1. Chapter 5 The Prophets and Their Message  Isaiah: A. Unless Judah repents of its injustice and cares for those who are poor and defenseless, God will punish her severely. B. After a time of punishment, god will provide salvation to a “remnant” through a Davidic king. C. Personal faith and commitment to God are more important than external religious ritual that is not sincere. Jeremiah: a. Formal religious ritual cannot be our only expression of faith. God calls us to have a personal relationship with him.

2. Chapter 5 cont. B. God will punish those who oppress refugees, orphans, and widows. C. God will replace the old covenant with a new one, written in our hearts. Ezekiel: a. The temple itself is not holy; it is holy because God is present there. Because God is present people, must practice justice. b. Because the people have failed to keep God’s covenant, God will destroy Jerusalem and the temple.

3. Chapter 5 continued  C. If the people will take responsibility for their actions and decisions, God will bring them back to Jerusalem and build a new temple.  Second Isaiah: A. God will raise up a king, his anointed, to rescue his people and return them to Judah. B. Suffering is not the end; the suffering servant will be a means of salvation for the people. C. God loves us and comforts us.

4. Chapter 5 cont.  Nahum: A. God is a jealous God; if we are faithful to him, he will be faithful to us. B. God will destroy the Assyrians in battle; the capital city of Ninevah will fall, freeing Judah from oppression. Michah: a. Because those who are rich force small property owners into debt and then seize their property, God will come in judgment against Judah. b. If we have faith in God, we will practice justice.

5. Chapter 5 continued.  Habakkuk: A. God will punish Judah because those who are arrogant and wealthy are unjust to those who are poor. B. God will raise up the Babylonians to punish and purify the Israelites. C. In the end, God’s justice will triumph. Zephaniah: a. God will punish Judah for her sins of idolatry. The surrounding nations, too, will experience God’s wrath. b. God will one day restore Jerusalem through a “remnant”.