Introduction to the Books of the Prophets The remaining books of the Old Testament
are often called the prophetic books.
Each book is about the words and works of God's prophets.
During the years when kings ruled the two divided kingdoms of Israel in the north
and Judah in the south, God spoke through prophets.
The background and events of these prophetic books fit into the time periods
of the preceding historical books.
The prophets functioned as the conscience of the kings and the people, calling them
to turn from their wicked ways and to obey and trust in God.
Introduction to the Book of Isaiah Isaiah, the most eloquent of the prophets,
analyzed the failures of all the nations around him and pointed to a future Messiah
who would bring shalom, or peace.
There is more written about the Messiah in Isaiah than in any other prophetic book.
Isaiah was probably living south in Jerusalem during the stormy period of the
Assyrian Empire's expansion.
which brought about the destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC.
Isaiah warns the people of the southern kingdom of Judah of God's impending
judgment upon them because of their sins.
Isaiah unveils the full dimensions of God's judgment and salvation.
The book moves toward a future time when the Lord's kingdom will be on earth with
its righteous ruler, the Messiah.
Listen now as Isaiah, like Moses, calls his people to repentance and faith
in the holy, all-powerful God of Israel.