Major Prophets

The Major Prophets are the four longer Old Testament prophetic books: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. In the Hebrew Bible Lamentations is sometimes grouped with Jeremiah, but here we keep the traditional four. They are set in the divided kingdoms, their fall, the Babylonian exile, and restoration, and they proclaim God’s judgment and salvation and the Messiah.

Background of writing

• Author and inspiration — Each book bears the prophet’s name; Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel wrote under God’s inspiration (2 Tim. 3:16). Jeremiah also includes the records of his secretary Baruch.
• Date — Written over about 200 years, from the late 8th century BC (Isaiah) to the 6th century BC (Ezekiel, Daniel), from the two kingdoms through the Babylonian and Persian exile.
• Historical setting — The fall of the northern kingdom (722 BC), Judah’s fall and the temple’s destruction (586 BC), exile and return, and the rise and fall of Gentile empires. In a time of broken covenant, idolatry, and injustice, the prophets spoke God’s Word.

Purpose of writing

• According to his holiness and justice, God judged sin and idolatry and called for repentance.
• Even in ruin and exile he gave hope: the remnant’s restoration, a new covenant, the coming of the Messiah and his kingdom.
• He showed the rise and fall of Gentile empires and last-days judgment and salvation, declaring that God alone is Lord of history and all things.
• Ultimately this is a word of judgment, repentance, and hope not only for Old Testament Israel but for saints today who hope in salvation through Jesus Christ and in the last days.

Choose a book below to listen to the exposition sermons in order.