Prophetic Timeline
850 BC – 400 BC
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📕 Major Prophets
📗 Minor Prophets
🏛️ Key Historical Events
The Prophets
Historical Context
Pre-Exilic The Divided Kingdom Era
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom split into Israel (Northern, 10 tribes) and Judah (Southern, 2 tribes). This period saw increasing idolatry, social injustice, and covenant unfaithfulness. God raised up prophets to call His people back to Himself.
The Northern Kingdom fell to Assyria in 722 BC. The prophets warned of coming judgment while also offering hope for restoration through a future Messiah.
📅 Key Events
🗣️ Prophets Active During This Era
Exilic The Babylonian Captivity
Babylon conquered Jerusalem in three stages (605, 597, 586 BC). The final siege destroyed Solomon's Temple and deported most of Judah's population. This was the fulfillment of centuries of prophetic warnings.
During exile, prophets like Ezekiel and Daniel ministered to the displaced people, maintaining hope and identity. They saw visions of future restoration and the coming kingdom of God that would never end.
📅 Key Events
🗣️ Prophets Active During This Era
Post-Exilic Return & Restoration
Under Persian rule, Jews returned to Judah in waves. The first group under Zerubbabel rebuilt the Temple (completed 516 BC). Later, Ezra brought spiritual renewal and Nehemiah rebuilt Jerusalem's walls.
The post-exilic prophets encouraged the people in rebuilding and reform. Malachi, the final Old Testament prophet, closed with promises of Elijah's return and the coming "Sun of Righteousness" — prophecies pointing to John the Baptist and Jesus.
📅 Key Events
🗣️ Prophets Active During This Era
🌍 World Powers
The prophets ministered during a time of shifting empires. Understanding these powers helps illuminate their messages and God's sovereignty over all nations.
🏛️ Major Empires
Messages & Themes
⚖️ Themes of Judgment
Idolatry
The prophets consistently condemned worship of false gods, whether Baal, Asherah, or the gods of surrounding nations. Spiritual adultery broke the covenant.
Key prophets: Hosea, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel
Social Injustice
Exploitation of the poor, corrupt courts, dishonest business practices — the prophets declared God's hatred of injustice and oppression.
Key prophets: Amos, Micah, Isaiah, Habakkuk
Empty Religion
Rituals without righteousness. God rejected sacrifices from those who lived wickedly. True worship required justice and mercy.
Key prophets: Isaiah, Amos, Micah, Malachi
Pride of Nations
Not only Israel faced judgment — surrounding nations were condemned for their arrogance, cruelty, and defiance of God.
Key prophets: Obadiah (Edom), Nahum (Assyria), Jeremiah (nations)
🌅 Themes of Hope & Restoration
The Remnant
A faithful few would survive judgment and become the seed of restoration. God always preserves His people.
Key prophets: Isaiah, Micah, Zephaniah, Zechariah
Return from Exile
Promises that the scattered people would return to their land — fulfilled after 70 years in Babylon.
Key prophets: Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah
New Covenant
God would make a new covenant, writing His law on hearts. This found fulfillment in Christ.
Key prophets: Jeremiah 31, Ezekiel 36
The Day of the Lord
A future time of both judgment and salvation — God's decisive intervention in history.
Key prophets: Joel, Zephaniah, Malachi, Obadiah
👑 Messianic Prophecies
The Coming King
A righteous king from David's line would reign forever. Born in Bethlehem, He would bring justice and peace.
Key prophecies: Isaiah 9:6-7, Micah 5:2, Zechariah 9:9
The Suffering Servant
Isaiah's servant songs describe one who would bear the sins of many, be pierced for transgressions, and bring healing.
Key prophecies: Isaiah 52:13-53:12
The Branch
A shoot from Jesse's stump, a righteous Branch would grow — combining king and priest in one person.
Key prophecies: Isaiah 11:1, Jeremiah 23:5, Zechariah 6:12
The Spirit's Outpouring
God's Spirit would be poured out on all flesh — fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2).
Key prophecies: Joel 2:28-32, Isaiah 44:3
💫 Revelation of God's Character
Faithful Covenant-Keeper
Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remained true to His promises. Hosea's marriage illustrated this faithful love.
Key prophets: Hosea, Jeremiah, Ezekiel
Sovereign Over All Nations
God uses empires as instruments of discipline and deliverance. Nothing happens outside His control.
Key prophets: Daniel, Isaiah, Habakkuk
God of Compassion
Even in judgment, God's heart is for restoration. He takes no pleasure in death but desires repentance.
Key prophets: Jonah, Ezekiel 18, Hosea
The Holy One of Israel
Isaiah especially emphasizes God's holiness — His utter separation from sin and incomparable majesty.
Key prophets: Isaiah (26 times), Ezekiel
Prophet Comparison
| Prophet | Type | Era | Dates (BC) | Audience | Chapters | Main Theme | Key Verse |
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