The prophets

The prophet Isaiah, one of the best-known in the Bible and among the greatest of the Old Testament, lived in the 8th century B.C., and his ministry spanned a turbulent period in the history of Israel and Judah. He prophesied during the reigns of several kings, including Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. His message ranged from severe condemnations against idolatry and social injustice to comfort and promises of restoration for God’s people.

Isaiah prophesied with remarkable clarity about the coming of the Messiah, who would be Emmanuel, “God with us.” This prophecy, among others, has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ according to the Christian faith, demonstrating his sharp spiritual connection and deep understanding of God’s redemptive plans for humanity.

One of Isaiah’s distinctive characteristics was his profound messianic vision. He prophesied about the coming of a Messiah who would be called “Emmanuel” (God with us) and would be a hope for all nations. Isaiah also described the Suffering Servant, a figure who would bear the sins of the people and suffer in their place to bring redemption and reconciliation with God.

Jeremiah, on the other hand, was a contemporary of Isaiah, but his ministry developed later, during the 7th century B.C. Jeremiah was called by God from a young age, and his message was particularly challenging and often unpopular. He witnessed the fall of Jerusalem and Judah’s exile to Babylon—events he had prophesied as the consequence of the people’s sin and rebellion against God.

Jeremiah is known for his deep emotion and intimate relationship with God. His book contains not only words of judgment and warning, but also comfort and hope in the midst of suffering. He anticipated a new covenant that God would make with His people, written on their hearts, restoring the broken relationship caused by sin.

Ezekiel was taken captive to Babylon in the first deportation in 597 B.C., along with King Jehoiachin and other Jewish leaders. During his time in exile, Ezekiel had an extraordinary visionary experience that transformed his life and marked the beginning of his prophetic ministry. By the banks of the Kebar River, Ezekiel saw a stunning vision of the glory of God, represented by living creatures and wheels within wheels, symbolizing divine majesty and power.

God commissioned Ezekiel to be His spokesperson and messenger among the Jewish exiles in Babylon. Ezekiel delivered messages of both judgment and hope for the people of Israel. He prophesied about the imminent destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple because of the people’s apostasy and rebellion, but he also offered words of comfort and promises of future restoration under God’s new covenant.

Ezekiel used various forms of prophetic communication, including visions, enacted parables, and symbolic actions. For example, he built a model of the siege of Jerusalem and performed acts such as lying on his side for a set number of days to symbolize the punishment of Israel and Judah for their sins.

The central message of Ezekiel is God’s sovereignty over all nations and His commitment to His people despite their disobedience and sin. His ministry is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises and His ability to transform even the most desperate situations into opportunities for restoration and spiritual renewal.

Other prophets such as Daniel, Hosea, and Amos also played important roles in Israel’s history. Each of them was called by God at critical moments to confront sin, proclaim justice, and remind the people of their covenant with God. Their lives and ministries stand as powerful testimonies of God’s faithfulness toward His people and His commitment to restoration and redemption throughout the ages.