The Prophets In Their Contexts

Amos (approx. 760-750 B.C.)

Other references

None.

Amos is described in 1:1 as one of the shepherds of Tekoa. It seems he was merely a shepherd but was convicted by God to speak out against the corruption that he saw (7:14-15) .

Dates

About 760-750 B.C. - Amos prophesied 

Amos' prophecy occurred:

• Amos 1:1 

  • 2 years before the earthquake

  • when Uzziah was king of Judah

  • and when Jeroboam son of Jehoash was king of Israel

Context and message

Amos' audience

Although he was from Tekoa in Judah (the southern kingdom), Amos' message is described as "concerning Israel" (1:1), that is, the northern kingdom. He starts with a list of denunciations against a number of surrounding countries but then hones in on Israel.

Amos prophesied in a time of prosperity when people thought that all was well, but 

• there was much injustice. The poor, in particular, were abused by the wealthy and powerful.

• there was immorality

• God had sent Nazarites and prophets but the people had corrupted and silenced them.

Amos' Message

The surrounding nations will be judged for their evil and cruelty but Israel will also be judged for its sin and injustice. There are graphic descriptions of the severity of the judgement. When Amos saw a vision of a plumb line, God said that he was measuring the people with a plumb line (7:7-8). A vision of ripe fruit signified the ripeness of Israel for judgement (8:1-2). People would try to run but God would find them (9:1-4)

God had already withheld rain etc. but the people had not returned to Him. Therefore they must prepare to meet their God. God would judge and the people would be destroyed. They long for the Day of the Lord (perhaps thinking that God will deliver them) but that day will be terrible (5:18-27)

But God also appeals to them to "Seek me and live" (5:4, 6) and to seek good, not evil (5:14-15).

God gave Amos visions of total destruction: (7:1-6): a swarm of locusts, and fire. When Amos cried out for mercy, God relented.

Amos was opposed by Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, who reported him to King Jeroboam, claiming that Amos was raising a conspiracy (7:10-17). Amos responded by declaring terrible judgement on Amaziah.

Amos prophesied a time when there would be a famine not of food and drink but of the word of God. People would search to hear God but he would be silent.

After, graphic descriptions of total destruction, the last five verses of the book suddenly announce that God will restore and rebuild the nation. Crops would again be bountiful. Israel would never again be uprooted from their land (9:11-15).

Micah (approx 737-696 B.C.)

Other references

Jeremiah 26:18 - the elders of Judah recall Micah's prophecy regarding the destruction of Jerusalem, in order to defend Jeremiah.

Dates

Micah 1:1 - Micah prophesied during the reigns of the southern kings Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, i.e. prior to and after the conquest of the northern kingdom. That equates to approximately 737 to 696 B.C..

Micah's audience

Micah addressed both the northern and southern kingdoms. Micah 1:1 explicitly addresses the people of Samaria (the capital of Israel) and Jerusalem (the capital of Judah).

Israel (northern kingdom)

• There are explicit references to Samaria, the capital of Israel, warning of its destruction by the Assyrians.

• Some of his judgements address the social and religious failings of both kingdoms.

Judah (southern kingdom)

• Micah came from Moresheth, a village 32 km west of Jerusalem.

• Micah addressed the people of Judah speaking about Jerusalem and the leaders of Judah. His warnings and calls for repentance were addressed primarily to the people of Judah.

• The contemporary kings were kings of Judah.

Micah's message

Micah warned of impending judgement and called for social justice and faithfulness to God.

However, he also prophesied the restoration of Israel and Judah and told of a coming ruler from Bethlehem (5:2). Micah has three groups of oracles, each beginning with judgement but concluding with promises of restoration.

The book concludes with a message of God's enduring mercy and readiness to forgive those who repent, highlighting His compassionate nature 

Judah

Nahum (probably just prior to 612 B.C.)

Other references

There are no other references to Nahum.

Date

Probably just prior to the fall of Nineveh in 612 B.C.

Context and message

A prophecy against Assyria, predicting its demise.

Haggai (520 B.C.)

Other references

Dates

520 - Haggai prophesied

His prophecies occurred:

• Hag 1:1 - 1st day of 6th month of 2nd year of King Darius (520)

• Hag 2:1 - 21st day of 7th month of 2nd year of Darius (520)

• Hag 2:10, 2:20 - 24th day of 9th month of 2nd year of Darius (520)

Context and Message

Haggai spoke to the people who had returned to Jerusalem and had started rebuilding the Temple but had then abandoned that project. He accused them of mis-placed priorities - providing fancy houses for themselves while God's house remained partially built. This neglect had resulted in judgement upon them.

Zechariah (520-518 B.C.)

Other references

• Nehemiah 12 talks about Zechariah coming to Jerusalem

• Ezra 5, 6 talk about Zechariah's ministry.

Dates

Zechariah was born in captivity but returned with the exiles to Jerusalem.

520-518 - Zechariah prophesied

His prophecies occurred:

• Zech 1:1 - in the 8th month of the 2nd year of Darius (520)

• Zech 1:7 - 24th day of 11th month (Shebat) of the 2nd year of Darius (520)

• Zech 7:1 - 4th day of 9th month (Kislev) of 4th year of Darius (518)

Context and message

Zechariah's audience