In the book The Message of the Prophets, J. Daniel¬ Hays constructs a fascinating textbook about the message of the prophets, providing the reader with historical and literary context, while maintaining a non-biased, “critical conservative” evangelical view on the books, in order to give all Christians a better understanding of the importance of the prophetic books. According to The Message of the Prophets, J¬ Daniel Hays, is “dean of the Pruet School of Christian Studies and professor of Old Testament at Ouichita Baptist University.” He has written and co-authored several other Christian literary works, and teaches at his church in Arkansas. He wrote this book to survey and to present the Old T¬¬estament prophetic literature in its historical and biblical context.
Hays begins this textbook by giving the reader an overview of the prophets. First, he discusses prophecy itself. He provides information regarding prophecy in the Old Testament and the time period surrounding it. Historical background is lightly presented, along with proper context regarding the message of the prophets. Additionally, Hays overviews the literary aspects of the books,
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Similar to the outline for the standard pre-exilic prophets, Christians sin daily, disobeying God’s commandments, and must face judgement for those actions, yet because of God’s gracious love towards his people, he has offered us hope of redemption through Jesus Christ. God hates sin, but readily forgives those who repent. The Message of the Prophets opens the eyes of the reader to the many stories of people’s destruction through disobedience, but also people’s salvation through repentance. God’s grace is prevalent throughout the prophetic books. The reader can evidently see God’s character- his love, compassion, glory, and