After the rule of David and Solomon, the nation of Israel was divided into two kingdoms. These are often called the kingdoms of Judah and Israel. Some of the kings were good in their rule of each nation, and some were very evil. This was a very difficult time for the people of Israel. The prophets became the guides and teachers of the people, and called them to justice, mercy and repentance. The people would fall into disobedience. God would bring judgment on them, and then they would change their hearts and start trying to follow God again. This happened many, many times. God was very, very patient with his people.
In Judah, where the line of David continued to rule, there were prophets like Isaiah, Micah, Jeremiah, Hosea and others. In the northern area of the land still called Israel, there were prophets like Amos, Elijah and Elisha (Ilyas). These prophets were faithful to God in speaking his messages to the kings and people of Israel. The prophets spoke of the covenant that God had made with Abraham, Moses and David. They also gave messages about how God wanted to change their hearts. They told of the judgment that would come to punish the people’s sin and clean the land again. In all of the messages of judgment, there were always messages of hope – hope of forgiveness, hope for a new start, and hope for the kingdom of God to come.
These prophets were God’s mouth. They spoke to the people about their life as God’s example to the nations. There had been many warnings about worshiping false gods, and the prophets called the people to come away from such evil and worship the true God. Here are some of the messages of the prophets to Israel and Judah about their purpose as God’s people:
But I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you that it may go well with you. Prophet Jeremiah, Jeremiah 7.23
I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander of the peoples. Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations that do not know you will hasten to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor.” Isaiah 55.3-5
God’s purpose for his people never changed, even though they disobeyed him many times.