According to Chapter 4 of the book, the general message of the prophets is directed at their original audience and consists of three main points. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the prophet's message?

According to Chapter 4 of the book, the general message of the prophets is directed at their original audience and consists of three main points. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the prophet's message?

• A. Israel will be forgiven but Judah has no hope
• B. Israel and Judah will both be forgiven and restored
• C. A call to repentance for the people
• D. Warning of coming judgment and exile

Answer: (A)

The general message the prophets share with their original audience centers on three elements: a call for the people to repent, a warning that judgment and exile are coming, and a promise that God will forgive and restore His people. Say­ing that Israel will be forgiven while Judah has no hope goes against that inclusive pattern. The prophets speak to both kingdoms and envision restoration for both, not a one-sided outcome with hope for one and not the other. Therefore, that statement isn’t a characteristic of the prophet’s message. The other points—calling for repentance, warning of judgment and exile, and the shared hope of forgiveness and restoration for both Israel and Judah—fit the message.

The general message the prophets share with their original audience centers on three elements: a call for the people to repent, a warning that judgment and exile are coming, and a promise that God will forgive and restore His people. Say­ing that Israel will be forgiven while Judah has no hope goes against that inclusive pattern. The prophets speak to both kingdoms and envision restoration for both, not a one-sided outcome with hope for one and not the other. Therefore, that statement isn’t a characteristic of the prophet’s message. The other points—calling for repentance, warning of judgment and exile, and the shared hope of forgiveness and restoration for both Israel and Judah—fit the message.