What were some of the common themes of Old Testament prophets?
They fall into several groups: The current behaviour of God’s people: the sins of Israel and Judah, especially idolatry (see Isa. 44:9-22 among many other passages), social injustice (e.g. Jer. 7:5-7), lack of respect for God, and association with the surrounding nations. The situation of the Gentiles at the time (Jonah; Amos 1) The coming sufferings and glory of Christ (Isa. 53; 1 Pet. 1:11) The coming sufferings and glory of Israel (e.g. Jer. 31:1-36). The scope of prophecy is limited to events on the earth. This is why the Old Testament prophets did not speak about the church, which is heavenly, and its relationship with Christ, or the rapture. These were hidden in God’ as mysteries (Eph. 3:3-5,9; Col. 1:26; 1 Cor. 15:51).
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