Window 3 – Israel’s Prophets

WINDOW 3
Israel’s Prophets

Iconography: Major Text—“The Word of the Lord came to me saying” written in Hebrew and in English. This phrase is found in several places in Scripture and was used by the prophets whenever they began to speak the Word of God. Supporting tests are from Amos 1 and Amos 5. The four prophets portrayed are Elijah, Amos, Ezekiel and Isaiah. The background is Jerusalem.

Artist’s Description: This window showing four prophets illustrates their teachings and prophecies through symbolic expressions superimposed on the figures. Elijah: the scale with crown and “yod” on the top of the scale depicts that the mighty God rules with justice. The rain destroying the flame of Baal’s altar illustrates this prophet’s victory over the priests of Baal. Amos: a lion roaring from Zion depicts God’s anger against the exploitation of the poor by the rich. The flame emerging from the water at the bottom of the window is the symbol of the victory of justice. Ezekiel: his message that God is forgiving and forbearing and will give new life to the destroyed is portrayed in the illustration of the Valley of the Dry Bones. Isaiah: this teaches that the center of faith is the knowledge of God. To symbolize this, He is holding a scroll in his hands with the inscription “comfort, comfort my people.” This refers to the people in Babylonian captivity. The other illustrations at the bottom of the window depict the destruction of the Temple of Solomon, the Ziggurut (Tower of Babel) and the famous Isthar Gate in Babylonia. The lion and the lamb dwell together by the river in peace. The pictures on the right and left top depict the prophecy of the Messiah (a child is born) and Elijah’s ascension (the flaming chariot).