So for the first time the idea came into the world that Abraham's dreams of a greater and nobler nation and God's promises to Abraham, Moses, David and the rest were not for the Hebrew people only, but for all men; that beginning with this little nation God was making a better world; a world of love, instead of selfishness and hate; of happy work and play, instead of misery and hopelessness and war.
Of course very few of the prophet's hearers understood him. But more and more the Jews were filled with the thought that somehow God had a great future for them. Boys and girls, as they grew up, wondered if they might not become leaders, a new Moses, a second David, or Elijah, to play some part in bringing the great future which God had promised.
Study Topics
1. Read Isaiah 40 or 49 for a taste of the writing of the "Great Unknown."
2. Read Ezekiel 2. 1-7, or 14, for a similar taste of this prophet's message and style.
3. Which of these two prophets do you consider the greater?
4. Is there evidence to-day that the Jews still believe in a restored nation?