The term “prophetic books” is used to mean a group of writings in the Old Testament. They have been divided into two groups, major and minor. The distinction relates to the size of the book rather than the importance of the individual or the message.
Books by the Major Prophets:
Isaiah: Written between 700 and 681 BC. Themes include the Holiness of God, the prediction of the invasion of Jerusalem and the Future Coming of the Deliverer.
Jeremiah: Written in 627-586 BC. Themes include the sin of God’s people, the prediction of Jerusalem’s destruction, and the new work God will do through the Messiah.
Lamentations: Written in 586 BC. Themes include a look back on the destruction of Jerusalem, and the promise of God’s mercy and hope.
Ezekiel: Written in 571 BC. Themes include God’s perfection vs. the sin of man, the restoration for those who turn from sin, and the rebuilding of God’s temple along with a renewal of worship.
Daniel: Written in 536 BC. Themes include God’s ultimate control, and the importance of remaining faithful to Him through challenges and trials.
The Books by the Minor Prophets:
Hosea: Written in about 715 B..
Joel: Written between 835 and 796 BC.
Amos: Written between 760 and 750 BC.
Obadiah: Written either in 855-841 BC., or in 627-586 BC.
Jonah: Written around 785-760 BC.
Micah: Written between 742 and 687 BC.
Nahum: Written between 663 and 612 BC.
Habakkuk: Written between 612 and 588 BC.
Zephaniah: Written in 640-621 BC.
Haggai: Written in 520 BC.
Zechariah: One part written 520-518 BC., the other around 480 BC.
Malachi: Written in about 430 BC.
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