Major Prophets

The 'Major Prophets' is part of the 'Latter Prophets' collection known as Nevi'im Aharonim, which contains the prophecies and teachings of individual prophets whose books bear their names. Unlike the English Bible, the Nevi'im only includes Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, which are the longest among the prophetic books.

Lamentations, though written by the prophet Jeremiah, was not included here because the Jews regarded it as more of a poetical book, hence it is placed in the Ketuvim or 'Writings'. The same goes with the book of Daniel, despite its rich visions of future prophetic events. It is grouped together with Ezra and Nehemiah as belonging to the same genre of historical writings that depict events during and after the exile.

Prophets, by nature of their indicting messages, projected an atmosphere of gloom and doom. No wonder most of the kings of Israel and Judah did not like to listen to these messengers from God, choosing rather to surround themselves with false prophets who spoke what they wanted to hear. Yet the role of these true prophets was not simply to condemn the leaders and the decadent society of their times; they also interceded on behalf of the people before God, and foretold a time of revival and hope for the nation through the coming Messiah, despite the current impending divine judgment.

And while many of the prophecies are veiled and obscure, some of which are difficult to understand or distinguish as belonging to Israel or relating to the church, one fact remains certain—God will bring to pass all that He has spoken through His prophets. Just as the prophecies of Messiah's first coming is realized in Jesus Christ, so also will the rest that await future fulfillment.