"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

1. whoredom - 1. bible idolatry: the worship of idols, SPIRITUAL ALDULTERY AGAINST GOD 
2. adultery -  extramarital sex: voluntary sexual/or other intimate relations or actions between a married person and somebody other than his or her spouse.  In Matthew 5:28, Jesus said if you lust after a person [this could also apply to a man made idol, or some other thing], you have  committed adultry with them in your heart.
3. prostitute -  1.  somebody who receives money in return for sexual intercourse or other sex acts 2. somebody who degrades talent for money: somebody who uses a skill or ability in a way that is considered unworthy, usually for financial gain
4. analogy -  1.  a comparison between two things that are similar in some respects, often used to help explain something or make it easier to understand 
5. harlot - a prostitute
6. homer - Bible measurement terminology [Hosea 3:2 KJV]. 
7. betroth - to promise to marry somebody, engagement 
8. advent - arrival: the arrival of something important or awaited
   
9. heritage - something somebody is born to: the status, conditions, or character acquired by being born into a particular family or social class
10. ephah - an ancient Hebrew unit of dry measure, roughly equivalent to a bushel or 33 liters 
11. shekel -  1. an ancient Jewish unit of weight equivalent to approximately 16g/0.5 oz  
    2. ancient Jewish coin: an ancient Jewish coin that was a unit of currency between 66 ad and 130 ad 
12. Edom - ancient country situated south of the Dead Sea.  According to the Bible, it was inhabited by Esau.
13. Esau -   Esau's name in Hebrew means "hairy". According to Genesis 25:25, it is a reference to his hairiness at birth. He is also called "Edom", which means red.  Genesis relates this directly to his selling his birthright to his twin brother Jacob [later renamed Israel by God], for some "red lentil stew" [Genesis 25:30].  The Bible also makes a point of mentioning that he was red when he emerged from the womb (Gen 25:25).  The land which was inhabited by his descendants, Edom, contains a great abundance of red rock.
14. heathen - 1. an offensive term that deliberately insults somebody who does not acknowledge the God of the Bible 2. an offensive term that deliberately insults somebody’s nonbelief in religion, way of life, or degree of knowledge
15. Nineveh -  an "exceeding great city", as it is called in the Book of Jonah, lay on the eastern bank of the Tigris, in ancient Assyria, across the river from the modern-day major city of Mosul, in the Ninawa Governorate of Iraq.  Nineveh was the capital city of the once great and flourishing ancient Assyrian Empire.  It 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.  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. At the height of its importance from about 705 bc, it was destroyed by the Babylonians and Medes in 612 bc. 
16. confederacy -   political union: an alliance of people, states, or parties for some common purpose, or the people, states, or parties in an alliance.

THE BOOK OF HOSEA

14 chapters 

18th century Russian icon of the Prophet Hosea

Kizhi Monastery, Karelia, Russia

• Hosea was commanded by God to marry a prostitute.  Hosea 1:2 KJV * And the Lord said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom departing from the Lord. 
• Hosea married the prostitute Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, at God's command.  Hosea 1:3 KJV - So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim; which conceived, and bare him a son.

[They also had other children Hosea 1:4 thru 9 KJV]

• The relationship between Hosea and Gomer parallels to the relationship between God and Israel.  Even though Gomer runs away from Hosea and sleeps with another man, he loves her anyway and forgives her.  Likewise, even though the people of Israel worshipped other god's, God continued to love them and did not abandon His covenant with them.  
•  The prophet Hosea used his own experience as a symbolic reprensentation of God and Israel: God the husband, Israel the wife.  Hosea's wife left him to go with other men; Israel left the Lord to go with other gods.  Hosea searched for his wife, found her and BOUGHT HER BACK; Hosea 3:2, 3 KJV - 2/ So I bought her to me for fifteen pieces of silver, and for a homer of barley, and an half homer of barley: 3/ And I said unto her, Thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not be for another man: so will I also be for thee.
• Likewise, God would not abandon Israel and brought them back even though they had forsaken Him.  
• The book of Hosea was a severe warning to the northern kingdom against the growing idolatry being practiced there; the book is a dramatic call to repentance.

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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• The Book of Joel was written by the Prophet Joel (Joel 1:1)
• This Book was most likely written between 835 and 800 B.C.
•  Judah, is the setting for the book.  It 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.  Joel symbolically describes the locusts as a marching human army and views all of this as divine judgment coming against the nation for her sins. The book is highlighted by two major events. One is the invasion of locusts, the other is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  The  fulfillment of this prophecy by Joel, is quoted by Peter, in Acts 2 of the New Testament, as having taken place at Pentecost.  [Please review Weekly Bible Study #11 "PENTECOST-Holy Spirit Baptism"]
  
  
•  Joel 1:4, "What the locust swarm has left the great locusts have eaten; what the great locusts have left the young locusts have eaten; what the young locusts have left other locusts have eaten."
  
• AFTERWARD GOD PROMISES MATERIAL RESTORATION AND SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS
  Joel 2:25 KJV, "And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you."
  
  Joel 2:28 KJV, "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men will see visions."

Brief Summary of The Book of Joel 

• A terrible plague of locusts is followed by a severe famine throughout the land.  Joel uses these happenings as the catalyst to send words of warning to Judah.  Unless the people repent quickly and completely, enemy armies will devour the land just as the natural elements did.  Joel appeals to all the people and the priests of the land to fast and humble themselves as they seek God's forgiveness. If they will respond, there will be renewed material and spiritual blessings for the nation. But the Day of the Lord is coming. At this time the dreaded locusts will seem as gnats in comparison, as all nations receive His judgment.
  
• The overriding theme of the Book of Joel is the Day of the Lord, a day of God’s wrath and judgment. This is the Day in which God reveals His attributes of wrath, power and holiness, and it is a terrifying day to His enemies. In the first chapter, the Day of the Lord is experienced historically by the plague of locusts upon the land.  Joel 2:1-17 is a transitional chapter in which Joel uses the metaphor of the locust plague and drought to renew a call to repentance.  Joel 2:18-3:21 describes the Day of the Lord in eschatological terms and answers the call to repentance with prophecies of physical restoration (Joel 2:21-27), spiritual restoration (Joel 2:28-32), and national restoration (3:1-21).

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.

• Amos 7:14-17 KJV * 14/ Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son, but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycamore fruit: 15/ And the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto  my people Israel.  16/ Now therefore hear the word of the Lord: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac.  17/ Therefore thus saith the Lord; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polutted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land.    
• God sent Amos with a message to his nation (see Amos 7:14-15 KJV above).
• Amos prophesied that God would punish many nations because of their evil deeds. (see Amos chapters 1 & 2). 
• Amos's own nation, Israel, was also evil in that they were cruel to poor people.  Their judges were not fair in court and they served false manmade gods. * Amos 8:4 thru 7 KJV * 4/ Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail, 5/Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn?  and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?  6/ That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; yea, and sell the refuse of the wheat [they refused to give the over abundance of wheat to the poor, but instead greedily overcharged for it and sold it to them]? 
• Amos warned his people that they must confess their sins to God, and do things God's way, or else God would allow Israel's enemies to attack them and destroy the nation. [please see Amos chapters 6 thru 9].
• Amos prophesied that God would not always punish Israel.  After these judgements and terrible punishments, God would allow the people of Israel to return to their own land and be fruitful and prosper * Amos 9:11-15 KJV * 11/ In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: 12/ That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the Lord that doeth this.  13/ Behold the days come, saith the Lord, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and treader of grapes him that soweth the seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt.  14/ And I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens and eat the fruit of them.  15/ And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the Lord thy God.    

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 Prophet Micah, 6th of the Twelve Minor Prophets, was descended from the Tribe of Judah and was a native of the city of Morastha, to the south of Jerusalem; he was called a Morasthite. 
• His prophetic service began around the year 778 before the Birth of Christ and continued for almost 50 years under the kings of Judah – Joatham, Akhaz, and Hezekiah (721-691 B.C.). 
• He was a contemporary of the Prophet Isaiah. His denunciations and predictions were in regard to the separate kingdoms both of Judah and of Israel. He foresaw the misfortunes, threatening the kingdom of Israel before its destruction, and to Judah, during the incursions under the Assyrian emperor Sennacherib. 
• To Micah belongs a prophecy about the birth of the Saviour of the world: Micah 5:2 KJV * But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
• From the words of the Prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 26:18-19), the Jews evidently were afraid to kill the Prophet Micah.
• The prophecy attests to Micah’s deep sensitivity to the social ills of his day, especially as they affected the small towns and villages of his homeland. 
• The message in Micah 1:2–9 was given before the destruction of Samaria in 721. The appeal of Jeremiah's supporters to the prophecy of Micah confirms his connection with Hezekiah: "And some of the land arose and said to all the assembled people, Micah of Moresheth prophesied during the days of Hezekiah king of Judah" (Jeremiah 26:17).

• During the reigns of Uzziah, king of Judah, and Jeroboam II, king of Israel, a period of relative peace and prosperity began to wane.  This was in part due to the rise of the nation of Assyria, who, after a period of inactivity, became a potent political force. With the rise of Assyria came a rise in military pressure upon  the kingdoms of Judah and Israel.
• At the same time, as trade and commerce flourished, this was done largely at the expense of small landowners and peasants, who lost their land to the greed of the wealthy classes.  Rich landowners bribed judges to look favorably upon illicit land acquisitions, which resulted in a rapid disappearance of small farmers.  Those who were dispossessed drifted from the countryside to the cities, which led to overcrowding in the major population centers.  Micah outspokenly reproaches these practices of perverting the covenant so as to increase economic gains.

 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 major theme of Habakkuk is trying to grow from a faith of bewilderment and doubt to the height of absolute trust in God.
• Chapters 1 and 2 are a dialog between Yahweh [Jehovah, God our Heavenly Father] and the prophet. The central message, that "the just shall live by his faith" [Habakkuk 2:4] plays an important rule in Christian thought. It is used in the book of: Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, and in Hebrews 10:38, as the starting point of the concept of faith.
• The prophet Habakkuk is generally believed to have written this book in the mid to late 7th century BCE, not long before the Babylonian siege and capture of Jerusalem.
• Habakkuk is unique among the prophets in that he openly questions the wisdom of God. In the first part of chapter 1, the Prophet sees the injustice among his people and asks why God does not take action. "Habakkuk 1:2 "O Lord, how long will I cry, and you will not hear! even cry out to you violence," and will you not save!"
• In the middle part of Chapter 1, God explains that he will send the Chaldeans to punish his people.  Habakkuk 1:6 KJV "For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwelling places that are not theirs." 
• In the final part of chapter one, Habakkuk expresses shock at God's choice of instrument for judgment.  He asks God why does He tolerate those who deal treacherously, and keep silent when the wicked swallows up the man who is more righteous than he? (Habakkuk 1:13)
• In Chapter 2, Habakkuk awaits God's response to his challenge.  God told Habakkuk to write the vision and make it plain, for the vision is yet for an appointed time  (Habakkuk 2:2, 3).  God explains that He will also judge the Chaldeans, and much more harshly. Habakkuk 2:8 KJV * Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.  Habakkuk 2:12, 13 KJV * 12/ Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity!  13/ Behold, is it not of the Lord of hosts that the people shall labor in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?  Habukkuk 2:15, 16 KJV * 15/ Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!  16/ Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy forskin be uncovered: the cup of the Lord's right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing shall be on thy glory. 
• Finally in Chapter 3, Habakkuk expresses his ultimate faith in God, even if he doesn't fully understand. Habakkuk 3:17, 18 KJV * 17/ Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18/ Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

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:

• Zephaniah 1:2-2:3 *Warnings about the "day of the Lord",  The judgment of the Lord will descend on Judah and Jerusalem as punishment for the awful degeneracy in religious life (Zephaniah 1:4 thru 7); it will extend to all classes of the people (Zephaniah 1:7 thru 13), and will be attended with all the horrors of a frightful catastrophe (Zephaniah 1:14 thru 18); therefore, repent and seek the Lord (Zephaniah 2:1 thru 3). 
• Zephaniah 3:1-8 *The Prophet focuses once again on Jerusalem: "Woe to the provoking, and redeemed city ... She hath not hearkened to the voice, neither hath she received discipline." The severest reckoning will be required of the leading classes of the civil community, and of the Prophets and priests as the directors of public worship.
•  Zephaniah3:9-20 *Is a prophetic glance of the Kingdom of God in the future, in which all the world unites and turns to God, and the prosperity of the Messianic Kingdom will be enjoyed. 

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.

• The book also bears evidence that even prophecy could be corrupted. History shows that in this period prophecy fell into disfavor among the Jews, leading to the period between the Testaments when no lasting prophetic voice spoke to God's people.  Please see Zechariah 13:3 thru 6.

Key Verses

• Zechariah 1:3, 4 KJV * 3/ Therefore say thou unto them, thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.  4/ Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear nor hearken unto me saith the LORD. 
• Zechariah 7:13 KJV * Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts:
• Zechariah 9:9 KJV * Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.  [This was a prophesy concerning Jesus.  Matthew 21:1 thru 5 KJV *1/ And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, 2/ Saing unto them, go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. 3/ and if any man aught unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them.  4/ All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5/ Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.] 
• Zechariah 13:9 KJV * And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, I and will try them as gold is tried; they shall call on my name, and I will hear them:  I will say, It is my people: and they shall say the LORD is my God. 

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 

• Malachi 1:6  "A son honors his father, and a servant his master.  If I am a Father, where is the honor due Me?  If I am a master, where is the respect due me? says the Lord Almighty.  It is you, O priests, that show contempt for my name." 
• Malachi 3:6, 7 KJV * 3/For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.  7/Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them.  Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith the the LORD of hosts.

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:

• Leviticus 27:30, 32 KJV * 30/And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S: it is holy unto the LORD.  32/And concerning the tithe of the herd or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod (shepherd's rod), the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD. 
• Malachi 3:8 thru 12 KJV * 8/Will a man rob God?  Yet ye have robbed me.  But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee?  In tithes and offerings.  9/ Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole naion.  10/ Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.  11/And I will rebuke the devourer [Satan] for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.  

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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