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"Bible Prophets of God" * Part 2
The Minor Prophets
written by
Pastor Janice L. Williams
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KJV = KING JAMES VERSION BIBLE
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SOME EXCERPTS FOR THIS BIBLE STUDY ARE DERIVED FROM: "WIKIPEDIA" FREE ONLINE ENCYCLOPEDIA
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BIBLE STUDY F0R WEDNESDAY, MAY 19th-26th, 2010, WEDNESDAY, MAY 26th-JUNE 2nd, 2010, CONTINUINGTHRU WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2nd-9th, 2010, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9th-16th, 2010 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16th-23rd, 2010, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23rd-30th, 2010,WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30th-JULY 7th, 2010 WEDNESDAY, JULY 7th-14th, 2010, WEDNESDAY, JULY 14th-21st, 2010, WEDNESDAY, JULY 21st-28th, 2010 WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 28TH-AUGUST 4TH, 2010, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4TH-11TH, 2010, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11th-18th, 2010, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18th-25th, 2010 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25th-SEPTEMBER 1st, 2010, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st-8th, 2010, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th-15, 2010, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15th-22nd, 2010, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22nd-29th, 2010 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29th-OCTOBER 6th, 2010 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6th-13th, 2010, & WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13th-20th, 2010
In the Hebrew Bible, the writings of the minor prophets are counted as a single book. In Christian Bibles they are 12 individual books. The term "minor prophet" refers to the length of the books, not their importance. The twelve are listed below in order of their appearance in the Hebrew and most Protestant Bibles;
BUT FIRST
LET'S LOOK AT SOME WORD DEFINITIONS FOR THIS BIBLE STUDY
THE BOOK OF HOSEA
14 chapters
18th century Russian icon of the Prophet Hosea
Kizhi Monastery, Karelia, Russia
[They also had other children Hosea 1:4 thru 9 KJV]
CHRISTIANS EXTEND THE ANALOGY OF HOSEA TO CHRIST AND THE CHURCH: CHRIST THE HUSBAND, HIS CHURCH THE BRIDE. CHRISTIANS SEE IN THIS BOOK A COMPARABLE CALL TO THE CHURCH NOT TO FORSAKE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. CHRISTIANS ALSO TAKE THE BUYING BACK OF GOMER AS THE REDEMPTIVE QUALITIES OF JESUS CHRIST'S SACRIFICE ON THE CROSS.
HOSEA 2:18, 19 KJV * 18/ AND IN THAT DAY WILL I MAKE A COVENANT FOR THEM WITH THE BEASTS OF THE FIELD, AND WITH THE FOWLS OF HEAVEN, AND WITH THE CREEPING THINGS OF THE GROUND: AND I WILL BREAK THE BOW AND THE SWORD AND THE BATTLE OUT OF THE EARTH, AND WILL MAKE THEM TO LIE DOWN SAFELY. 19/ AND I WILL BETROTH THEE UNTO ME FOREVER; YEA, I WILL BETROTH THEE UNTO ME IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND IN JUDGEMENT, AND IN LOVING KINDNESS, AND IN MERCIES.
THE BOOK OF JOEL
3 chapters
Russian Icon Of The Prophet Joel
Kizhi Monastery, Karelia, Russia c. 1700-1725
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Brief Summary of The Book of Joel
Foreshadowings: Whenever the Old Testament speaks of judgment for sin, whether individual or national sin, the advent of Jesus Christ is foreshadowed. The prophets of the Old Testament continually warned Israel to repent, but even when they did, their repentance was limited to law-keeping and works. Their temple sacrifices were but a shadow of the ultimate sacrifice, offered once for all time, which would come at the cross (Hebrews 10:10). Joel tells us that God’s ultimate judgment, which falls on the Day of the Lord, will be “great and terrible. Who can endure it?” (Joel 2:11). The answer is that we, on our own, can never endure such a moment. But if we have placed our faith in Christ for atonement of our sins, we have nothing to fear from the Day of Judgment.
Practical Application
Without repentance, judgment will be harsh, thorough and certain. Our trust should not be in our possessions, but in the Lord our God. God at times may use nature, sorrow or other common occurrences to draw us closer to Him. But in His mercy and grace, He has provided the definitive plan for our salvation—Jesus Christ, crucified for our sins and exchanging our sin for His perfect righteousness (2nd Corinthians 5:21). There is no time to lose. God’s judgment will come swiftly, as a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2), and we must be ready. Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon” (Isaiah 55:6-7).
Only by appropriating God’s salvation can we escape His wrath on the
"DAY OF THE LORD"!
THE BOOK OF AMOS
9 chapters
18th century Russian icon of the Prophet Amos
Kizhi Monastery, Karelia, Russia
Amos was a not a prophet by heritage.
THE BOOK OF OBADIAH
1 chapter
Russian icon of the prophet Obadiah
The entire "book" of Obadiah is only one chapter. It is a prophecy given somewhere around 835 BC about the coming destruction of Edom. Edom was the homeland of the descendants of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob who was later given the name "Israel", by God. Even though the Edomites were related to the Israelites, they were relentless enemies of Israel. Edom was located on the south and southeast of Israel, around Mount Seir. The area is famous for the magnificent stone-carved community of Petra, which is now extinct.
The prophecies came to pass
PETRA JORDAN
[Jordan * kingdom in the Middle East, bordered by Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf of Aqaba, Israel, and the West Bank. Language: Arabic * Jordan is the home of numerous ancient civilizations such as the Canaanites, Moabites, and Edomites.
Jordan is a modern Arab nation, its population is mostly Sunni Muslim with a small Christian minority. Jordanian society is predominantly urbanized. Jordan is classified as an emerging market with a free market economy by the CIA World Fact Book. Jordan has more Free Trade Agreements than any other country in the Arab World. Jordan is a pro-Western regime with very close relations with the United States. It became a major non-NATO ally in 1996, and is one of only two Arab nations, the other being Egypt, that have diplomatic relations with Israel. It is a founding member of the Arab League the WTO, the AFESD, the Arab Parliament the AIDMO, the AMF, the IMF, the International Criminal Court, the UNHRC, the GAFTA, the ESCWA, the ENP and the United Nations. Jordan is also currently undergoing close integration with the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Jordan expects to receive "advanced status" with the European Union by 2011.
Obadiah 1:1 thru 4 KJV
1/The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord God concerning Edom; We have heard a rumor from the Lord, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle. 2/Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised. 3/The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? 4/Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord.
God Controls Whether A Nation Will Be Small Or Great
As far back as the book of Numbers 24:17 thru 24, the prophet Balaam foretold the coming of Messiah,
"a star out of Jacob",
who would take possession of the land that once belonged to the descendants of Esau - obstinate enemies of Israel. Jesus will reclaim that territory for Israel. "Edom shall be a possession, [Mount] Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly." From the beginning, God intentionally prevented Edom from ever becoming a major force in the earth.
Obadiah 1:2 - "Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised."
There Is No Security Without God - Nothing Is Hidden
It is impossible to make something of lasting value for yourself if you are in conflict with God. The Edomites, Esau's descendants, were proud of their accomplishments - the beautiful city of Petra. But God said, "the pride of thine heart hath deceived thee." Set yourself as high as an eagle's nest - yet God will bring you down. [please review #10, "7 Deadly Sins" Weekly Bible Study] Robbers will invade and you will not be able to stop them. Grape gatherers will do as they please in your vineyards.
Obadiah 1:6 - "How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things sought up!"
Prophecies Against The Edomites And Temanites
The Edomites dwelt peaceably with the Temanites and Amalekites - descendants of Esau's first son, Eliphaz - but they hatefully refused to live peaceably with Israel, their cousins. God will fiercely judge the adversaries of His people.
Obadiah 1:7-9 KJV *7/All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee even to the border: the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, and prevailed against thee; they that eat thy bread have laid a wound under thee; there is none understanding in him.
8/ Shall I not in that day, saith the LORD, even destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mount of Esau? 9/ And thy mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, to the end that every one of the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaughter.
God hated the way the Edomites treated His people.
Romans 9:13 * As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
The Edomites rejoiced in Israel's calamities and captivity, and took advantage of them in their downfall.
Obadiah 1:10 - For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever.
God commanded to "touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm!" (1st Chronicles 16:16 thru 22 & Psalm 105:15).
God does avenge His people.
VENGEANCE IS MINE I WILL REPAY, SAITH THE LORD. * Romans 12:19
Obadiah 1:15 - "For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head."
House Of Jacob A Fire, House Of Esau For Stubble
Obadiah 1:18, 20, 21 KJV * 18/And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, ...and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the Lord hath spoken it. 20/ And the captivity of this host of the children of Israel shall possess that of the Canaanites, even unto Zarephath; and the captivity of Jerusalem, which is in Sepharad, shall possess the cities of the south. 21/And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD'S."
ALMIGHTY GOD IS COMMITED TO ISRAEL, AND WILL NEVER FORFEIT HIS HOLY MOUNT ZION IN JERUSALEM. Every enemy of Israel, ancient and modern will be made utterly desolate. Israel will flourish and have glorious dominion in the promised land under the kingship of Jesus Christ and His saints.
THE BOOK OF JONAH
4 chapters
16th century Russian Orthodox Icon of the Prophet Jonah,
Kizhi Monastery, Karelia, Russia
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Most of the following writing for "The Book of Jonah", is excerpted from the "Wikipedia" free online encyclopedia.
Jonah son of Amittai appears in 2 Kings14:25 as a prophet from Gath-Hepher (a few miles north of Nazareth) active during the reign of Jeroboam II (c.786-746 BC), where he predicts that Jeroboam will recover certain lost territories.
Jonah is also the central character in the Book of Jonah. Ordered by God to go to the city of Nineveh to prophesy against it "for their great wickedness is come up before me". Jonah seeks instead to flee from "the presence of the Lord" by going to Jaffa and sailing to Tarshish, which, geographically, is 180 degrees in the opposite direction. A huge storm arises and the sailors, realizing this is no ordinary storm, cast lots and learn that Jonah is to blame. Jonah admits this and states that if he is thrown overboard the storm will cease. The sailors try to get the ship to the shore but in failing, feel forced to throw Jonah overboard, at which point the sea calms. Jonah is miraculously saved by being swallowed by a large fish specially prepared by God where he spent three days and three nights (Jonah 1:17). In chapter two while in the great fish, Jonah prays to God in his affliction and commits to thanksgiving and to paying what he has vowed. God commands the fish to vomit Jonah out.
God again orders Jonah to visit Nineveh and to prophesy to its inhabitants. This time he goes and enters the city crying, "In forty days Nineveh shall be overthrown." The people of Nineveh believe his word and proclaim a fast. The king of Nineveh puts on sackcloth and sits in ashes, making a proclamation to decree fasting, sackcloth, prayer, and repentance. God sees their works and spares the city at that time.
Displeased by this, Jonah refers to his earlier flight to Tarshish while asserting that, since God is merciful, it was inevitable that God would turn from the threatened calamities. He then leaves the city and makes himself a shelter, waiting to see whether or not the city will be destroyed.
God causes a plant to grow over Jonah's shelter to give him some shade from the sun. Later, God causes a worm to bite the plant's root and it withers. Jonah, now being exposed to the full force of the sun, becomes faint and desires that God would let him die.
But God says to him:
Are you really so very angry about the little plant?
You were upset about this little plant, something for which you have not worked nor did you do anything to make it grow. It grew up overnight and died the next day. Should I not be even more concerned about Nineveh, this enormous city? There are more than one hundred twenty thousand people in it who do not know right from wrong, as well as many animals! (Jonah 4:9-11)
THE BOOK OF MICAH
7 CHAPTERS
Icon Of The Prophet Micah
THE BOOK OF NAHUM
3 CHAPTERS
18th century Russian Orthodox Icon of the Prophet Nahum,
Kizhi Monastery, Karelia, Russia
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The subject of the prophecy of Nahum is the approaching complete and final destruction of Nineveh, the capital of the great and at that time flourishing Assyrian empire. Assur-bani-pal was at the height of his glory. Nineveh was a city of vast extent, and was then the center of civilization and commerce of the world, a "bloody city all full of lies and robbery" (Nahum 3:1), for it had robbed and plundered all the neighboring nations. It was strongly fortified on every side, bidding defiance to every enemy. One popular verse is Nahum 3:5 KJV, "Behold, I am against thee, saith the Lord of Hosts, and I will uncover thy skirts upon thy face; and I will show the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame."
The prophet Jonah had already uttered his message of warning, and Nahum was followed by Zephaniah, who also predicted the destruction of the city [Zephaniah 2:13], these predictions which were remarkably fulfilled (625 BC) when Nineveh was destroyed apparently by fire, and the Assyrian empire came to an end, an event which changed the face of Asia.
THE BOOK OF HABAKKUK
3 CHAPTERS
18th century Russian icon
of the Prophet Habakkuk
Kizhi Monastery, Karelia, Russia
THE BOOK OF ZEPHANIAH
3 CHAPTERS
18th century Russian icon of the Prophet Zephaniah
Kizhi Monastery, Karelia, Russia
Zephaniah was the son of Cushi, and great-grandson of King Hezekiah. He is ninth in the literary order of the minor prophets. He prophesied in the days of Josiah, king of Judah (B.C. 641-610), and was contemporary with Jeremiah, with whom he had much in common. The scene of his activity was the city of Jerusalem. (Zephaniah 1:4-10; 3:1, 14)
Zephaniah is the only one of the few prophets whose chronology is fixed by a precise date in the introductory verse of the book. Under the two preceding kings, Amon, and Manasseh, idolatry had been introduced in the most shameful forms (especially the cult of Baal and Astarte) into the Holy City; and with this foreign cult came a foreign culture and a great corruption of morals. King Josiah, a dedicated reformer, wished to put an end to the horrible devastation in the holy places. One of the most zealous champions and advisers of this reform was Zephaniah, and his writing remains one of the most important documents for the understanding of the era of Josiah. The prophet spoke boldly against the religious and moral corruption. When in view of the idolatry which had penetrated even into the sanctuary, he threatened to "destroy out of this place the remnant of Baal, and the names of the priests" (Zephaniah 1:4), and pleaded for a return to the simplicity of their fathers instead of the luxurious foreign clothing which was worn especially in aristocratic circles (Zephaniah 1:8).
A message of impending judgment is the primary burden of Zephaniah's preaching (Zephaniah 1:7 thru 18).
MAJOR POINTS:
THE BOOK OF HAGGAI
2 CHAPTERS
18th century Russian icon of the Prophet Haggai
Kizhi Monastery, Karelia, Russia
The Book of Haggai is a book of the Hebrew Bible, written by the prophet Haggai. It was written in 520 BCE some 18 years after Cyrus the Greek had conquered Babylon and issued a decree in 538 BCE allowing the captive Jews to return to Judea. He saw the restoration of the Jewish temple as necessary for the restoration of the religious practices and a sense of peoplehood after a long exile.
The object of the prophet Haggai, is generally urging the people to proceed with the rebuilding of the second Jerusalem temple in 521 BCE after the return of the deportees. Haggai attributes a recent drought to the peoples' refusal to rebuild the temple, which he sees as key to Jerusalem’s glory. The book ends with the prediction of the downfall of kingdoms, with one Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, as the Lord’s chosen leader.
Haggai sought to challenge the people of God concerning their priorities. He called them to reverence and glorify God by building the Temple in spite of local and official opposition. Haggai called them not to be discouraged because this Temple would not be quite as richly decorated as Solomon's. He exhorted them to turn from the uncleanness of their ways and to trust in God's sovereign power. The Book of Haggai is a reminder of the problems the people of God faced at this time, how the people courageously trusted in God and how God provided for their needs.
Key Verses:Haggai 1:4, "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?"
Haggai 1:5-6, "Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.'"
Haggai 2:9, "'The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the LORD Almighty. 'And in this place I will grant peace,' declares the LORD Almighty."
Haggai reports that three weeks after his first prophecy, the rebuilding of the Temple began on September 7, 521 BCE. "They came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God, on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month in the second year of King Darius (Haggai 1:14-15). The Book of Ezra indicates that it was finished on February 25 516 BCE. "The Temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius." (Ezra 6:15)
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Brief Summary: Will the people of God reconsider their priorities, take courage, and act on the basis of God's promises? God sought to warn the people to heed His words. Not only did God warn them, but He also offered promises through His servant Haggai to motivate them to follow Him. Because the people of God reversed their priorities and failed to put God in first place in their lives, Judah was sent into Babylonian exile. In response to Daniel's prayer and in fulfillment of God's promises, God directed Cyrus the Persian king to allow the Jews in exile to go back to Jerusalem. A group of Jews returned to their land with great joy, put God first in their lives, worshiped Him and began to rebuild the Temple of Jerusalem without the aid of the local people who lived in Palestine. Their courageous faith was met with opposition from the local people as well as the Persian government for approximately 15 years.
Foreshadowings: As with most of the books of the minor prophets, Haggai ends with promises of restoration and blessing. In the last verse, Haggai 2:23, God uses a distinctly messianic title in reference to Zerubbabel, “My Servant” (Compare 2 Samuel 3:18; 1 Kings 11:34; Isaiah 42:1–9; Ezekiel 37:24,25). Through Haggai, God promises to make him like a signet ring, which was a symbol of honor, authority, and power, somewhat like a king’s scepter used to seal letters and decrees. Zerubbabel, as God’s signet ring, represents the house of David and the resumption of the messianic line interrupted by the Exile. Zerubbabel reestablished the Davidic line of kings which would culminate in the millennial reign of Christ. Zerubbabel appears in the line of Christ on both Joseph’s side (Matt. 1:12) and Mary’s side (Luke 3:27).
Practical Application: The Book of Haggai draws attention to common problems most people face even today. Haggai asks us 1) to examine our priorities to see if we are more interested in our own pleasures than doing the work of God; 2) to reject a defeatist attitude when we run into opposition or discouraging circumstances; 3) to confess our failures and seek to live pure lives before God; 4) to act courageously for God because we have the assurance that He is with us always and is in full control of our circumstances; and 5) to rest secure in God's hands knowing that He will abundantly bless us as we faithfully serve Him.
THE BOOK OF ZECHARIAH
14 chapters
Russian icon of the Prophet Zachariah
Zechariah 1:1 KJV identifies the Prophet Zachariah as the author of this book. It was most likely written in two segments between 520 and 470 B.C. Zachariah emphasized that God used His prophets to teach, warn and correct His people. Unfortunately they refused to listen. Their sin brought God's punishment.
Key Verses
Summary
The book of Zachariah teaches that salvation may be obtained by all. The last chapter depicts diverse peoples from all over the world coming together to worship God. This is not the doctrine of universalism, i.e., that all people would be saved becaus it is God's nature to save. Rather, the book teaches that all people worship Him, and He accepts those who do, regardless of their national or political expressions, as in the freeing of Judah and Jerusalem from their political enemies. Finally Zachariah preached that God is soverign over this world. Zachariah's visions of the future indicate that God sees all that will happen, and that ultimately He will bring human events to the end that He chooses. God does not eliminate the individual's freedom to follow Him, or to rebel against Him, but holds people responsible for the choices they make.
Foreshadowings
Prophecies about Jesus Christ and the messianic era abound in the book of Zachariah. From the promise that Messisah would come and dwell in our midst [Zachariah 2:10-12; Matthew 1:23] to the symbolism of the Branch and the Stone Zachariah 3:89, 6:12-13; Isaiah 11:1; Luke 20:17-18 to the promise of His second coming where they who pierced Him will look upon Him and mourn [Zachariah 12:10; John 19:33-37], Christ is the theme of the book of Zachariah. Jesus is the Savior of Israel, a fountain whose blood covers the sins of all who come to Him for salvation [Zechariah 13:1; 1st John 1:7].
Practical Application
God expects sincere worship and moral living of us today. Zechariah's example of breaking through national prejudice reminds us to reach out into all areas of our society. We must extend God's invitation to people of all national origins; languages, races and cultures. That salvation is only availabe through the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross, who died in our place to atone for sin. But, if we reject that sacrifice, there is no other sacrifice through which we can be reconciled to God. There is no other name under heaven by which men are saved [Acts 4:12]. There is no time to loose; today is the day of salvation [2nd Corinthians 6:2].
PLEASE VIEW THE "SALVATION PRAYER PAGE" above on your right just under #1 "Forgiveness" * Weekly Bible Study
THE BOOK OF MALACHI
4 chapters
The Prophet Malachi
Painting by Duccio di Buoninsegna, c. 1310
Siena Cathedral (medieval church in central Italy)
The Book of Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament. It is a book of Prophetic Oracle: "the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi." [Malachi 1:1 KJV]
It was written after the return of the Jews from captivity in Babylon, approximately 430 B.C.. This was God's warning through Malachi to tell the people to turn back to God. As the final book of the Old Testament closes, the prouncement of God's justice and the promise of His restoration through the coming of the Messiah, is the spoken WORD of GOD through the prophet Malachi, to the Israelites. Four hundred years of silence come to pass, ending with a similar message from God's next prophet, John the Baptist, preaching, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" [Matthew 3:1,2 KJV].
Key Verses
Brief Summary
Malachi wrote the word of the LORD to God's people who hadgone astray, especially the priests who had turned from the LORD. Priests were not treating the sacrifices they were to make to God seriously. Animals with blemishes were being sacrificed, even though the law demanded animals without defect [Deuteronomy 15:21 KJV]. the men of Judah were dealing with the wives of their youth treacherously and wondering why God would not accept their sacrifices [Malachi 2:11 thru 16 KJV]. Also people were not tithing as they should have been:
In spite of the people's sin and turning away from God, Malachi reiterates God's love for His people, and His promises of a coming messenger [Malachi 3:1, 16, 17 KJV].
Forshadowings
Malachi 3:1 KJV is a prophecy concerning John the Baptist. He was the messenger of the Lord sent to prepare the way [Matthew 11:10] for the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Practical Application
GOD IS NOT PLEASED WHEN WE DO NOT OBEY HIS COMMANDANTS. OBEY AND BE BLESSED!
The Septuagint of the Eastern churches has the order: Hosea, Amos, Micah, Joel, Obadiah, Jonah, the rest as above. It also puts the "Minor Prophets" before instead of after the Major Prohets".
Ephesians 2:14 thru 20 NLT * 14/ For Christ himself has made peace between us Jews and you Gentiles by making us all one people. He has broken down the wall of hostility that used to separate us. 15/ By his death he ended the whole system of Jewish law that excluded the Gentiles. His purpose was to make peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new person from the two groups. 16/ Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. 17/ He has brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and to us Jews who were near. 18/ Now all of us, both Jews and Gentiles, may come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. 19/ So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God's holy people. You are members of God's family. 20/ We are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.
PLEASE REVIEW "APOSTLES OF JESUS CHRIST" part 1 & 2; AND "BIBLE PROPHETS OF GOD" part 1 & 2. THINK ABOUT HOW GOD SOMETIMES USES SO CALLED "ORDINARY MEN AS WELL AS WOMEN" TO CARRY ON HIS EXTRAORDINARY WORK ON EARTH. PONDER OVER THE MESSAGES GOD SPOKE THROUGH THE PROPHETS AND HOW THEY PARALLEL TO EVENTS HAPPENING IN THE WORLD TODAY.
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