| Prophet | Period / Setting | Primary Audience | Core Message or Theme | Key Scriptures (ESV) | Fulfillment / Spiritual Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moses | c. 1440–1400 BC, Exodus–Deuteronomy | Israel leaving Egypt | Deliverance, Law, Covenant | Deuteronomy 18:15–19 | Foreshadows Christ, the ultimate Prophet (Acts 3:22). |
| Samuel | c. 1100–1010 BC, Transition to monarchy | Israel / Kings Saul & David | Obedience > Sacrifice; God’s rule over kings | 1 Samuel 15:22 | God values obedience more than outward religion. |
| Nathan | c. 1000 BC, David’s reign | King David | Confronting sin; God’s covenant with David | 2 Samuel 12:7–10 | Bold truth in love restores the fallen. |
| Elijah | c. 870–850 BC, Ahab’s reign | Northern Israel | Confronting idolatry (Baal); God’s supremacy | 1 Kings 18:21–39 | Truth stands even when outnumbered; God answers by fire. |
| Elisha | c. 850–800 BC, post-Elijah | Northern Israel | God’s power, mercy, and continual presence | 2 Kings 2:9–14 | God’s work continues even when His servants change. |
| Micaiah | c. 850 BC | Ahab & false prophets | Truth vs. deception in leadership | 1 Kings 22:13–28 | God’s word stands though unpopular. |
| Jonah | c. 780 BC, Assyria | Nineveh (Gentiles) | Repentance and God’s mercy | Jonah 3:4–10 | God’s grace extends to all nations. |
| Amos | c. 760 BC | Northern Israel | Social injustice and hypocrisy | Amos 5:24 | God demands righteousness, not ritual. |
| Hosea | c. 750 BC | Northern Israel | Faithfulness of God to unfaithful people | Hosea 3:1–5 | God’s love is relentless despite betrayal. |
| Isaiah | c. 740–681 BC | Judah & future generations | Judgment and the coming Messiah | Isaiah 9:6–7; 53:5 | Salvation through Christ alone; hope in redemption. |
| Micah | c. 735–700 BC | Judah & Samaria | Judgment and hope; birthplace of Messiah | Micah 5:2 | Jesus born in Bethlehem; God’s mercy triumphs over wrath. |
| Nahum | c. 650 BC | Assyria (Nineveh) | God’s justice against wicked nations | Nahum 1:2–3 | God’s patience is not permission for evil. |
| Zephaniah | c. 640 BC | Judah | Day of the Lord; purification of the faithful | Zephaniah 3:17 | God rejoices over the redeemed who return to Him. |
| Jeremiah | c. 627–580 BC | Judah | Warning of Babylonian exile; new covenant | Jeremiah 31:31–34 | Christ fulfills the New Covenant in His blood. |
| Habakkuk | c. 609–597 BC | Judah | Wrestling with God’s justice; faith in trials | Habakkuk 2:4 | The righteous live by faith — not circumstances. |
| Obadiah | c. 586 BC | Edom | Judgment for pride and cruelty toward Israel | Obadiah 1:3–4 | Pride precedes destruction; God defends His people. |
| Ezekiel | c. 593–571 BC | Exiles in Babylon | God’s glory, new heart, and future restoration | Ezekiel 36:26–27 | The Spirit transforms hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. |
| Daniel | c. 605–536 BC | Exiles & future empires | God’s sovereignty over kings and kingdoms | Daniel 2; 7; 12 | Christ’s kingdom will never end. |
| Haggai | c. 520 BC | Post-exile Judah | Rebuild the Temple; prioritize God | Haggai 1:4–9 | Obedience brings renewal and blessing. |
| Zechariah | c. 520–480 BC | Post-exile Judah | Hope, restoration, and coming Messiah | Zechariah 9:9; 12:10 | Jesus fulfills Messianic prophecies of peace and salvation. |
| Malachi | c. 430 BC | Post-exile Judah | Faithfulness; warning against apathy | Malachi 4:5–6 | Calls for renewed worship and expectation of Messiah. |
| John the Baptist | c. AD 27–30 | Israel before Christ’s ministry | Repentance; prepare the way for the Lord | Matthew 3:1–3; John 1:29 | Final prophet before Christ; fulfills Isaiah 40:3. |
| Agabus | c. AD 40–60 | Early Church | Predicts famine and Paul’s imprisonment | Acts 11:28; 21:10–11 | The Spirit still speaks truth for the Church’s preparation. |
| Anna | c. AD 0–30 | Temple in Jerusalem | Testified to the Messiah’s arrival | Luke 2:36–38 | Faithful witnesses recognize Christ in every generation. |
| Prophetess Deborah | c. 1200 BC, Judges 4–5 | Israel | Deliverance, wisdom, leadership | Judges 4:4–10 | God uses those who obey Him, regardless of status or gender. |
| Prophetess Huldah | c. 640 BC, King Josiah | Judah | Confirmed God’s judgment and mercy | 2 Kings 22:14–20 | God’s word is affirmed through faithful servants. |
Key Themes Across the Prophets
- God’s Holiness — Sin has consequences; repentance brings restoration.
- God’s Faithfulness — Even in judgment, He preserves a remnant.
- God’s Sovereignty — Nations rise and fall under His command.
- God’s Promise — Every prophet, in some way, points to Jesus Christ.
Prophetic Fulfillment in Christ
| Old Testament Prophecy | Fulfilled in Jesus Christ |
|---|---|
| The virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14) | Matthew 1:22–23 |
| Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) | Matthew 2:5–6 |
| Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53) | Luke 23:33–34 |
| New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31–34) | Luke 22:20 |
| Spirit-filled ministry (Isaiah 61:1–2) | Luke 4:18–21 |
| Triumphal entry (Zechariah 9:9) | John 12:12–15 |
| Betrayed for 30 silver pieces (Zechariah 11:12–13) | Matthew 26:14–16 |
| Pierced hands and feet (Psalm 22:16; Zechariah 12:10) | John 19:34–37 |
Summary
- Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel.
- Minor Prophets (The Twelve): Hosea through Malachi — “minor” for length, not importance.
- Pre-writing Prophets: Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, Nathan.
- New Testament Prophets: John the Baptist, Agabus, Anna, others in Acts.
Every prophet’s message echoes one truth:
God’s Word stands forever, His warnings are real, and His promises are fulfilled in Christ.