Handout - Western Christadelphian Bible School

Session 4: The Structure of Prophecy
OHP 1: The Structure of The Prophetic Message
‣ Prophecy has a relatively simple structure. It is based on historic
precedent and has the following main features:
1 Israel, negligent of God’s ways, tests God’s patience to the limit.
2 When there is no remedy, God brings in an invincible invader -
often from the north.
3 There follows a period of cruel oppression for Israel - at the hands
of the invader.
4 In their extremity, Israel turns back to the Lord as their last
resource, calling upon Him for salvation.
5 The Lord raises a deliverer and there is a prodigious battle.
6 The invader is defeated, punished and/or destroyed.
7 Israel enjoys a period of peace and prosperity for as long as they
continue to serve the Lord.
OHP 2: Structure in Judges
1 Israel's
Negligence
3:7
2 Invading
Nation
M'potamia
(Edom)
3:12 Moab
4:1 Canaan
3 Period of
Oppression
4 Israel's
Repentance
5 Name of
Deliverer
6 The
Battle
8 years 3:8 3:9 Othniel 3:10
18 years
3:14
20 years
4:3
3:15 Ehud 3:16-29
4:3
Deborah,
Barak &
Jael
4:10-22
6:1 Midian 7 years 6:1 6:6 Gideon 7:19-8:21
10:6 Ammon
13:1 Philistines
18 years
10:8
40 years
13:1
10:10, 16 Jephthah 11:32, 33
1 Sam 7:2-4
Samson,
Samuel
Jdg14-16;
1 Sam 7:10-
13
7 Period of
Peace
40 years
3:11
Eight(y?)
years 3:30
40 years
5:31
40 years
8:28
6 years
12:7
Not directly
stated
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