Prophets Before the Exile

The Israelites were in trouble. And they had no one to blame but themselves. Rejecting God's instructions for abundant life lived close to him, they went their own way—a way of broken relationships, selfishness and idolatry. Into the midst of Israel's self-caused chaos the prophets came, speaking words of truth and love from God. They weren't powerful or well-known or wealthy; in fact, they came from the fringes of society, from the ranks of those overlooked by most people but seen and deeply loved by God. And they were willing to be used by God, ready to listen for his voice, faithful to deliver it. They were also creative, using poetry and songs to deliver some of the hardest as well as most tender words of God recorded in Scripture. Their message is one we desperately need today in the chaos of our world: Love God. Do justice. Live as God's beloved people, reflecting him to a world in need. This study will help you understand their messages to Israel in their own time and equip you to live prophetically and creatively as God's people today. The Understanding the Books of the Bible series moves groups away from a typical Bible study format into a new approach to experiencing the Bible together. Instead of following artificial chapter and verse divisions, these study guides lead groups through whole books following their natural outlines and flow. They pose engaging questions for discussion with personal implications all along the way, leading to a community Bible experience.