nothing without justice and mercy (7–8). - The coming king, the thirty pieces of silver, the one they pierced, and the day when Jehovah will be king over all the earth (9–14).
Scripture > “Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of Jehovah unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith Jehovah of hosts.” > — Zechariah 4:6
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy king cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, even upon a colt the foal of an ass.” — Zechariah 9:9
A note on dating Chapters 1–8 are dated to 520–518 BC. Chapters 9–14 carry no date and may come from later in his life, which is why this card's range runs on.
In the New Testament Jesus' entry into Jerusalem fulfilled 9:9 (Matthew 21:4-5; John 12:14-15).
Malachi (Malachi)
The last prophet of the Old Testament. The temple stood again, but worship had grown careless. He promised a messenger to prepare the way, and Elijah before the great day.
At a glance - Audience: The priests and people of Judah under Persian rule - Served under: A Persian governor (1:8); no king is named - Dates: The temple is rebuilt and the problems he confronts (marriage to foreign wives, withheld tithes) are those of Nehemiah's day (Nehemiah 13), which suggests about 430 BC.
Message - "I have loved you, saith Jehovah" — and Israel answers, "Wherein hast thou loved us?" (1:2) - Priests offer blind and lame animals and despise Jehovah's table (1:6-14). - Jehovah hates putting away; let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth (2:14-16). - "Will a man rob God?" Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse (3:8-10). - A book of remembrance for those who fear him, and the promise of Elijah before the day of Jehovah (3:16–4:6).
Scripture > “Behold, I send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant, whom ye desire, behold, he cometh, saith Jehovah of hosts.” > — Malachi 3:1
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Jehovah come.” — Malachi 4:5
Looking ahead After Malachi, no prophet spoke for some four hundred years, until John the Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17; Matthew 11:10-14).