Lives of the Prophets (YouTube)

Our study begins with Elisha, who received the mantle of Elijah after the latter was taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot. The life of Elijah is the subject of another course in Level 8. A second major section in this course is devoted to the three “major prophets” — Isaiah, Ezekiel and Jeremiah. They all had several things in common: they prophesied God’s impending judgment on Israel and captivity in Babylon because of the backslidden ways of their kings, priests, prophets and the people. They spoke of a time when God would graciously restore the destiny of the nation. They all went through suffering and persecution because of their faithfulness to proclaim the Word of the Lord. Their prophecies were fulfilled. They accomplished the purposes of God in their time and generation.

The last part is an overview of Daniel, Jonah, Hosea, Amos and Zechariah. In each of the sketches of the prophets studied, we aim to learn from their call into the office of a prophet, the work of grace in enabling them to fulfil that call and their commitment to be faithful to the One who called them, even if it meant deprivation, punishment, imprisonment and death.