The last 17 books of the Old Testament are the books of prophecy. Over the years, they have been divided into two classes -- major prophets and minor prophets. This special issue addresses the work of the major prophets. Next month, we will address the work of the minor prophets.

The major books of prophecy are Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel. These men wrote in different styles, but God directed their messages to His people. Over and over, the prophets spoke vividly and clearly the words God wanted His people to hear. Their messages dealt with four major areas -- repentance, judgment (captivity), the return of the remnant, and the future glory of the spiritual kingdom. Each of these men wrote with a sense of urgency. God's patience was about to run out. His people were about to be punished for their conduct.

In the Hebrew, Isaiah's name means "Yahweh is salvation." Often, he is referred to as the Messianic prophet. Chapter 66 contains many prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah. Our study looks at some of Isaiah's more memorable prophecies concerning our Lord.

In the Hebrew, Jeremiah's name means "Yahweh Throws." He is called the "weeping prophet." He had a tender heart that was touched by Israel's condition and the captivity that lay just ahead. Yet, at times Jeremiah could be called a prophet of terror. Many times, he brought swift and sharp rebuke for Israel's spiritual adultery and her unwillingness to repent. He shed tears over Israel's past and felt terror for what was to come. Lamentations is also Jeremiah's work. It is a book of deep anguish over the terrible desolation that overtook Jerusalem. As one reads Lamentations, he cannot help but feel Jeremiah's pain and the tears that he shed.

In the Hebrew, Ezekiel's name means "God Strengthens" or "Strengthened by God." He was a prophet sent to a stubborn and rebellious people, a priest sent by God during the darkest days of Judah's history. His work covers the 70 years during the Babylonian captivity. Ezekiel used a different means to convey God's message to His exiled people. The book that Ezekiel wrote contains dramatic prophecies, parables, signs, and symbols meant to open the eyes of the people. For example, Ezekiel's wife died as a sign to Judah at the time when Nebuchadnezzar was about to begin his final siege against Jerusalem. (Ezekiel 24:16-24)

In the Hebrew, Daniel's name means "God is My Judge." His life and work cover the entire period of the 70-year captivity in Babylon. While Daniel was very young, invading forces carried him away to Babylon, where he was handpicked for government service. He became God's spokesperson to the Jews in captivity and to the Gentiles, declaring to them God's eternal purposes. Much of the book contains dreams and visions used by God to show His power and control over the affairs of all men.

Dear reader, give sober, prayerful consideration to the words spoken by these men of old. Many of their works contained principles and truths that are still vital today. The major prophets worked during times that were difficult and trying for them and for God's people. Those things written aforetime were "written for our learning." (Romans 15:4) May God help us to see their value.