The Roles of Prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel, and their Significance

The Roles of Prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel, and their Significance
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The Roles of Prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel, and their Significance
Isaiah and Ezekiel were prophets in the Old Testament. Prophet Isaiah lived during the 8th Century BCE and prophesized during the reigns of Uzziah, Ahaz, and Hezekiah who were Kings of Juda. Before his birth, the northern kingdom was being ruled by godless kings. It was during this period that idolatry was common, case in example, Jeroboam who erected golden calves to be worshipped. Ezekiel, on the other hand, lived in the 6th BCE he was a Hebrew prophet who is known for prophesizing the destruction of Jerusalem. In their prophecies, we have a sign of how the Bible helps in the study if ancient literature.
Even though most literature is fictional, stories in the bible have over time become a reality that Christians tend to live through. At some level, most literature is made up stories. However, there are major instances in which real stories are recorded and study in class. Ancient stories in the bible are a key example. The bible has employed literary techniques, just like today’s literature we study in class. In both prophecies, of Isaiah and Ezekiel, they have an intended audience. Those that they were meant for. Both prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel had a target group. Prophet Isaiah was making his prophecies to a group of exiled Hebrews, who were in living in Babylon.
Ezekiel, just like Isaiah, his target audience was fellow exiles in Babylon. Ezekiel prophesied during this time which was also labeled time of great confusion following Israel’s exile to Babylon in 597 BCE. During this time the people of Israel had rebelled against God, and it was this message that was being passed through to them by the prophets, reminding them of their rebellious nature. ‘’Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth! For the Lord has spoken: “I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me.3The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner's manager, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand’’ (Isaiah 1:2-3).
The Bible records, God sent prophets to bring the message to his exiled people; the exile of Juda was very significant and was a very intense moment of prophecy. The prophecies were a warning to the people of Israel considering they had fallen out of favor with God and the rulers at that time did not believe in God, the reason for sending to exile prophets who were at that time. The messages of God, through the prophets, was als0a reconciliatory one, while at the same time warning of dire consequences once the window for dialogue closed. God was giving Israelites time to sit down with Him and have Him wash away their sins
. “(18) Come now, let us settle the matter, “says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.(19 )If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land;(20) but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’’ (Isaiah 1;18-20).
The people of Israel were the physical descendants of...