Pre-Exilic Prophecies of Israel & Judah

As Israel and Judah continued to deteriorate, the LORD raised up other prophets who foretold in writing the demise of those kingdoms, as well as the coming of the Messiah.

Even though God sent His prophets (Elijah, Elisha, and others) to proclaim His word orally, the Israelites continued to turn away from God. So God sent prophets who not only spoke His word to the people but also wrote it down for them. These prophets pronounced future judgment for the sins of Israel, Judah, and other nations, but they also wrote of one who would come to solve the sin problem once and for all—the Messiah (God’s anointed one).

Many facts about Messiah were revealed in the writings of these prophets, but always within the historical context of the day. For example . . .

. . . God told Ahaz, king of Judah, to ask for a sign of deliverance from Assyria. In false piety, Ahaz refused. God determined to give him one. The prophecy given that day provided Ahaz with a sign but also revealed that the Messiah would come from David’s line and have a unique birth. (Isaiah 7:13-14)

. . . Assyria had laid siege to Jerusalem. Food was scarce. Would they survive? A prophecy was given, revealing that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem (the House of Bread and David’s ancestral home). Even though Israel would fall soon and suffer for a time, this one would eventually rule Israel, and if anyone like the Assyrians came along during His reign, He would send them packing. (Micah 5:1-6)

. . . The Assyrians, coming from the north, were threatening Israel and Judah, but the region of Galilee was especially distressed, walking in the gloom and darkness of their oppressors. Isaiah prophesied that the son of David would come and shine a great light on those living in the shadow of death. (Isaiah 9:1-5).

. . . In the midst of war and oppression, it appeared as if the kingdom would be lost forever. The prophecy was given that the Messiah’s kingdom would never end; He would reign in peace and glory from David’s throne forever (Isaiah 9:6).

But the most confusing—and exciting—of all were the prophecies that spoke of the sufferings of the Messiah and the blessings resulting from those sufferings:

• He would be disfigured and marred beyond human likeness . . . to cleanse the nations

• He would be pierced . . . to pay for our rebellion

• He would be crushed . . . to pay for our sins

• He would be punished . . . to bring us peace

• He would be wounded . . . to heal us

• He would suffer, be crushed, killed . . . and live again

• His soul would suffer and die, then see the light of life (!) . . . to justify many and bear their sins (Isaiah 52-53).