Future expectation in the prophetical books, by Terry Collins
Future expectation is implicit in the prophetic preaching of judgement and repentance, (whether we trace it to the prophets or to the authors of the books). Prophetic criticism of the present serves to emphasise the difference between the way things are and the way things could be and ought to be. The prophetical books proclaim the belief that one day the ideal world will be realised. This is especially characteristic of Isaiah.
Covenant theology was called into question by the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the covenant people. (Pss 44 and 89). The prophets of the exile proclaimed that a new covenant relationship was about to be established, inaugurating a new era. The end of the old - the start of the new. e.g. Ezek 36; Jer 31:31; Is 54:9ff.; 55:3ff. This faith led to high expectations with regard to the new era to come. Cf. Is 40-55.
Hoseah
2:14-15 Return to the wilderness. Conversion and restoration.
14:1-7 Repentance and healing.
Amos
9:11-15 Restoration peace and prosperity.
Isaiah
2:2-4 The Mountain of the Lord. (= Mic 4:1-3)
9:2-7 The ideal king.
11:1-10 The ideal king.
10:5-19 Punishment for Assyria.
40:9-11 Good tidings. cf. 40:27-31; 42:1-4; 43:14-21;
44:1-5; 45:22-25; 51:1-11; etc.
60 Light dawns for Zion.
61 Proclamation of liberty.
Jeremiah
30-31 "The Book of Consolation" A new covenant.
33 Restoration, cleansing, healing; "the righteous branch".
Ezekiel
34 The Good Shepherd.
36-37 New heart, new spirit, new creation, Davidic ruler.
40-48 Vision of restored Jerusalem and new Israel.
Haggai
2:6-9 A glorious future.
2:20-23 Davidic Ruler.
Zechariah
1-6 Series of Visions.
7 No use mourning for the past.
8 Restored Jerusalem, the Holy Mountain.
9 God will intervene as a warrior.
14 Defeat of God's enemies. New Jerusalem, new world.
Joel
1:15; 2:1-11 Day of the Lord, cosmic destruction.
2:28-32 Signs of the new age; spirit of God; cosmic signs.
3:9-15 Battle, judgement, Valley of Jehoshaphat.
3:17f. The Holy Mountain, land of plenty.
Isaiah
24-27 "The Isaian Apocalypse".
24:1-4, 17-23 Universal destruction.
25:1ff. Plans formed of old.
25:6ff. The Mountain of the Lord.
27:1 Punish Leviathan.
66:15ff. Judgement by fire.
66:22f. New heavens and new earth.
66:24 Destruction of the rebellious.