THE BIBLE

The Books of the Minor Prophets, Part 1

The "minor" prophets left shorter writings, but their dedication was no less than their "major" compatriots. And we can still learn quite a bit from them.

Day One: Hosea
...Hosea wrote this book to remind the Israelites—and us—that ours is a loving God whose loyalty to His covenant people is unwavering. In spite of Israel's continual turning to false gods, God's steadfast love is portrayed in the long-suffering husband of the unfaithful wife...
Read More

See Also: "Why is marital infidelity so destructive?"

Day Two: Joel
...Judah, the setting for the book, is devastated by a vast horde of locusts. This invasion of locusts destroys everything—the fields of grain, the vineyards, the gardens and the trees...
Read More

See Also: "Is Joel 1:4 referring to literal locusts? When was this prophecy fulfilled?"

Day Three: Amos
...Amos is a shepherd and a fruit picker from the Judean village of Tekoa when God calls him, even though he lacks an education or a priestly background. Amos' mission is directed to his neighbor to the north, Israel...
Read More

See Also: "What is the meaning of the symbolism in Amos?"

Day Four: Obadiah
...Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament, is only 21 verses long. Obadiah is a prophet of God who uses this opportunity to condemn Edom for sins against both God and Israel...
Read More

See Also: "When were Obadiah's prophecies against Edom fulfilled (Obadiah 1:18-20)?"

Day Five: Jonah
...Disobedience and revival are the key themes in this book. Jonah's experience in the belly of the whale provides him with a unique opportunity to seek a unique deliverance, as he repents during this equally unique retreat...
Read More

See Also: "What should we learn from the life of Jonah?"

Day Six: Micah
...The message of the Book of Micah is a complex mixture of judgment and hope. On the one hand, the prophecies announce judgment upon Israel for social evils, corrupt leadership and idolatry...
Read More

See Also: "What does it mean to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly (Micah 6:8)?"

The Books of the Minor Prophets, Part 2

Image Credit: Michelangelo; "Sistine Chapel Ceiling: The Prophet Joel"; Public Domain