Prophets of the South

Continuing pattern

• Cycle of sin & redemption– Eventually failed destruction

• Hostility to prophets– Jeremiah’s family attacked him, people hated him

Southern Kingdom

• Kingdom of Judah– Tribes of Judah & Simeon

• Davidic Dynasty– Not much better than northern kings– Prophets try to convince them to come back to

God

Isaiah

• Visionary preacher: use of parables – Parable of the Vineyard

• Preaching while Israel falls– Object lesson of sin– Correct the problems: idolatry and abuse of the

poor

• Prophecy of Immanuel to save the “remnant”

3 Isaiahs

• 1st Isaiah: the prophet himself– Message of repentance and turning away from sin

• 2nd Isaiah: during the Captivity– Compassion for others

• 3rd Isaiah: After the Captivity– God’s faithfulness

Babylonian Captivity

• New Babylonian Empire rises– Conquers Assyria– Conquers Assyrian vassal/ally

Judah

• 587 BC– Judah residents deported to the city of Babylon– Live there for 50 years: not free

Jeremiah

• Dramatic preacher

• Preached before fall of Jerusalem to Babylon– Warning of the fall, lamenting sin

• Promising a rebirth in a New Covenant– New (Christian) Covenant of love & hope

Ezekiel

• Slightly odd guy: strange visions, odd actions– Field of bones– Cutting his beard to prove a point

• Preaching before Babylon despairing• Preaching in Babylon

– A hope for a reborn nation from the remnant

• Focus on the Holiness Code as a way to be in the covenant– Sets the stage for modern Judaism!