destroy the northern kingdom Israel (722 B.C.). They carry off most of the people and scatter them throughout the Middle East. The prophets then preach to the southern kingdom of Judah, warning them of serious consequences if they continue to ignore God and worship other deities. Failure to repent, the prophets warn, will result in an invasion and in terrible destruction by the Babylonians. The prophet Jeremiah is at the center of this message, for he lives through the terrible times of spiritual