Habakkuk Date: The prophet Habakkuk was probably a contemporary of Zephaniah and Jeremiah, and possibly even of Ezekiel and Daniel. He probably prophesied 640–609 B.C.

Habakkuk Overview: Chapter 1: the problem of sin. Chapter 2: impending punishment of the Chaldeans Chapter 3: Habakkuk's prayer

Habakkuk Theme: God is just and merciful, even though his people may not always understand his ways (2:4). Wickedness will eventually be punished, and the righteous will ultimately see God’s justice (2:5–20). God uses some wicked nations to punish other wicked nations, but ultimately God will judge all nations (1:6; 2:5–20).

Habakkuk Important passages: 1:2-4 2:4 3:17-19

Zephaniah Date: A descendant of King Hezekiah, Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of Josiah about 630 BC. A probable contemporary Jeremiah.

Zephaniah Overview: The book is very somber, but it ends well. Three main points. (1) The day of the Lord, divine retribution. (2) Rebuke of the heathen, repentance. (3) Jerusalem's sin and future hope, redemption.

Zephaniah Theme: Zephaniah speaks to both the wrath and the love of God. Divine judgement was coming on all nations that, “have done violence to the law” of God (3:4). But God still spoke of a remnant that would worship Him and He would be in the midst of them.

Zephaniah Important passages: 3:1-8 3:14-20

Haggai Date: Haggai belongs to the postexile period, about 520 BC. 16 years after the remnant returned. He was to encourage the completion of the temple. He is a contemporary with Ezra. He is mentioned in Ezra 5:1; 6:14.

Haggai Overview: 38 verses comprised of four appeals. Stern rebuke (1:1-15) Words of encouragement (2:1-9) God reproves their impurity (2:10-19) Promise of protection (2:20-23)

Haggai Theme: God is calling moving them into to action in order to build the temple that is long over due.

Haggai Important passages: 1:2-5 2:4-5

Zachariah Date: Prophesied in the second year of the reign on Darius I.

Zachariah Overview: The book is the largest of the minor prophets and divided into two major sections. First, (1:7-8:23) is largely symbolic and hast to do with rebuilding the temple. Second, (9:1-14:21)Promise of restoration and living waters coming from Jerusalem.

Zachariah Theme: Zachariah encourages the completion of the temple with a look into the future of the coming Messiah (6:13).

Zachariah Important passages: 6:13 14:18-19 (John 4:10-11)

Malachi Date: The last of the OT prophets, after him there was a period of 400 years of silence. It is possible he prophecies about 435 BC.

Malachi Overview: The book can be divided into three messages. God’s love 1:1-5 Rebuke of sins 1:6-2:17 Hope in the one to be sent 3:1-4:6

Malachi Theme: Three main themes: God’s rebuke of spiritual indifference His assurance of constant love Assurance of His fulfillment of the Messiah.

Malachi Important passages: 1:2 2:17 3:1 3:7-8 4:5-6