Introduction

The Prophet. His name means "who is the Lord?" and he was Moresheth. a small town of Gath. He was a younger contemporary of Isaiah and prophesied to both Israel and Judah during the time of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah; and of Pekah and Hoshea, the last two kings of Israel. He sympathized deeply with the common people, being moved by the social wrongs of his time (Ch. 2-3), and became the people's advocate and defender as well as their accuser. He clearly sets forth the wickedness of Judah and Israel, their punishment, their restoration and the coming Christ. As compared with Isaiah, he was a simple countryman, born of obscure parentage and recognized as one of the peasant classes, while Isaiah was a city prophet of high social standing and a counselor of kings.

The Great Truths of the Prophecy Are: (1) The destruction of Israel (1:6-7) (2) The desolation of Jerusalem and the temple (3:12 and 7:13). (3) The carrying off of the Jews to Babylon (4:10). (4) The return from captivity with peace and prosperity and with spiritual blessing (4:1-8 and 7:11-17). (5) The ruler in Zion (Messiah) (4:8). (6) Where and when he should be born (5:2). This is his great prophecy and is accepted as final in the announcement to Herod.

I. The Impending Calamity, Ch. 1.

II. The Sins That Have Brought on This Calamity. Chs. 2-3.

1. In their wickedness they refuse to hear the prophets and are led into captivity, 2:1-11.
2. The promised restoration, 2:12-13.
3. The sins of the rich and of those in authority. Ch. 3.

III. The Promised Restoration and Glory, Chs. 4-5.

1. The promised restoration of the city Zion, 4:1-5.
2. The restoration and glory of Israel, 4:6-13 (end).
3. The mighty messianic king to be given, Ch. 5.

IV. God's Controversy With Israel. Chs. 6-7.

1. God's charge and threat against them, Ch. 6.
2. In lamentation and patience the righteous must wait for a better time, 7:1-13.
3. God will have mercy and restore, 7:14-20.

For Study and discussion. (1) The several accusations and threatenings against Israel and Judah. (2) The different things mentioned to describe the coming prosperity of Israel and of the Messianic period. (3) The false authority of civil rulers, of moral leaders, of spiritual teachers.