Course Description

Welcome to OTBS 204! This course offers a deep and focused study of the four Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. These powerful books were written during one of the most tumultuous periods in Israel’s history—the decades leading up to and including the Babylonian Exile. We will analyze the prophets’ messages, setting their bold proclamations of judgment and their breathtaking promises of hope within their unique historical contexts. This course will focus on the key theological contributions of each prophet, their stunningly accurate Messianic prophecies, and the enduring relevance of their messages for believers today. Prepare to encounter the holiness, justice, and faithfulness of God through the voices of His chosen spokesmen.

Course Structure

This course is composed of five chapters, each building upon the last to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Major Prophets. Each chapter includes a detailed summary, five in-depth lessons, a chapter test, and an optional “Deep Dive” for further study. The course culminates in a final course test.

• Course: Syllabus + Interactive Syllabus + 5 Chapters + Course Test
• Chapter: Summary + 5 Lessons + Chapter Test + Deep Dive

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Contextualize the Prophets: Articulate the historical, political, and social background of each Major Prophet and explain how the context shaped their message.
• Identify Key Themes: Recognize and explain the major theological themes in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, such as God’s sovereignty, holiness, judgment, the New Covenant, and future restoration.
• Trace Messianic Prophecy: Identify key Messianic prophecies within the Major Prophets and explain their fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
• Understand Prophetic Literature: Learn the basic principles for interpreting and applying Old Testament prophetic literature, distinguishing between fulfillment in the immediate context and future eschatological fulfillment.
• Analyze Prophetic Roles: Compare and contrast the unique calling, ministry, and message of each of the four Major Prophets.
• Apply Timeless Truths: Draw relevant applications from the prophets’ messages for contemporary Christian life, ethics, and faith.

Course Outline

Chapter 1: Isaiah – The Prophet of Salvation and Sovereignty

• Lesson 1: The Call of a Prophet & A Nation on Trial (Isaiah 1-6)
• Lesson 2: The Book of Immanuel & The Coming King (Isaiah 7-12)
• Lesson 3: Oracles Against the Nations & The Little Apocalypse (Isaiah 13-27)
• Lesson 4: The Woe Oracles & The Historical Bridge (Isaiah 28-39)
• Lesson 5: The Book of Comfort & The Suffering Servant (Isaiah 40-55)

Chapter 2: Jeremiah – The Weeping Prophet and the New Covenant

• Lesson 1: The Call and Laments of a Prophet (Jeremiah 1-10)
• Lesson 2: The Temple Sermon & The Potter’s House (Jeremiah 7, 18-20)
• Lesson 3: Conflicts with False Prophets and Kings (Jeremiah 21-29)
• Lesson 4: The Book of Consolation & The New Covenant (Jeremiah 30-33)
• Lesson 5: The Siege and Fall of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 34-39, 52)

Chapter 3: Lamentations & Ezekiel – Exile and the Departing Glory

• Lesson 1: The Funeral Dirge for a City (The Book of Lamentations)
• Lesson 2: The “Son of Man” and the Chariot Vision (Ezekiel 1-3)
• Lesson 3: The Glory Departs from the Temple (Ezekiel 8-11)
• Lesson 4: Parables and Prophecies of Judgment (Ezekiel 12-24)
• Lesson 5: Oracles Against the Nations (Ezekiel 25-32)

Chapter 4: Ezekiel – The Watchman and the Promise of Restoration

• Lesson 1: The Watchman and Individual Responsibility (Ezekiel 33)
• Lesson 2: The Good Shepherd and the Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 34-37)
• Lesson 3: The Battle of Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 38-39)
• Lesson 4: The Vision of the New Temple (Ezekiel 40-43)
• Lesson 5: The River of Life and the Restored Land (Ezekiel 44-48)

Chapter 5: Daniel – God’s Sovereignty in a Hostile World

• Lesson 1: Faithfulness in a Foreign Court (Daniel 1-2)
• Lesson 2: The Fiery Furnace and the Lion’s Den (Daniel 3, 6)
• Lesson 3: God’s Sovereignty Over Gentile Kings (Daniel 4-5)
• Lesson 4: The Four Beasts and the Son of Man (Daniel 7-8)
• Lesson 5: The Seventy Weeks and Prophecies of the End (Daniel 9-12)

Assessments & Grading

• Chapter Quizzes: Short quizzes will follow each lesson to assess comprehension.
• Chapter Tests: A test at the end of each of the five chapters will review the material covered.
• Final Course Test: A comprehensive final exam will cover the key ideas from all five chapters.
• Passing Requirement: To successfully complete this course, you must achieve a score of 80% or higher on each of the five Chapter Tests and the Final Course Test.