The Twelve Minor Prophets (Hosea through Malachi) conclude the Hebrew Scriptures with a vivid mixture of judgment and hope. Though many oracles warn of impending judgment for covenant unfaithfulness, they repeatedly glimpse a future restoration under God's appointed ruler. The overarching theme is that Israel's exile and failure are not the final word. A renewed... Continue Reading →
The Messiah in the Prophets
From the early prophets through the exile, Israel's future king was the pulse of hope in dark times. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel each paint different aspects of that hope: a suffering yet exalted servant, a Spirit-empowered leader, a restored kingdom under a new covenant. These themes come together to form a complete picture of Christological... Continue Reading →
Poetry and Wisdom’s Messiah
The Old Testament's poetic and wisdom books offer a unique perspective on the anticipated Messiah. These writings, including Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, and others, express God's people's hopes, struggles, and faith in songs and sayings. Through these creative expressions, Israel's longing for a coming righteous king and wise savior was woven into worship and daily... Continue Reading →
Τετέλεσται
When Jesus spoke from the cross, "It is finished," he was not giving up or admitting defeat. In John's account, the word "tetelestai" carries something powerful, a permanent completion of everything Jesus came to accomplish.1 This was not a whisper of surrender but a loud, clear announcement: the job was done, fully, finally, and forever. In the ancient world,... Continue Reading →
Israel’s Kings and the Promised Ruler
The story does not end with the exodus. In many ways, it is just beginning. The people of Israel had been redeemed from Egypt, but they were not yet home. What followed was the long, winding process of becoming a nation in the land of promise. This story, told through Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings,... Continue Reading →
Phillip W. Martin 