Unit 5: Prophetic Literature - Form and Themes

Prophet

Intermediary delivering divine messages to people.

Predictive Element

Warnings of impending punishment from adversaries.

Exhortative Element

Calls for moral restoration and faithfulness.

Royal Administration Prophets

Prophets aligned with monarchy or temple authority.

Social Critique Prophets

Critics of royal authority and societal issues.

Moses

Most important prophet, delivered messages to Hebrews.

Elijah

Prophet opposing Canaanite worship and Ba'alism.

Elisha

Successor of Elijah, continued prophetic mission.

Major Prophets

Prophets with significant thematic depth in texts.

Isaiah

Major prophet known for extensive prophetic themes.

Jeremiah

Major prophet warning of Jerusalem's impending fall.

Ezekiel

Major prophet known for visions and symbolic acts.

Lamentations

Poetic reflection on Jerusalem's destruction.

Daniel

Prophet with apocalyptic visions and interpretations.

Minor Prophets

Twelve shorter prophetic books in Hebrew Bible.

Hosea

Prophet illustrating Israel's unfaithfulness through marriage.

Amos

Social critic addressing injustices in Israel.

Vision Report

Divine visions conveying messages to the people.

Symbolic Art

Acts embodying prophetic messages, like Hosea's marriage.

Oracles

Divine messages predicting future events or judgments.

Return to Faithfulness

Theme of Israel's need to restore faith in God.

Justice

Prophets' emphasis on social justice and righteousness.