NEVIIM (THE PROPHETS)

THE PROPHETS
The Prophets were the moral conscience of Israel. Their mission was to announce and to remind the people of Israel about the love that God had for them. They also denounced the peoples neglect of the covenant. Prophets are usually classified as Major and Minor Prophets. The Major Prophets are four: A. Isaiah B. Jeremiah C. Ezekiel D. *Daniel (Daniel is not classified as a prophet in
the Hebrew Canon)

The Minor Prophets are called this way because they are smaller works. There are 12 Minor Prophets: Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

Prophets
Spokespersons of Yahweh

From every social class Prick consciences of people

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Thus says the Lord

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Prophets
2-fold role: Denounce social injustices of their times Announce true meaning of religion as doing justice to the poor

Return to the Covenant!

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Prophets
God sent prophets to call his people to fidelity to the covenant.
Amos - Shepherd Hosea - Farmer Ezekiel - Priest Isaiah - Royalty Jeremiah - Levite
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Amos

783-743 B.C.

Outraged by great suffering of people caused by the greed of nobility and merchant classes.

High interest rates Poor sold as slaves Prostitution Cheating in market Landed estates
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Amos
Thus says the Lord: For three crimes of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke my word; Because they sell the just man for silver, and the poor man for a pair of sandals. They trample the heads of the weak into the dust of the earth, and force the lowly out of the way.
Amos 2:6-7
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Yes, I know how many are your crimes, how grievous your sins; oppressing the just, accepting bribes, repelling the needy at the gate. -Amos 5:12 Hate evil and love good, and let justice prevail at the gate; then it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts will have pity on the remnant of Joseph.
- Amos 5:15
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Isaiah (472-687 B.C.)

belongs to the ruling class lives in southern Kingdom of Judah tells us of his call and unforgettable encounter with Yahweh in Is 6 prophesies during the reign of 4 kings.
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True Religion is caring for the poor! - Is 1:11-17

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This is the fasting I wish, releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when you see them and not turning your back on your own. Isaiah 58:6-7
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SUMMARY OF NEVIIM (PROPHETS)

The Prophets call us back to where we ought to be. MICAH provides the perfect summary: The Lord has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love steadfastly, and to walk humbly with your God? -Micah 6:8