Prophets Part 1

Hosea
The book of Hosea is written specifcally to the Northern kingdom of Israel. God uses hosea, the author of this book to speak and act on behalf of God. Israel is in a current period of separation to God and they are following their own evil desires led under kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, Jeraboam son of Jehoash was king over Israel. God instructs Hosea the prophet to marry a prostitute. The reason behind this is, to illustrate how Israel had acted like a prostitute by turning away from God and worshiping other gods. (Hos 1:2) All in all we see repeatedly God does not tolerate sin but also God's faithfulness established through his steadfast love.

Character and Nature of God:

Faithfulness and promises to unite. Hos 1:10-11

Patience. Hos 2:14-15

God wants our hearts. Hos 6:6 

Redemptive plan:

God's redemptive plan is expressed in 11:9 " No I will not unleash my fierce anger. I will not completely destroy Israel, for I am God and not a mere mortal" God says in this verse that he will not completely destroy Israel because if he did he would break his promise to the dynasty of David and there would be no saviour

Amos

Amos is a poetic book dircted to the Northern kingdom of Israel. it was written in the end time of Jeroboam II. During this time Israel was enjoying a rich economic growth and prosperity. Amos was from Judah and he challenged Israel's materialistic greed and lack of care for the poor. His message was a warning for Israel to repent. Not only was this message directed to Israel but also for Judah and the surrounding nations.

Character and Nature of God:

God's judgement towards nations 1:3-2:16

God's heart cry for his people 5:4-6, 14

God is righteous and desires people to live right 5:24

Redemptive plan:

Jesus foretold 9:11

Jonah

The book of Jonah was written during the reign of Jeroboam II, king of Israel. At this time in history Israel had regained its influence. God speaks to Jonah to go to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria and announce the Lord's judgement against Nineveh because of their wickedness. (1:2) This book shows God's heart for even the worst of people, extending his grace and mercy. God's main truth to be observed is, it is god's desire for all people to know him.

Character and Nature of God:

Sovereignty of God with the sailors casting lots 1:7

God's power and authority with the storm and fish 1:17

God's mercy and grace towards Nineveh 7:10

Redemptive plan:

Nahum

Nahum is the sequel to the book of Jonah. it was written roughly 100-150 years after Jonah. Assyria at this time had fallen back into sin and they were living in arrogance and pride becuase they were one of the strongest nations on the face of the earth. God's message spoken through Nahum is directed towards Nineveh but is intended for Judah. It illustrates that God will restore good permanently and that evil is not always going to triumph over good but in the end good will prevail.

Character and Nature of God:

God is supreme and a there is none like him 1

Redemptive plan:

God says he is going to break the yoke of bondage and oppression off Israel 1:15-2:2 

Micah

The book of micah is written primarily to the Southern kingdom of Judah. Micah warns Judah that judegment is coming becuase they have rejected God and the covenant. This book was written in the time of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezikiah were kings of Judah. The book alternates between words of judgement and destruction to mercy and restoration. God shows his heart in 6:8 on how people should live. 

Character and Nature of God:

God is holy and does not tolerate unrighteousness 1:6-7

God is sovereign 4:1

Redemptive plan:

Birth of Jesus foretold 5:2-5

Joel

The book of Joel was written to the people of Judah. Joel encouraged and urged the people to turn back to God. God desires intimacy with his people. (2:13) The time frame of Joel is still undecided, nobody really is certain. Joel is called by God to speak on behalf of God and bring the people back. (1:1)

Character and Nature of God:

God's mercy and compassion 2:13

God's judgement he promised 3:1-8

God's favor 3:20-21

Redemptive plan:

God promises his faithfulness and restoration. He foreshadows the H.S 2:23-29

Isaiah

Isaiah is a huge part in the bible. It speaks a lot of the Messiah and the Messianic Age. Isaiah's name means "Yaweh is salvation". So his name summarizes the content of the book. Isaiah son of Amoz is the author and sees God. (6:1) The first 39 chapters speak about judgement upon Judah and the surrounding nations because of their sin. The last 27 chapters declare a message of hope and comfort. Isaiah was a prophet during the reign of Uzziah, Jotham, Aahaz and Hezekiah were the kings of Judah.

Character and Nature of God:
God desires our hearts, hates sin and is faithful to cleanse us 1:9-31
God is sovereign 46:10
Holy God and can't be compared 40:25
God is our Rock and there is no other 44:6-8
God protects and honors 62:3

Redemptive plan:
Jesus' death upon a cross 6:6-7
Birth of Jesus 7:13-14
Birth of Jesus and his kingdom ruling on earth 9:6-7
Jesus from the line of David