Page 129 - Advanced OT Survey Revised

iv. Put forth God’s eternal plan and purpose
v. But all Prophecy would ultimately center on Christ (Luke 24:25-27, 44)

Isaiah provides a good example of how a Biblical prophet functioned. Isaiah 37:1-6, 21. 38:1-6, 39:1-8.
God’s prophetic plan has now been completely revealed as Scripture makes clear in Hebrew 1:1-2 and
Rev. 1:1-3, 1:19, 21:25, 22:8-21).

The function of the gift of prophecy today relates to telling forth the truth of God’s word, not foretelling
the future.

1. Time periods and emphasis of biblical prophecy
Four great emphasis of Biblical Prophecy includes:
a. Spiritual conditions of their day (Elijah, Samuel, Isaiah)
b. Babylonian Captivity and return (e.g., Jeremiah)
c. First advent of Christ (e.g., Isaiah)
d. Second advent—judgment followed by blessings of the millennial kingdom (e.g., Zachariah)

The writing prophets functioned for over 400 years from about 840 to 420 BC. Schools of prophets
developed in the time of Samuel (see. 1 Sam. 10:5-10, 19:18-24) and Elijah/Elisha (see 2 Kings 2:1-17).
Prophets continued until the close of the OT. For 400 years silence until John the Baptist, the last OT
prophet, predicted and prepared the way for Christ. Jesus himself as the prophet (see Deut. 18:15-16)
had much to say about his second coming, heaven, hell, etc. during his earthly ministry (Matt. 24:25).
Both Paul (1 TH. 4:13-18) and Peter (2Pe. 3:1-13) also made many prophetic statements but it was the
Apostle John between 90 to 100 AD provided God’s final Prophecy in the book of revelation.

PRE-EXILIC BOOKS OF PROPHECY (Major Prophets) (3 Books)

Isaiah

ISAIAH “YHWH is salvation” (cf. Isa. 8:18)

Date/Setting: late 8th c.- early 7th c. B.C. (Isa. 40-66 disputed), royal court of
Judah during rise of Assyria and demise of Israel (north)

Themes: Retribution (1-39), Restoration (40-55), Righteousness (56-66)

Message: Isaiah rebukes Judah for covenant violations (misplaced trust), warns of judgment on all
YHWH’s enemies, though with hope of restoration under an ideal David (1-39). Shifting his focus to
post-exilic remnant, Isaiah proclaims YHWH’s sovereignty, shown in His prophecy of salvation through
His chosen servants (40-55). But as they await His righteous justice, God’s people need to manifest the
same in their community (56-66).

Brief Summary: The book of Isaiah reveals God’s judgment and salvation. God is “holy, holy, holy”
(Isaiah 6:3), and therefore He cannot allow sin to go unpunished (Isaiah 1:2; 2:11-20; 5:30; 34:1-
2; 42:25). Isaiah portrays God’s oncoming judgment as a “consuming fire” (Isaiah 1:31; 30:33).

At the same time, Isaiah understands that God is a God of mercy, grace, and compassion (Isaiah

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