Structure of the books of Old Testament prophets

Ross Woods, 2022

The books of Old Testament prophets typically followed a structure. However, they often did not follow it strictly because it was not a set rule, simply a literary norm.

Introduction

Some introductions are quite short, while others are much longer. This section names the prophet, and often gives other information: where he was from, the date, and his role or credentials as a prophet (e.g. the story of his calling to be a prophet).

The warning of divine punishment

  1. The warning of punishment is typically the longest section of the book.
  2. The warning of punishments were often against Judah and Israel for their disobedience to God, which was often expressed as:
    1. their worship of other gods
    2. crimes and injustice (especially oppression of the poor), and
    3. their foreign alliances
    4. their failure the meet the terms of the covenant in Deuteronomy. This covenant had promised blessing if they were obedient and punishment if they were disobedient.
  3. In some cases, punishments were directed at other nations (Ezekiel, Amos, Obadiah, etc.)
  4. Prophets frequently used very colorful language to make their point.

The promise of a bright future

The last part of the book is often a picture of a bright future for the people of God, and is often much shorter than the warning of punishment. It may be expressed in different ways:

  1. A remnant returning to Judah and setting up a peaceful and prosperous nation under the rule of God.
  2. The end of a period of shame.
  3. The restoration of the Temple, proper worship, and the Law of Moses.
  4. The prospects of a new covenant.
  5. The promise of a Messiah.
  6. The final punishment of the nations that are enemies of God.