Friendly Guide to the Prophets

This Friendly Guide introduces the reader to the fascinating prophetic movement in ancient Israel. It looks at prophecy as a charismatic phenomenon often in conflict with monarchy and established religion. The prophets were the messengers of the Lord, commissioned to take a word of judgement, often enough, to their communities but always with an eye to hope.

A Friendly Guide to the Prophets explores in detail some of the key questions surrounding the prophetic movement: who were the prophets? Why did prophecy emerge in ancient Israel at this particular time and why did it have such an enduring impact on Judeo-Christian faith? What did the prophets preach about? The Friendly Guide looks at the teaching and preaching of some of the great prophets as a way of exploring these questions: Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel. One of the reasons why prophecy has such an enduring appeal is because there is a disturbing similarity between the world of the prophets and our own. The Friendly Guide finally asks the question: are there prophets among us today?

"This book is a very fine introduction to the message of the main prophets of the Old Testament. Historical and theological issues are presented in such a didactic manner that reading and learning go hand in hand. Maps, charts and pictures offer additional information without overwhelming the reader. The whole book breathes a deep pastoral concern to bring the prophetic message on justice and peace to our personal lives and communities. More than a guide, it's a companion!"

Professor Dr Ulrich Berges,
University of Bonn, Germany

"Boyle makes the academic accessible ... He finds that prophecy was not primarily about foretelling the future but "in changing people's behaviour and perceptions now." He also observes a "disturbing familiarity" between the world of the prophets and our own society. Israel's prophets challenge the modern reader as much as they challenged their own listeners. What better reason to read this guide!"

Associate Professor Mark O'Brien OP,
University of Divinity, Melbourne