Isaiah

Author
Isaiah, son of Amoz.

Date
It was written during the ministry of Isaiah during the reign of the kings Ahaz to Hezekiah. 740 - 681 B.C.

Main purposes and themes

Isaiah was a prophet to the nation of Judah but includes in his writings prophetic words to Israel and the Gentile nations.
and to the whole world. Prophesies during historical changes in the nation of Israel and Judah. Israel and Syria are
destroyed by the Assyrians and Judah remains the only power in Palestine although paying tribute to Assyria. Isaiah
he has a ministry to the kings of Judah from Uzziah to Hezekiah.

Isaiah prophesies a message of repentance and judgment to Jerusalem. He predicts the fall and exile of Judah at the hands of
the Babylonians. In addition to this message of destruction, Isaiah gives words of hope to the faithful
talking about a future restoration of a remnant. Amidst this, there are great messianic prophecies that
they speak of the future savior of the whole world.

Key verses
Fortousachildisborn,tousasonisgiven;andthegovernmentwilbeonhisshoulders.AndhewilbecalledWonderfulCounselor,MightyGod,EverlastingFather,PrinceofPeace.Ofthegreatnessofhisgovernmentandpeacetherewilbenoend.HewilreignonDavid'sthroneandoverhiskingdom,establishingandupholdingitwithjusticeandrighteousnessfromthattimeonandforever.ThezealoftheLordAlmightywilaccomplishthis.

Outline
Isaiah.

I. Words of judgment. (c. 1-39).

1. Day of the Lord and Judah. (c. 1-5).
2. Day of the Lord and Israel. (c. 7-12).
3. Against nations. (c. 13-23).
4. Day of the Lord. (c. 24-27).
5. Six "ays". (c. 28-33).
6. Restored Zion. (c. 34-35).
7. History. (c. 36-39).

II. Words of encouragement. (c. 40-66).

1. Supremacy of the Lord. (c. 40-48).
2. Servant of the Lord. (c. 49-52).
3. The challenge of the Lord. (c. 53-66).

Summary
Isaiah can be divided into two sections. The first is dedicated to warning Judah of its destruction if not
return to God repentant. Prophesy the judgment of God over Judah, Israel, and over 10 Gentile nations. During his
long ministry presence to the kingdom of the north fall to the hands of Assyria and also predicts the fall of Judah. His message
It is about calling Judah to repentance and warning him of his sins and imminent destruction. He prophesies judgment.
of God over various pagan nations including Assyria and Babylon, empires that did not last long.

This book is full of messianic prophecies, talking about the birth of Jesus, his identity as the Messiah and his
paper as the Lamb of God, savior of the world. Prophesy to the remnant that they will finally be restored.

Application
God is not partial to people or nations. We see his holy judgment declared by the prophet. He will judge the nations.
starting with his chosen people. In the middle of this message we see his love, mercy, and compassion. He does not want
destroy them, wants to finally gather them from the ends of the earth and restore a remnant to fulfill his
pact with them. God invites the thirsty to seek Him at all times.

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Jeremiah

Author
Jeremiah, prophet and priest.

Date
It was written during the time before the fall of Jerusalem and during the early years of the exile to Babylon. 627-
585 BC

Main purposes and themes

Jeremiah is a prophet who had a main message... repent and return to God with all your heart. He speaks
of the moral and spiritual condition of the nation and of its destruction if they do not leave their sin.

Key verses
Your own wickedness will correct you, and your apostasies will reprove you. Know, therefore, and see that it is evil and bitter for you to forsake the Lord your God, and the fear of me is not in you, says the Lord God of hosts.
Your wickedness will punish you, your unfaithfulness will accuse you. Think about how bad and bitter it is to forsake the Lord.
You are God and do not feel afraid of me, says the Lord, the Lord Almighty.

Outline
Jeremiah.

I. The calling of Jeremiah. (c. 1).

II. The sin of Judah. (c. 2-6).

III. The temple, the law, and the covenant. (c. 7-12).

IV. Imminent destruction. (c. 13-18).

V. Confront the leaders. (c. 19-29).

VI. Promise of restoration. (c. 30-33).

VII. Disintegration of the kingdom. (c. 34-39).

VIII. Judgment of God. (c. 40-45).

IX. God judges the nations. (c. 46-52).

Summary
Jeremiah was a prophet under five kings, starting with King Josiah to Zedekiah. The nation of Judah was
morally and spiritually decaying and finally was conquered and destroyed by Babylon in the year 586 BC.
Jeremiah continually warned the nation that the temple would be destroyed. Later, in the first chapters,
it speaks of the sinful condition of Judah and says that neither the temple, nor the law, nor the covenants of God will be able to protect them.
from its imminent destruction.

His message is one of regret that was not taken into account. Jeremiah predicted the total destruction of
Jerusalem. This event is described in chapter 39. Chapters 40-45 describe the events that follow.
this destruction. The book ends with prophecies directed at various nations. Perhaps he was the most rejected prophet of
the history of Israel. Not only did they ignore his divine message, but he also suffered greatly for his obedience.
to God. Despite his personal rejection and suffering, Jeremiah lived to see many of his prophecies
fulfilled.

Application
God's message through His prophets is clear, repent and turn back to God or punishment will come. God is
a merciful and patient God, but if we persist in sin, His anger and punishment come. Obedience is necessary.
and specifically pay attention to their prophets and their message.

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Lamentations

Author
Jeremiah.

Date
It was written after the fall of Jerusalem and during the early years of the exile to Babylon. 586 B.C.

Main purposes and themes

The author reflects on the terrible calamity of Jerusalem and acknowledges that it is the judgment of God foretold against it.
from a rebellious town. The main purpose is to teach that disobedience to God invites God's punishment.

The main themes are the destruction of Jerusalem, the consequence of sin, and hope in mercy.
of God.

Key verses
Lamentations 2:11
The crying consumes my eyes; I feel a deep agony. I'm in a very low mood because my people have
has been destroyed. Children and infants are fainting in the streets of the city.

Outline
Jeremiah.

I. Desolation of Jerusalem. (c. 1).

II. The wrath of God. (c. 2).

III. Suffering. (c. 3).

IV. Jerusalem. (c. 4).

V. Sentence. (c. 5).

Summary
The two books of Jeremiah have a focus... the destruction of Jerusalem. Jeremiah predicts it, Lamentations does.
contemplate later. This book is known as the book of tears. The prophet mourns for the condition of
Israel, the destruction and suffering. God through the prophet mourns also for his beloved people.

Jeremiah, in the last chapter, cries out to God for mercy and restoration.

Application
God is faithful to fulfill His promises, even the promises of punishment. There is a limit to God's patience, after all,
If there is no repentance, God punishes evil. We see a God who suffers when His children suffer.

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Ezequiel

Author
Ezekiel, prophet and priest.

Date
It was written during the time before the fall of Jerusalem and during the early years of the exile of King Jehoiachin.
Babylon, during the reign of the last king, Zedekiah. 593-571 BC.

Main purposes and themes

The message was to announce to the exiles the judgment of God that would fall upon Jerusalem. It also predicts the future salvation and
restoration of the people of God.

Key verses
For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

Outline
Ezequiel.

I. Vision of Ezekiel. (c. 1-3).

II. Trial over Jerusalem. (c. 4-24).

1. Prophecies of destruction.
2. Vision of the temple.
3. Messages of judgment.

III. Destinies of nations. (c. 25-39).

1. Judgments of the Gentiles.
2. Restoration of Israel.
3. Gog and Magog.

IV The temple, worship, and the city. (c. 40-48).

1. The rebuilt temple.
2. Renewed worship.
3. The divided land and the city of God.

Summary
While Jeremiah was prophesying in Jerusalem, Ezekiel was prophesying in Babylon that the city was going to fall into the hands of
the Babylonians. Just like the Jews in Jerusalem, the exiles did not believe their message, thinking that their captivity
it was going to be short and that they would soon return to their homes.

Ezequiel warned that their sins and idolatry ensured a severe punishment from God and that He was going to purify.
to his people. Ezekiel also condemns the sin of seven pagan nations who claimed that God was not
strong enough to defend His chosen people. God allowed the defeat of Israel to discipline it and the
nations were destined for the same purpose.

After the fall of Jerusalem, the prophet delivered messages of restoration and hope to the people. God is holy but
His temple was desecrated. Through 70 years of exile, God will purify his people. The last vision of Ezekiel.
it has to do with the restoration of the temple and the city of God... really a vision of heaven.

Application
Just like Jeremiah, Ezekiel has a message of God's judgment mainly concerning the nation of Judah. God
He will punish all sin, rebellion, and idolatry, sooner or later.

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Oseas

Author
The prophet Hosea.

Date
Hosea was the last prophet to the nation of Israel. 753-715 BC.

Purposes and main themes

The story of the prophet illustrates God's love for his sinful people.

Key verses
Hosea 3:1.

Outline
Hosea... Unconditional love of God.

I. The life of Hosea and Gomer (the story of Israel in a marriage).

1. Hosea begins his ministry with his marriage. (c. 1).
2. His marriage fails.
3. Your restored marriage. (c. 3).

II. The infidelity of the people of God.

1. There is no truth, loyalty, or knowledge. (c. 4).
2. Vicious cycle of empty religion. (c. 5-7).
3. The trial. (c. 8-10).
4. God mourns for Israel. (c. 11-13).
5. Blessings for true repentance. (c. 14).

Summary
God commands Hosea to marry a prostitute who has been unfaithful to him and who will cause him much anguish. Gomer
she lost interest in her husband and went in search of other lovers, returning to the life of a prostitute.

This prophet is a living parable that illustrates the relationship of God with his beloved people. Likewise, the nation
Israel was unfaithful to God. The relationship between Hosea and Gomer is symbolic of the relationship between God and his people.
chosen. God loves and still seeks those who have been unfaithful. God wanted Israel to return to Him to worship Him and
to serve him but they persisted in their rebellion and sin.

In this book, Israel remains rebellious and ignorant, suffering from this disobedience.

Application
This is a story of God's unconditional love and the disobedience and idolatry of those whom God loves. Just like
Oseas was searching for his unfaithful wife, God pursues us with His love.

His love is tender, loyal, unconditional, and permanent.

Whatever happens, God continues to love us.

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Joel

Author
The prophet Joel, son of Petuel.

Date
Joel was a prophet to Judah. 835-796 B.C.

Main purposes and themes

Joel's ministry was to call Judah to repentance. It indicates that God's judgments are to correct us.
do not destroy us. If his people would return in obedience, God would bless them again. That is why the future blessings
God occupies an important place in the book of Joel.

Key verses
Yet even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.

Outline
Joel... Responding to discipline.

I. The plague of locusts. (c. 1-2:27).

II. Future Blessings of Israel. (c. 2:22-3).

Summary
For Joel, the locust plague was a judgment from God. He called the people to repentance, turning to God. God
He listened to them and promised to forgive them and restore the people. Here in Joel we find the promise of Pentecost that
it is quoted in the book of Acts. Peter declared this prophecy fulfilled on the day when God poured out in Jerusalem
his spirit.

This promise leads Joel to another prophecy concerning God's final judgments on humanity.

Application
We see a God of justice and a God of love and compassion. His promise to pour out His Holy Spirit over the
servants continue to be relevant for us today.

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Amos

Author
The prophet Amos.

Date
Amos was a prophet to the nation of Israel during the reign of Uzziah king of Judah and Jeroboam II, king of Israel. 760-750
B.C.

Main purposes and themes

Amos was sent to an Israel that had strayed from the path of God. Israel was a nation of wickedness, violence.
idolatry, however, they thought they enjoyed the protection and favor of God, simply because they were the
chosen people of God.

The purpose of Amos's ministry was to dispel that illusion, warning them of the judgment of God that was going to fall upon
they because of their sins.

Key Verses
Thus says the Lord: 'For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment; because they sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals— those who trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth, and turn aside the way of the afflicted; a man and his father go in to the same girl, so that my holy name is profaned. They lay themselves down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge, and in the house of their God they drink the wine of those who have been fined.'

Outline
Amos… denunciation of the sins of Israel.

I. God's judgment upon the nations. (c. 1-2).

II. God's Judgment on Israel. (c. 3-6).

III. Visions of the coming judgment. (7-9).

Summary
The upcoming judgment that Amos announces is terrible and designed to call the nations to repentance. This punishment
they come because they have not returned to God nor paid Him any attention. God has punished them for their sins time and again but without a
true repentance. Then their final destruction will come.

Application
The message of the prophets is truly the mercy of God, designed to save His people from the pain of the
destruction. It is necessary to heed God and return to Him with a sincere heart of repentance.

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Obadiah

Author
The prophet Obadiah.

Date
Two possibilities... 853-841 BC or 627-586 BC.

Main purposes and themes

This small prophecy aims to deal with the nation of Edom for its hatred towards Judah. But its prophecy
It is not limited to Edom but to all nations that will receive their deserved punishment while the faithful of God
they enjoy their blessings.

Key verses
Obadiah 15

Outline
Obadiah... judgment of Edom.

Summary
Obadiah begins proclaiming destruction to the inhabitants of Edom. The reason is that when Judah needed their support.
help, Edom did not help. On the contrary, Edom cheered on the invaders to make life difficult for the Jews. Like
result, God says: "As you have done, it will be done to you."

Obadiah connects the judgment on Edom to the final judgments.

Application
God is faithful to fulfill his covenant with us and also to punish his enemies.

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Jonas

Author
Jonas.

Date
During the Assyrian domination in Israel. 785 BC.

Main purposes and themes

Show us how great and vast is the grace and mercy of God.

Key verses
And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than one hundred twenty thousand persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?

Outline
Jonah... The reluctant prophet.

I. Punishment of Jonah. (ch. 1).

II. Prayer of Jonah. (c. 2).

III. Preaching of Jonah. (c. 3).

IV. Complaints of Jonah. (c. 4).

Summary
The book begins with some surprising events. The prophet flees from God and his calling; God reaches him.
and discipline it. Jonah, understanding God's grace and mercy, does not want the Assyrians in Nineveh to experience
his love. Finally, when he goes and preaches to this great city that they repent and God saves them, the fear of
the prophet is confirmed. Jonah presents this complaint before God in the final words of the book.

Application
There are many lessons here. Lessons of obedience: just like the prophet, we have an obligation to obey Him.
God, whatever it costs. This obedience does not mean that we will always agree with God.

God is sovereign over nations and through this story, we understand that His mercy and grace extend to
all.

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Micah

Author
Micah.

Date
It was written during the reign of the kings Ahaz to Hezekiah. 742 - 687 BC.

Main purposes and topics

Micah was a prophet to the nation of Judah with a message of repentance. He offers forgiveness to all who
respond to his voice.

Key verses
Micah 6:8.

Outline
Micah... judgment and mercy.

I. Trial of the capitals. (c. 1-2).

II. Trial of the leaders. (c. 3-5).

III. Trial of the people. (c. 6-7).

Summary
Micah emphasizes the need for justice and peace. As a lawyer, he litigates God's case against Israel.
and Judah, its leaders and its citizens. Interspersed among the lines are prophecies of Jesus the Messiah. He will be their king and their
governor, acting in mercy.

Micah makes it clear that God hates all evil, injustice, idolatry, and empty religion.

Application
God judges all falsehood. He desires sincerity, justice, and goodness. True faith in God produces this goodness.
compassion, justice, and humility.

We can please God when we practice such things in our lives.

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Nahum

Author
Nahum

Date
It was written during the reign of Josiah, king of Judah. 640-600 BC.

Main purposes and themes

Nahum prophesies against Assyria during a prolonged time of oppression by this empire.

Key verses
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.

Outline
Nahum... destruction of Assyria.

I. The judge. (c. 1).

II. The trial. (c. 2-3).

Summary
Nahum accomplishes two things with his prophetic words:

Assyria receives its warning... it is going to be destroyed.

Judah receives comfort knowing that his enemy will be punished.

Application
Anyone who resists God must ultimately face His wrath. No king or government is exempt. No
an individual can hide from their judgment. At the same time, those who remain faithful will enjoy their protection. If
the power of the powerful impresses and intimidates you, remember that only God can rescue us from our fears.

We must trust in God because He is sovereign over all of history.

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Habakkuk

Author
Habakkuk.

Date
It was written during the reign of Josiah king of Judah to Zedekiah king of Israel. 612-588 B.C.

Main purposes and themes

Habakkuk presents God's absolute justice in His dealings with the nations. He is a God who punishes iniquity without
partiality. God has control of the world despite the fact that evil seems to have triumphed.

Key verses
Habakkuk 3:2

Outline
Habakkuk... Imminent punishment from God

I. Conversation with God. (chap. 1-2).

II. Prayer of Habakkuk. (c. 3).

Summary
Habakkuk brings his doubts and questions to God. God responds by explaining His dealings with the nations. Then the prophet
respond with faith and prayer.

Application
We should not be afraid to ask God.

The problem is not with God but within our limits... we do not know or understand everything, God does.

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Zephaniah

Author
Zephaniah.

Date
It was written during the reign of Josiah, king of Judah. 640-621 B.C.

Main purposes and themes

Zephaniah prophesies to Judah to call them to repentance.

The day of judgment is the main theme of the prophet.

Key verses
Zephaniah 2:3.

Outline
Zephaniah... imminent punishment from God.

I. The forthcoming judgment. (c. 1-2:3).

II. Judgment containers. (c. 2:4-3:7).

III. Results of the trial. (c. 3:8-20).

Summary
Zephaniah prophesies during the reign of Josiah, who enacted reforms as a good king. The prophet warns the
people who deny repenting, their entire nation and their city will be destroyed. The people knew that God finally
I was going to bless her but Zephaniah says that first she was going to receive punishment and purification.

The sins of the people of this time are idolatry and indifference.

Application
In order to escape God's punishment, we must listen to Him and heed His words by accepting His correction.

If we accept him as Lord, we can escape his judgment.

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Hageo

Author
Hageo.

Date
It was written during the reconstruction of the temple in the days of Ezra. 520 B.C.

Main purposes and themes

Its purpose is to call the people of Jerusalem to finish the work of rebuilding the temple.

Key verses
Haggai 1:4.

Outline
Haggai... call to service.

I. Reprimand for not finishing the work. (c. 1).

II. Blessings. (c. 2).

Summary
These prophecies have a very specific date. In the year 520 B.C., the temple project was halted. They had set
the foundations and built the altar, but the opposition of the Samaritans stopped the work. This prophet calls them to
to rise up and rid oneself of sins and indifference towards the work of God.

Through Haggai and his contemporary Zechariah, the people were motivated to strive to complete the building of
temple of God. Haggai has a message of provision, peace, and prosperity if they obey God.

The book ends with a prophetic word to Zerubbabel, the governor of Palestine, which has future implications.
in Jesus Christ the eternal king.

Application
God is jealous for His people. Not only is the temple of God at stake here, but the focus of life,
the purpose of this is devotion and obedience to God.

To receive His blessings, we must put Him first in everything and carry out His instructions.

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Zacharias

Author
Zacarias.

Date
It was written during the reconstruction of the temple in the days of Ezra. 520 BC.

Main purposes and themes

Its purpose is to give hope to its people, revealing the future liberation of the people of God.

Key Verses
Zacarías 9:9-10.

Outline
Zachariah... promise of future glory.

I. Visions of judgment and blessing. (c. 1-6).

II. Need for obedience. (c. 7-8).

III. Future glory of Zion. (c. 9-14).

Summary
Zachariah encouraged the people to leave their sin and continue the work of the temple. His visions describe the destruction.
from their enemies and blessings for Jerusalem. God's people must maintain their purity; avoiding
hypocrisy, superficiality, and all sin. Their visions give hope to the Jews.

In addition to giving hope and encouragement, the prophet declares that the enemies of Israel will be punished and that the Jews
they would face difficulties before entering the time of the messianic kingdom.

Application
God wants our devotion in good times and bad. We have to trust Him even when facing difficulties.
Finally, God will reward everyone for what they have done.

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Malachi

Author
Malachi.

Date
He was the last prophet of the Old Testament. He began his ministry as a prophet in the year 430 B.C.

Main purposes and themes

Its purpose is to confront the people with its word and restore their relationship with God. The main themes are the
love of God, the sin of leaders as well as that of the people and the coming of the Lord.

Key verses
Malachi 4:1-2.

Outline
Malachi... God demands repentance and obedience.

I. Sins of the priests. (c. 1-2:9).

II. Sins of the people. (c. 2:10-3:15).

III. The faithful remnant. (c. 3:16-4).

Summary
Malachi rebukes the people and the priesthood for their negligence in worshiping God and their disobedience. Among
others were offering sacrifices of animals with defects. If the priests do not obey, how could the
people obey? They became stumbling blocks and not leaders for the people of God. The people
he was also characterized by being unfaithful, indifferent, and disobedient. It particularly speaks of his hypocrisy and
his habits with tithing.

The book ends with promises of future blessings for the faithful.

Application
What are we offering to God? The best or something flawed? We must give Him the best of our lives.
in honor and obedience to the King of kings. God requires absolute obedience in our lives. If we do it
we will receive your blessings.

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