Finding Your Way Around the Bible, Part 4

Last week we looked at the history books and major prophets of the Old Testament. This week we finish the Old Testament with the minor prophets.
The minor prophets (OT): (so called because of the length of their books)

Hosea

Hosea wrote this book in which the Lord, in detail, explains Israel's unfaithfulness. The Lord then warns that they will be punished for that unfaithfulness, but adds that if they return to the Lord that things will improve for them. This book was written at the end of the northern kingdom, before its captivity.

Joel

Joel uses the phrase “the day of Lord” which many have taken out of context. Joel prophecies of the coming destruction of Israel by Assyria and of Israel's deliverance if they repent. He also makes a prophecy of the church which comes to pass in Acts 2.

Amos

Amos begins this book by stating God's judgment on all the nations surrounding Israel. And then states God's judgment on Israel and the sins of Israel. As with other prophets, there is hope offered at the end of the book.

Obadiah

Obadiah writes the shortest book in the Old Testament. It is a condemnation and warning given to Edom. The Lord promises them that they will be destroyed because of the role they played in Israel's downfall. Obadiah is one of just a few books written to those not of God's people.

Jonah

Jonah was told to go to Nineveh. He chose to run via ship. God sent a storm, Jonah was thrown into the water and swallowed by a great fish (it's not specified as a whale). Jonah repents, prays, and is permitted to go to Nineveh. When he preaches there, people repent and Jonah is upset. God uses the opportunity to explain His mercy.

Micah

Micah begins as most of the prophets do: with condemnation of Israel's sins and of God's judgment on them. He then intersperses prophecies of the Messiah and the Messiah's kingdom (looking ahead to the church).

Nahum

Nahum is speaking to Nineveh in this book. It is God's judgment on the city, and the destruction that is to befall them because of their sins.

Habakkuk

This book is essentially a question and answer session between the prophet and God. Hosea wants to know why sin has gone unpunished and why God uses the wicked to punish His people when punishment does happen. God gives details as to what will happen, both to unfaithful Israel and to the Babylonians who He will use in punishing their sins. In the end, Habakkuk's faith is strengthened.

Zephaniah

Zephaniah writes of Judah's sins. The Lord then speaks through Him to warn of their impending captivity. Also included in this book are Messianic prophecies and prophecies of the church, when God's blessings are opened to all nations.

Haggai

Haggai wrote after the return from captivity. His book is largely encouragement and warnings given while the temple was being rebuilt.

Zechariah

The most figurative of the minor prophets, God's revelation appears in visions to Zechariah. His book is also the lengthiest of the minor prophets. He is highly Messianic in his prophecies, looking ahead to the Christ. It is a dense book, and considered one of the more difficult books of the Bible.

Malachi

Malachi condemns the unfaithfulness of Israel: particularly the priests. The leaders of Israel are rebuked for their failures. It ends with prophecies of John the Baptist, which is how the New Testament begins.