Prophets of the Bible Timeline
An interactive guide to God’s messengers and their historical context.
The United Monarchy
Samuel
c. 11th Century BC
- Context: Ministered during the transition from judges to kings. He anointed Israel’s first two kings, Saul and David.
- Key Message: Called Israel to repentance and obedience to God’s law. Condemned Saul’s disobedience and anointed David as the new king.
- Biblical Reference: 1 & 2 Samuel
The Divided Kingdom
Elijah
c. 870–850 BC
- Context: Ministered primarily in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reigns of King Ahab and Ahaziah.
- Key Message: Challenged the worship of Baal and called Israel back to the worship of the one true God. Famous for the contest on Mount Carmel.
- Biblical Reference: 1 & 2 Kings
Elisha
c. 850–800 BC
- Context: Successor to Elijah, ministered to several kings in Israel and Judah.
- Key Message: Performed many miracles, demonstrating God’s power and compassion. His ministry focused on restoring faith and bringing healing.
- Biblical Reference: 2 Kings
Isaiah
c. 740–680 BC
- Context: Ministered in the Southern Kingdom of Judah during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.
- Key Message: Known as the “prince of prophets.” His prophecies include powerful messages of judgment against Judah and surrounding nations, as well as remarkable prophecies of hope and the coming of the Messiah.
- Biblical Reference: The Book of Isaiah
The Babylonian Exile
Jeremiah
c. 627–586 BC
- Context: Ministered in Judah during the final years before its destruction and the Babylonian exile.
- Key Message: Known as the “weeping prophet.” He foretold the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people, calling them to repent and submit to Babylon.
- Biblical Reference: The Book of Jeremiah
Ezekiel
c. 593–571 BC
- Context: Prophesied to the Jewish exiles in Babylon.
- Key Message: Delivered dramatic and symbolic prophecies, including visions of the ‘chariot’ and the ‘valley of dry bones.’ His message focused on God’s judgment and the eventual restoration of Israel.
- Biblical Reference: The Book of Ezekiel
Post-Exile
Malachi
c. 440 BC
- Context: Ministered after the return of the exiles to Jerusalem.
- Key Message: Condemned the religious complacency of the people and the priests, reminding them of their covenant with God. He also foretold the coming of John the Baptist and Jesus.
- Biblical Reference: The Book of Malachi