The Major Prophets:

Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel

 Isaiah
Structure and Outline
• Book of Judgment Chapters 1—35
– Intro to Prophecies of Isaiah Chap. 1
– Prophecies to Jerusalem & Judah Chap. 2-12
– Oracles Against the Nations Chap. 13-23
– The Little Apocalypse Chap. 24-27
– Prophecies Concerning Judah Chap. 28-33
– Coming Judgment and Salvation Chap. 34-35
• Historical Interlude Chapters 36—39
• Book of Comfort Chapters 40—66
– Deliverance from Babylon Chap. 40-48
– Israel’s Glorious Future Chap. 49-55
– Oracles of Judgment & Redemption Chap. 56-59
– Salvation of Zion Chap. 60-66
 Isaiah
• What Is Isaiah?
“The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw
concerning Judah and Jerusalem.” (1:1)
The book contains Isaiah’s prophetic words (“The word
that Isaiah . . . saw,” 2:1) as well as some historical
details from his life and times.
Chapters 1-39 deal with the Assyrian threat from the early
700’s B.C. Chapters 40-55 are concerned with events
in the time of the Babylonian exile (6th Century B.C.).
Chapters 56-66 contain prophecies about all times until
the end. Isaiah’s ministry began with his calling in the
year King Uzziah died (740 B.C.), and he recorded the
death of Sennacherib in 681 B.C. (37:38)
 Isaiah
• Who Wrote Isaiah?
Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of kings Uzziah, Jotham,
Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah. Some scholars believe that the
different tone and setting of chapters 40-66 indicate that those
chapters were penned by one or two other people who lived
later than Isaiah. However, the best evidence suggests that
Isaiah himself is responsible for all the content. Not only does
coherence of thought and language appear throughout, but
Jesus and the writers of the New Testament believed Isaiah to
be the author (In John 12:41, for example, Jesus attributes
quotes from Isaiah 6:10 and 53:1 to Isaiah the prophet).
 Isaiah
• Why Was Isaiah Written?
Through Isaiah, God warned His people of impending
judgment for sin as well as future restoration. Ultimately,
however, the book is about God. He is seen as sovereign
over nations, manipulating kings and nations for his
gracious purpose of fulfilling His promises to His people.
Not only does God show significant concern for His own
glory, but the book of Isaiah is laced with promises of a
future Messiah through the line of David—a Savior for
all people who will one day provide a new world where
sin and sorrow are forgotten.
 Who Was Isaiah the Prophet?
• The Person: Born to Amoz between 770-760 B.C.
Married to a prophetess
2 sons: Sheer Jashub– “a remnant will return”
Maher-Shalal-Hash-baz: “Swift is the spoil, speedy is the prey”

• The Call: 742 BC But he likely ministered prior to this call

• Final Ministry: 700 BC with the Syro-Ephraimitic Crisis

• Events During His Ministry

Syro- Ephraimitic Crisis Destruction of Samaria Ashdod Rebellion

• His Death: tradition says that Manasseh had him sawn in two
 Key Passages in Isaiah
• Isaiah 6: The Call to Ministry
Following the death of King Uzziah,
Isaiah goes to pray at the Temple in Jerusalem.
– Isaiah is Uncertain of the Future
• He Sees God On His Throne
– Isaiah Is Worried That His World is a Mess
• Angels Remind Him of God’s Glory
– Isaiah is Worried About His Sin and the People’s Sin
• God is 3X Holy (Holy, Holy, Holy)
• Isaiah is pronounced guiltless
• Isaiah is sent to bear God’s messages
 Key Passages in Isaiah
Isaiah 40: The Comfort Chapter
• Gives comfort for people who will soon endure captivity
• Emphasizes the Eternal Nature of God
– “People are grass, the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of
our God stands forever.”
• Emphasizes the Kindness/ Compassion of God
– “He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms”
– “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak”
• Emphasizes the Limitless Power of God
– Read verses 12-14
• Emphasizes the Unmatched Greatness of God
– “What image will you compare Him to?” (17)
 The Message of Isaiah
adapted from Mark Dever’s The Message of the Old Testament

• The Problem with Judah: Misplaced Trust

– Judah trusted other kings
– Judah trusted other gods
– Judah trusted themselves
• The Solution: Trust In God
– Trust in God’s coming judgment
– Trust in God’s deliverance Messiah = Anointed One
– Trust in God’s Future Messiah: The Servant/ King
• Isaiah 9:6-7 Isaiah 11:1-10
• Isaiah 42:1-9; 49:1-6; 50:4-9; 52:13-53:12,
 The Suffering Servant
• Servant Described: Acclaimed By God (13)
Abused By enemies (14)
Admired By Nations (15)

• Unlikely Beginning: Rejected (53:1)

Ignored (2)
Despised (3)

• Servant’s Victorious Suffering: He bore our sorrow (4)

He died in our place (5)
He carried our iniquity (6)
 Key Passages in Isaiah
Isaiah 52:13—53:12 The Song of the Suffering Servant

• Servant Sacrificed: Voluntary Death (7)

Vicarious Death (8)
Honorable Burial (9)

• Servant’s Ultimate Triumph: Victory Beyond Death (10)

Provision/ Justification (11)
Victory Over Death (12)
 Jeremiah
Structure and Outline
• Introduction/ Jeremiah’s Call Chapter1
• Judah’s Unfaithfulness Chapters 2—10
• Jeremiah’s Struggles Chapters 11—20
• Messages of Confrontation Chapters 20—29
• Restoration of Israel & Judah Chapters 30—33
• Judgment Chapters 34—51
• The Fall of Jerusalem Chapter 52
 Jeremiah
• What Is Jeremiah?
The book of Jeremiah begins:
“The words of Jeremiah, the son of Hilkiah . . .
to whom the word of the LORD came.”
What follows are not only the prophecies of Jeremiah, but
also descriptions of visions God gave him and details
about the struggles and difficulties resulting from his
ministry. Therefore, the book contains historical narrative,
autobiography, and messages to both individuals and
nations. Much, if not all of the content was dictated to
Jeremiah’s scribe, Baruch.
 Jeremiah
• Who Was Jeremiah?
Jeremiah was called by God when he was a “youth”—a
man young enough that he was still dependent on his
parents. This calling came in 627 B.C., the thirteenth
year of the reign of Judah’s King Josiah. He prophesied
until the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.
Jeremiah is frequently called the “weeping prophet,” both
because of his persistent message of judgment and the
continual opposition he faced. His 40-year ministry was
marked by conflict and internal struggle.
 Jeremiah
• Why Was Jeremiah Written?
The book of Jeremiah focuses on covenant faithfulness. In
chapter 2, God recalls the former devotion of His people,
the impending judgment being a direct result of their
breaking the covenant. Though God continually calls
His people to repent, through Jeremiah He foretells of
the certain judgment coming from the Babylonians.
The people, however, choose to listen to the more
palatable message of the false prophets. Nevertheless,
God also promises restoration and tells of the day of a
new covenant that cannot be broken. In fact, though God
confronts the sin of His people and other nations, the new
covenant will be international in scope.
 The Message of Jeremiah
• Jeremiah is best seen as a collection of speeches rather than
a book with an intro, body, and conclusion.

• Whereas Isaiah’s message clearly focused on “Trust in God’s

Promise of Restoration,” Jeremiah more clearly focuses on
“God’s Justice”

• Jeremiah is grouped thematically rather than

chronologically
 Jeremiah’s Background
• Born in Anathoth, north of Jerusalem, to Hilkiah, priest of Anathoth.

• He was known as the “weeping prophet”

• Jeremiah was regularly attacked by his close relatives and neighbors, and
other prophets likely because of his support of Josiah’s reforms.

• He is believed to have been around the same age as Josiah

• He was called by the LORD at a young age and was reluctant at first,
much like Moses.

• He served the Lord through the reigns of kings Josiah, Jehoiakim, and
Zedekiah of Judah (until the exile).
• By God’s command, Jeremiah never married or had children (symbolic of
barrenness of a land under God’s judgment).
 Jeremiah’s Call & Early Visions
• Jeremiah 1:4—5 God Personally Chooses Jeremiah
– Yatha Hebrew term referring to personal knowledge rather than factual
– Zurak Hebrew term meaning “formed” (Also in Gen. 2 when God formed man)
– Kodesh Hebrew term meaning “sanctified” (Sounds similar to Hebrew for “holy”)
• Jeremiah 1:6-9 God Listens & Responds to Excuses
– Jeremiah feels inadequate because of his youth
– God promises to send him, be with him, and give him words to speak
• Jeremiah 1:10 God Assigns Jeremiah’s Task
4 Negative and 2 Positive
– To root out + To build
– To pull down + To plant
– To destroy
– To overthrow
 Jeremiah’s Call & Early Visions
• Jeremiah 1:11—12 Jeremiah’s First Vision
– The almond tree serves as a play on words in the Hebrew language
– Sequed = “almond tree” Sequod = “watching”
• Jeremiah 1:13—16 Jeremiah’s Second Vision
– May have occurred long after or immediately after the first vision
– Boiling Pot represents God’s use of foreign nations to destroy Jerusalem
• Jeremiah 1:17—19 Jeremiah Commanded to Serve
– Jeremiah is informed of all who will be against his ministry
– Kings of Judah, princes, priests, the people

Now do you understand why Jeremiah is thought of

to have had emotional issues?
 Key Passages in Jeremiah
• The Temple Sermon Jeremiah 7:1—8:3
This is a call for Religious Reform and a
Pronouncement of Judgment & the Destruction of the Temple
– Interested in Ritual with no Righteousness 7:1-15
• Vs. 4 reflects on the arrogance of the people because of their heritage
• Vs. 9 He condemns all forms of pagan worship
• Vs. 11 is quoted when Jesus cleanses the temple
– Interested in Prayer with no Performance 7:16-20
– Interested in Sacrifice with no Relationship 7:21-26
– Interested in Hearing but not Listening 7:27-8:3
 Key Passages in Jeremiah
• The Potter’s House
– The Intention of the Potter
– The Grief of the Potter
– The Power of the Potter
– The Purpose of the Vessel
Jeremiah 18
God has a purpose for every creation
God is grieved at the sin of creation
God can choose to bless or to curse
God remakes for a specific purpose

• The Broken Pot Jeremiah 19

– Buying the Pot
– The Tophet Sermon
– Breaking the Pot
Jeremiah speaks against their child sacrifice and
pagan worship rituals, prophesying that the
valley will become a valley of slaughter.
Symbolic of God breaking the people beyond
repair
 Confessions of Jeremiah
A few notes on these confessions (laments)
1. They are real, raw, emotions/ feelings
2. Expression of these feelings is healthy & accepted by God
3. His lamentations are expressed DIRECTLY TO GOD
4. We do not know when they occurred in his ministry
5. Jeremiah’s prayer life brought him closer to God
6. God answers Jeremiah…He does not ignore
 Confessions of Jeremiah
• 1st Confession 11:18—12:6
– Form
• Dialogue with Jeremiah and God
– Jeremiah’s Complaint:
• He’s done what God wanted, but even his own family wants
to kill him
• His problem with the Justice of God
– God’s Response:
• Your enemies will be destroyed
• If you cant keep up with the footmen, how can you handle
the cavalry?
 Confessions of Jeremiah
• 2nd Confession 15:10--21
– Form
• Dialogue with Jeremiah and God
– Jeremiah’s Complaint:
• Everybody hates me. I wish I’d never been born.
• Destroy my enemies. You are a deceitful brook.
– God’s Response:
• Return to Me and I will restore you and you can serve Me
– Be my true messenger
– Not conform to the crowd
– Make you a fortified wall
– I am with you
 Confessions of Jeremiah
• 3rd Confession 17:14-18
– Form
• Bitter Monologue
– Jeremiah’s Complaint:
• Don’t let me be put to shame.
• Destroy them twice
– God’s Response:
• (silence)
 Confessions of Jeremiah
• 4th Confession 18:18—23
– Form
• More Bitter Monologue
– Jeremiah’s Complaint:
• Intercession becomes Anger
– God’s Response:
• (silence)
 Confessions of Jeremiah
• 5th Confession 20:7—18
– Form
• Most Bitter Monologue
– Jeremiah’s Complaint:
• He has been seduced and raped by God (Job syndrome)
– God’s Response:
• (silence)
– Jeremiah’s Conclusion
• I want to quit but I can’t. Vs.9
 The LORD’s New Covenant
Jeremiah 31:31-34

• 4 ways the Old and New Covenant Are Alike

(Old Covenant being the Sinai Covenant)

1. Both originate with God’s Action

2. Both have the same purposes
3. Both have the Law as the center
4. Both are made with the House of Israel
 The LORD’s New Covenant
Jeremiah 31:31-34
• 6 ways the Old and New Covenants Differ
1. Involves new man created by divine action
2. Written on their hearts
3. Past apostacy is replaced by complete fidelity
4. Offered to ALL PEOPLE
5. Emphasis on the individual
6. God’s Forgiveness is Central
 Ezekiel
Structure and Outline
• Judgment on Judah & Jerusalem Chapters1—24
Ezekiel’s Call 1:1—3:21
Signs of Judgment 3:22—5:17
Oracles of Judgment 6:1—7:27
Visions of Judgment 8—11
Signs and Oracles of Judgment 12—19
Oracles of Judgment 20—24
• Judgment on Foreign Nations Chapters 25—32
[Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, Egypt]
• Restoration of Israel Chapters 33—48
Oracles of Salvation 33—36
Vision of New Life 37:1—14
Sign of the Royal Scepter 37:15—28
Victory Over Gog 38—39
Visions of the New Temple & Repossessed Land 40—48
 Ezekiel
• What Is Ezekiel?
“In the thirtieth year . . . the word of the LORD came to Ezekiel”
(1:1-3). And so begins one of the longest and most fascinating
books in the Bible (only Genesis, Psalms, and Jeremiah are
longer). The book is filled with strong language and vivid
imagery. In addition to several detailed visions (1:4-3:15; 8:1-
11:25; 37:1-14; 40:1-43:12), Ezekiel announces both judgment
and hope using what is referred to as “street theatre,” in which
he would act out symbolic messages (4:1-5:17; 12:3-6; 24:16-
18; 37:16-17), striking parables (24:1-14), and analogies
that were at times harsh and graphic (16:1-58; 23:1-49).
 Ezekiel
• Who Was Ezekiel?
Ezekiel ben Buzi was a prophet and a priest, but he never served
in the temple, as his entire ministry was to the people of Judah
living in Babylon. He was raised in Palestine (likely in
Jerusalem). When Babylon first deported many of the Jews in
597 B.C., Ezekiel was one of the exiles. His call from God
came in 593 B.C., and his last recorded message was in 571
B.C.
He was happily married (24:16) but his wife died suddenly. The
Judean elders in exile would come to Ezekiel’s home for
counsel.
 Ezekiel
• Why Was Ezekiel Written?
Even though Ezekiel was part of the first wave of exiles (11
years before the fall of Jerusalem) and lived in Babylon, he
proclaimed a message of judgment against the Jews for their
blatant rebellion against God as evidenced in their idolatry and
immorality. However, after Jerusalem fell in 586 B.C., his
message to God’s people was one of hope. He spoke of a
future return to the promised land, but even more importantly,
of a coming eternal covenant which would bring new and
eternal life.
 The Message of Ezekiel
• Whereas Isaiah’s message clearly focused on “Trust in God’s
Promise of Restoration,” and Jeremiah’s message more
clearly focuses on “God’s Justice,” Ezekiel’s message focuses
on Judgment and Restoration
• The first half of Ezekiel’s book is filled with God’s judgment
against his people, even though Ezekiel’s audience was
already in exile.
• The book turns in chapter 24 when Ezekiel learns that the
siege of Jerusalem has begun and Jerusalem has fallen.
• The remainder of the book then turns to providing hope for
the exiled nation of God’s people.
 Ezekiel’s Dramatic Action Prophecies
taken from Lasor, Hubbard and Bush
• Ezekiel 4:1—3
– Action: Sketches Jerusalem on a brick
– Meaning: The city will be put to siege.
• Ezekiel 4:4—8
– Action: lies on left side 390 days; lies on right side 40 days
– Meaning: The years of iniquity and punishment for Judah
• Ezekiel 4:9—17
– Action: Eats exile’s rations
– Meaning: Jerusalem’s starvation diet when the siege occurs
• Ezekiel 5:1—12
– Action: Shaves head w/ sword; weighs/divides hair; burns 1 portion
smites 2nd portion w/ sword; scatters 3rd portion to the winds
– Meaning: The smallness of the escaping remnant amidst the
thoroughness of the judgment
 Ezekiel’s Dramatic Action Prophecies
taken from Lasor, Hubbard and Bush
• Ezekiel 12:1—12
– Action: Digs through a wall & takes exile’s baggage with him
– Meaning: The exile is an inescapable reality, the people should prepare
• Ezekiel 21:18—23
– Action: Marks out route for Babylonian army w/ crossroads that
forces the king to cast lost to decide which road to take
– Meaning: God will determine the itinerary of the Babylonian troops
and it will lead inevitably to Jerusalem.
• Ezekiel 25:15—24
– Action: Loses his wife in her sudden death (prophesied by Yahweh)
– Meaning: The chosen people, the delight of Yahweh’s eyes, will be lost
in death or exile.
 Key Passages in Ezekiel
• The Call & Commission of Ezekiel Chapters 1—3
– Ezekiel is able to describe this vision is full detail except for the Glory
of God. He is inadequate to do it justice.
– He is called to minister to the stubborn and rebellious children (2:3-6)

• The Heart of Flesh Chapter 11

– Begins with a strong word of judgment and condemnation against
Jerusalem.
– Ezekiel cries out to God asking if He will end all the remnant
– God declares he will be with them in their exile and will gather them
again back to Israel.
– God will take away their heart of stone and give a new spirit and a
heart of flesh so that “they can walk in My statutes…and do them.”
– “They will be My people and I shall be their God.”
 Key Passages in Ezekiel
• The Valley of Dry Bones Chapters 37
– Ezekiel is taken to a valley of bones (physically or subconsciously?)
– God asks, “Can these bones live?”
– Ezekiel answers, “O, Lord God, You know.”
– God tells him to prophesy. He does and the Word of God causes the
bones began to be covered w/ flesh, but no life.
– God then tells Ezekiel to prophesy to the “breath,” and he does.
– Then from the four winds the breath came into them bringing life.
– The bones represent the people of Israel. It’s a prophesy of hope.