In Part I of this book the purpose of the author has been to present in a brief way the characteristic features of Prophecy so that the ordinary reader may be helped to understand better this most important part of the Scriptures. An exhaustive study of the subject has not been undertaken. Such a study will be found by any one who has access to the excellent work of Fairbairn on Prophecy, or the later work of Davidson. Both of these may be highly recommended. While Old Testament Prophecy is generally regarded as a difficult part of the Bible, the difficulties are not too great to be overcome, and any effort to this end will be richly rewarded.

In Part II there is given in a concise way the conditions, political, social, and religious, of the Israelites at the time of each prophet that the reader may get a clearer insight into the meaning of the prophet’s message. The divisions of each book are also suggested, so that the scope of the different parts and their mutual relations may be better comprehended. A further attempt is made to give briefly the course of thought in each chapter or minor division, as it is believed that in many cases this will be of as great help as a commentary on the separate verses or phrases. The work is not a commentary, nor is it intended to take the place of commentaries. Without question the best of commentaries are almost indispensable to one who would fully understand the prophets. It is hoped however, that what is here offered may be of some use, especially to those who do not have access to the commentaries. Any contribution, however slight, that will help to a higher appreciation of this rich portion of God’s word, it is confidently believed, will be acceptable to those who will read the prophets.