November 8, 2015 January 3, 2016

From this… to this…

40 authors: moses – john 39 books 27 books

Books of the Old Testament 5 12 5 5 12

Minor Prophets Overview November 8, 2015 January 3, 2016 Minor Prophets Overview

Timeline of Old Testament Prophets

While the books of the Major and Minor Prophets were written to predominately Jewish audiences over 2500 years ago, many of their messages are echoed in the books of the New Testament written for Christians. Hence, we can obtain spiritual value by becoming familiar with these ancient books. R. Shelley

25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24:25-27

Hosea (Salvation; He Saves)* Author Hosea, son of Beeri, husband of Gomer Date 790 – 715 b.c. Theme Hosea was written to demonstrate the steadfast or unfailing love of God for Israel in spite of her continued unfaithfulness Christ in this book Messiah is presented as the Son of God as: the only Saviour of His people; the one who will ransom us from the dead; the one who loves us with great compassion; and the one who heals those who will return to Him. * Prophet to Israel (N. kingdom)

Joel (Yahweh is God) Author Joel, son of Pethuel Date Uncertain – perhaps 835 – 400 BC Theme For the ultimate blessings and restoration promised by Joel to occur, Israel will have to experience the judgments of the Tribulation and the outpouring of the Spirit of God. Christ in this book Christ is presented as the one who will give the Holy Spirit; who judges the nations; and who is the refuge and stronghold of Israel.

Amos (Carried; Strong)* Author Amos – rancher; farmer Date 767 – 753 BC Theme Even though the nation would be destroyed, God would still preserve a repentant remnant and one day this remnant will be restored Christ in this book Christ is the One who will rebuild David’s dynasty; the One who will restore His people * Prophet to Israel (N. kingdom)

Obadiah (Servant/Worshipper of Yahweh) Author Obadiah - Nothing is known of Obadiah’s home town or family. Date Difficult to date – 926–586 BC Theme Pride goes before a fall Christ in this book Christ is seen in Obadiah as the judge of the nations; the Saviour of Israel; and the Possessor of the kingdom

Jonah (Dove)* Author Jonah, son of Amittai Date 793-753 BC Theme The God of the Hebrews: (1) has concern for the whole world, (2) is sovereign over nature and all human affairs; 3) “salvation is of the Lord”; and (3) that God’s gracious offer of salvation extends to all who repent Christ in this book Christ is portrayed in His resurrection; seen as a prophet to the nations; and as the Saviour of the nations. In Jonah’s life, He is seen as the Saviour and Lord * Prophet to Israel (N. kingdom)

Micah (Who Is Like God?) Author Micah – from Moresheth in Judah’s fertile foothills Date 750-687 BC Theme Judgment, restoration, and remnant are prominent in Micah’s three pronouncements Christ in this book Micah presents Christ as the God of Jacob; the Judge of the nations; and the Ruler who would be born in the city of Bethlehem

Nahum (Comforter; consolation)* Author Little is known of Nahum Date 663-612 BC Theme Nahum’s theme is the fall of Nineveh as the retribution of God against the wicked Assyrians of Nineveh Christ in this book Nahum sees Christ as the jealous God and avenger of His adversaries * Prophet to Israel (N. kingdom)

Habakkuk (He that embraces; a wrestler) Author Habakkuk, prophet with priestly background Date Around 606 BC Theme A defense of God’s goodness and power in view of the problem of evil Christ in this book Christ is portrayed as the Saviour; the Holy One; the one who justifies the righteous by faith; and the one who will one day fill the earth “with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea”

Zephaniah (the Lord has concealed, hidden) Author Zephaniah (great-great-grandson of the good King Hezekiah) Date 630-625 BC Theme Zephaniah divides into three sections: retribution or judgment for sin; a call for repentance; and a promise of future redemption or blessing Christ in this book Messiah is presented as the Righteous One within the nation of Israel who is also their King

Haggai (My holiday)   Author Little is known about Haggai Date 520 BC Theme Haggai wrote to encourage and exhort the returned remnant to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem Christ in this book Messiah is portrayed as: the Restorer of the Temple’s glory; and the Overthrower of the kingdoms of the world

Zechariah (Yahweh has remembered) Author Zechariah – of priestly heritage Date 520-518 BC Theme The prominence of the temple in God’s spiritual restoration of Israel; the providence of God in bringing back His people to their land; and the preeminence of the Messiah in the future spiritual restoration of the Nation

Zechariah (Yahweh has remembered) Christ in this book Zechariah presents Messiah or Christ in both of his advents and as both Servant and King, as Man and God, as the Angel of the Lord; the Righteous Branch; the Stone with the seven eyes; the Crucified Savior or the pierced One; the coming and humble King; the smitten Shepherd who will be abandoned; and the coming Judge and righteous King

Malachi (Messenger of Yahweh) Author Little else is known of Malachi Date 450-400 BC Theme Israel must live up to her high calling as a holy nation and wait for the coming of the Messiah Christ in this book Malachi predicts the coming of the messenger who will clear the way before the Lord; and also jumps ahead to Christ in His second advent

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:21-22

In Remembrance of Me

Speak O Lord

Speak, O Lord, as we come to You, To receive the food of Your Holy Word. Take Your Truth, plant it deep in us; Shape and fashion us in Your likeness; That the light of Christ might be seen today In our acts of love and our deeds of faith. Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us All Your purposes for Your glory.

Teach us Lord, full obedience, Holy reverence, true humility Test our thoughts and our attitudes In the radiance of Your purity. Cause our faith to rise, Cause our eyes to see Your majestic love and authority. Words of power that can never fail; Let their truth prevail over unbelief.

Speak, O Lord and renew our minds; Help us grasp the heights of Your plans for us. Truths unchanged from the dawn of time, That will echo down through eternity. And by grace we’ll stand on Your promises; And by faith we’ll walk as You walk with us. Speak, O Lord, ‘til Your church is built, And the earth is filled with Your glory.