The Teachings of the Prophets.  It is difficult to put down in brief form the various teachings announced and implied in the writings of the prophets.  Their sermons covered a wide range of subjects, religious, political, commercial and social.  They touch upon matters that are national and also those that are personal.  The following may be regarded as among their most important teachings. (1) That Jehovah is a moral being-holy, just, wise and good. (2) That Jehovah was the God not only of Judah and of Israel but off all nations. (3) That no man, no set of men and no nation can thwart the plans of God. (4) That God’s judgments were certain to overtake the sinful. (5) That religion was not separate from life, but the very central factor of it-that religion and ethics are so blended that “to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly before his God” is shown to be man’s whole duty. (6) That religion is a personal spiritual relation between God and man.  This is especially the contribution of Jeremiah and lays the foundation for all true faith and is a basal principle of our Christianity.

The False Prophets, Through all the history of Israel false prophets were a source of great trouble.  Among those of earlier times may be noted:  (1) An old prophet of Bethel, 1 K. 13:11. (2) 400 prophets with a lying spirit, 1 K. 22:6-8. 22-23. (3) 450 prophets of Baal, 1 K. 18:19, 22, 40. (4) 400 prophets of Asherah. 1 K. 18:19.  A study of these will show that some are idolatrous prophets and others are perverted worshipers of Jehovah, who did not really prophesy at all.  Some were no doubt deliberate deceivers of the people while others were perhaps self-deceived.

During the years immediately preceding the Babylonian captivity false prophets played a prominent role and their pernicious influence upon Judah’s history can hardly be overestimated.  They lured the people to their ruin and undermined the influence of the true prophets.  Isaiah talks about the prophet that teaches lies (Is. 9:15).  Jeremiah talks of prophets of lies, who prophesy, not having been sent of Jehovah (Jer. 14:13-15; 23:21-22).  Micah tells of the prophets who make the people err (Mi. 3:5).  Jeremiah was openly opposed by Hananiah (Jer.  Ch. 28).  These prophets destroyed confidence in the message of true prophets and brought about a time when the voice of these messengers of God ceased to be heard in Israel.

The Great Religious Revivals of this Period.  The whole history of the kingdom of Judah is marked by periods of religious decline and revival.  The most striking of these are indicated by the following outline. (1) A decline under the reign of Rehoboam. (2) A revival begun under Asa and made complete under the reign of Jehoshaphat; (3) A decline begun in the reign of Jehoram and continued until the reign of Ahaz where the lowest spiritual state was reached. (4) A new revival under Hezekiah, who introduced sweeping social and religious changes. (5) A decline under