1. Three Minor Prophets Obadiah, Jonah, Micah Through the Bible in One Year June 26 2016 Xavier Reyna, Director Ben Compere, Editor Wayman Lim, Choir Director Susan Turner, Prayer Warrior “Most Old Testament prophecy can be described as ‘forth- telling’…” “The IVP Introduction to the Bible”

2. An Introduction to a Book of the Bible Provides Three Things: 1.Information: general information about the book 2.Insights: to enhance a more detailed study of the book 3.Incentive: whets your appetite to pursue further study of the book Introduction

3. Obadiah, Jonah and Micah are Minor Prophets Canon

4. The Difference Between Major and Minor Prophets: Not Importance of the Message Volume of Material –Each Major Prophet (Except Daniel and Lamentations) Has as Much Material as All the Minor Prophets 4 Canon

5. The Prophet’s Twofold Task 1.FORTHTELLS the word of God  Denounce sin  Proclaim judgment  Plead for repentance  Encourage obedience 2.FORETELLS the word of God  Predicts future events 5 90 + % Less than 10% Prophet “Most Old Testament prophecy can be described as ‘forth- telling’…” “The IVP Introduction to the Bible”

6. 6 The Literary Prophets Prophesied Over a 400 Year Period Literary Prophets Span About 400 Years History

7. Chronology Obadiah Jonah Micah History

8. Obadiah’s Anti-Edomite Oracles SummaryObadiah “Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever.” Obadiah 10 The prophecy of Obadiah against Edom was a response to the role Edom played in assisting the Babylonians to defeat Judah and destroy Jerusalem. The purpose of Obadiah is to pronounce judgment on Edom and predict deliverance for Israel. Obadiah announces Edom’s coming judgment (vv. 1-9) and the reasons for this judgment: violence to a helpless Judah (vv. 10-14). When the day of the Lord comes, all nations will receive judgment (vv. 15,16), not just Edom. Israel will receive deliverance and the restoration of her land (vv.18-21). “Obadiah… is concerned primarily with the punishment and destruction of Edom for her sins against Israel.” H.E. Freeman, “An Introduction to the Old Testament Prophets”

9. Israel and Edom are Brother Nations Jacob and Esau were twins born to Rebekah by Isaac –Jacob produced the nation of Israel –Esau produced the nation of Edom – Genesis 25:23-26; 29,30 BackgroundObadiah 23 The L ORD said to her, “ Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” 24 When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. 25 The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau. 26 After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob. 29 Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. 30 He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.) “Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever.” Obadiah 10

10. Judah and Edom are Contiguous BackgroundObadiah “Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever.” Obadiah 10

11. Edom and Israel Edom has a long adversarial history with Israel Obadiah is one of many anti-Edom oracles in the Old Testament Edom’s aiding Babylon during the defeat of Judah and destruction of Jerusalem around 587 BC. (2 Kings 25:1-3; cf. Psalm 137:7-9; Ezekiel 25:1- 3;12-14) is the reason for the Obadiah’s prophecy. BackgroundObadiah “Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever.” Obadiah 10

12. Obadiah’s Anti-Edomite Oracles I.Oracle Against Edom (1-14) A.Judgment pronounced (1-9) B.Judgment justified (10-14) II.The Day of the Lord (15-21) A.Judgment on all nations (15,16) B.Deliverance for Israel (17-21) Analysis “This prophecy was a response to the role Edom played in the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonian hordes of King Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 24-25).”.. Hill and Walton, “A Survey of the Old Testament” Obadiah “Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever.” Obadiah 10

13. Oracle Against Edom 1-14 Judgment pronounced 1-9 –Edom will be destroyed Judgment justified 10-14 –Did not help Israel fight Babylon –Rejoiced over Jerusalem's destruction –Killed Israelite fugitives –Handed captured Israelites over to Babylon MessageObadiah “Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever.” Obadiah 10

14. The Day of the Lord 15-21 Judgment on all nations 15,16 –All nations judged for their actions Deliverance for Israel 17-21 –Israel delivered –Edom destroyed –Israel to possess Edom’s land MessageObadiah “Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever.” Obadiah 10

15. What Do We Learn From Obadiah? The Lord judges nations which persecute his people. ApplicationObadiah “Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever.” Obadiah 10

16. Jonah Summary The Lord commissions Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach against it. But Jonah boards a ship and heads in the opposite direction. The Lord sends a storm to stop him. The sailors determine that Jonah is the cause of the storm and after considerable anguish they toss him overboard at his request. Jonah is swallowed by a large fish (Chapter 1). From inside the fish Jonah prays for deliverance and the fish spews Jonah on the beach (Chapter 2). Jonah proceeds to Nineveh where he delivers the message of doom. The people repent and the Lord spares them his judgment (Chapter 3). Then Jonah became very angry at God’s merciful treatment of Nineveh. He retired to the desert where God created a shade bush for him but had it killed by a worm the next day. Jonah rejoiced to have the shade of the bush but was distraught when it died. Jonah was concerned about the vine but not about the people in the city just the opposite of the Lord’s attitude (Chapter 4). Jonah “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2b

17. Jonah’s Geography BackgroundJonah “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2b

18. Jonah is Unique Among the Prophetic Writings The book is a narrative; not a collection of prophetic oracles. Jonah utters only one line of prophetic speech: “Forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” Jonah’s prophecy does not mention God’s name The pagans in the story (the sailors and the inhabitants of Nineveh) respond to God more favorably than the prophet. BackgroundJonah “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2b

19. Tips for Reading the Book of Jonah Remember, that the main character is the Lord (mentioned 26 times); not Jonah (mentioned 15 times) Put yourself in the place of an Israelite reader (especially with respect to the Assyrians) Notice the irony in the story (response to God by pagans versus the prophet) Keep in mind that it is a commentary on the Abrahamic covenant (Gen. 12:1-3) BackgroundJonah “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2b

20. Jonah: The Parallel Narrative About God’s Compassion I.First Commission (Chs. 1&2) A.Commission (1:1,2) B.Jonah’s Disobedience (1:3) C.God’s Judgment on Jonah (1:4-17) D.Jonah’s Prayer (2:1-9) E.God Delivers Jonah (2:10) II.Second Commission (Chs. 3&4) A.Commission (3:1) B.Jonah’s Obedience (3:2-4) C.God’s Judgment on Nineveh Averted (3:5-10) D.Jonah’s Prayer (4:1-3) E.God Rebukes Jonah (4:4-11) AnalysisJonah “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2b An outline for the book of Jonah which shows the parallel literary structure.

21. First Commission Commission 1:1,2 The word of the Lord came to Jonah Go preach against Nineveh MessageJonah “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2b

22. First Commission Jonah’s Disobedience 1:3 Ran away from the Lord Headed to Tarshish; not Nineveh Boarded a boat manned by pagan sailors MessageJonah “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2b

23. First Commission God’s Judgment on Jonah 1:4-17 Violent storm rose Sailors cast lots and the lot fell to Jonah Sailors threw Jonah overboard at his request Sea grew calm Sailors feared the Lord Jonah swallowed by a great fish MessageJonah “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2b

24. First Commission Jonah’s Prayer 2:1-9 “In my distress I prayed to the Lord and he answered me.” “When my life was ebbing away I remembered you, Lord” “Salvation comes from the Lord” MessageJonah “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2b “From the belly of the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God.” 2:1

25. First Commission God Delivers Jonah’s 2:10 MessageJonah “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2b “And the L ORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.” 2:10

26. Second Commission The Commission 3:1,2 MessageJonah “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2b Then the word of the L ORD came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” Jonah 3:1,2

27. Second Commission Jonah’s Obedience 3:3,4 MessageJonah “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2b “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” Jonah’s Message

28. Second Commission God’s Judgment on Nineveh Averted 3:4-10 Believed God Fasted Put on sackcloth King decreed city-wide repentance God relented MessageJonah “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2b Contrast Ninevites’ response to Jonah’s.

29. Second Commission Jonah’s Prayer 4:1-3 Jonah was angry (4:1) He knew the Lord was compassionate and would relent of judgment (4:2) Jonah wanted to die (4:3) MessageJonah “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2b He prayed to the L ORD, “Isn’t this what I said, L ORD, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.”. Jonah 4:2

30. Second Commission God Rebukes Jonah 4:4-11 Jonah(still angry) waited to see what would happen to Nineveh (4:5) Object lesson: the Lord, Jonah, the vine and Nineveh (4:6-8) MessageJonah “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2b

31. Second Commission God Rebukes Jonah 4:4-11 Jonah became angry to the point of death over the death of a mere plant but didn’t care at all for the thousands of people in Nineveh The Lord’s compassion withheld judgment on Nineveh due to the peoples’ repentance at Jonah’s preaching MessageJonah “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2b

32. Jonah is Alluded to but not Quoted in the New Testament The sign of the prophet Jonah is mentioned in three New Testament texts: –Matthew 12:38-41 – Matthew 16:1-4 –Luke 11:29-32 In each case, the Pharisees, Sadducees or the crowd ask Jesus for a sign from heaven Jesus compared himself to only one prophet – Jonah New TestamentJonah “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2b

33. Jesus Applies the “Sign of Jonah” in Different Ways In Matthew 12:38-41 Jesus links Jonah’s three days and nights in the belly of the fish with this own time in the ‘heart of the earth’ In Matthew 16:1-4 Jesus tells his inquirers that the sign of Jonah is the only sign they will get In Luke 11:29-32 Jesus claims that as the preaching of Jonah was a sign of God to Nineveh so is his preaching a sign to this generation New TestamentJonah “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2b “… something greater than Jonah is here.”

34. What Do We Learn From Jonah? Compassion is a divine attribute The Lord’s compassion for people exceeds ours How do you demonstrate the Lord’s compassion to others? ApplicationJonah “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah 4:2b

35. Micah: Three Oracles of Judgment and Future Hope Summary Micah’s three prophetic addresses ( 1:2; 3:1; 6:1) describe present corruption, announce imminent judgment and promise a glorious future. Each address is unique from the standpoint of its target audience, contents, tone and point of view. The first address announces a general judgment upon Israel and Judah (represented by their capitals Samaria and Jerusalem) because of their sins (Chs. 1-2). The second address pronounces divine judgment upon the leaders of the nation, the wicked princes and false prophets (Ch. 3) and then announces a future hope of the Messianic kingdom (Chs. 4-5). The final address admonishes the people to repent and promises hope of future deliverance and salvation (Chs. 6-7). Micah “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the L ORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8

36. Micah Prophesized During the Rule of Three Judean Kings BackgroundMicah “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the L ORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8 The word of the L ORD that came to Micah of Moresheth during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah… Micah 1:1 Jotham 750-732 BC Ahaz 732-716BC Hezekiah 715-686 BC Fall of Samaria 722 BC Assyrian Army Approaching Jerusalem 701 BC

37. Micah Prophesied Around the Time of Jonah, Amos, Hosea, and Isaiah BackgroundMicah “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the L ORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8 770760750740730720710700690 Isaiah Micah Hosea Amos Jonah To Judah To Israel To Nineveh

38. Micah Clearly Tells Us the Purpose of His Message Micah “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the L ORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8 But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the L ORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin. Micah 3:8 “His message was that the people, particularly the upper class, were guilty of injustice (2:1-2; 3:1-3, 9-11; 6:10-11).” Hill and Walton “A Survey of the Old Testament” Analysis

39. Micah’s Structure 1.Micah did not speak these oracles at one time. They are a collection of his life’s work 2.The oracles are introduced by the word “hear” (1:2; 3:1; 6:1) 3.The oracles are not chronologically arranged 4.The structure of Micah is roughly based on alternating messages of doom and hope MicahAnalysis “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the L ORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8 “Each division contains a description of the present corruption, an announcement of imminent judgment and promises of a glorious future” H.E. Freeman “Introduction to the Old Testament Prophets”

40. Micah’s Oracles of Judgment and Hope I.Heading (1:1) II.Samaria and Jerusalem (1:2-3:13) A.The judgments (1:2-16) B.Reason for the judgments (2:1-11) C.Words of hope (2:11-12) III.The Leaders (3:1-5:15) A.The judgments (3:1-12) B.Words of hope : messianic kingdom (4:1-5:15) IV.The People (6:1-7:20) A.The judgments (6:1-16) B.Micah’s lament (7:1-7) C.Words of hope (7:8-20) AnalysisMicah “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the L ORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8 “The book consists of three prophetic addresses clearly distinguished from one another by the introductory word ‘hear’ (1:2; 3:1;6:1)” H.E. Freeman “Introduction to the Old Testament Prophets”

41. The Reasons for Judgment are Two: Idolatry and Social Injustice Idolatry –Constructed idols and sacred images (1:7) –Practiced witchcraft (5:12) –Use images and carved stones and Asherah poles in worship (5:13,14) Social injustice –Leaders rob people of their inheritance (2:1-2) –Leaders hate good and love evil (3:1-3,9) –Leaders, priests and prophets take bribes (3:11; 7:3) –Businessmen dishonest (6:10-12) MicahAnalysis “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the L ORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8

42. The Reasons for Hope are Found in the Messianic Kingdom “Their king will pass before them, the Lord at their head.” 2:11-12 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.: 5:2 “You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all of our iniquities into the depths of the sea. You will be true to Jacob and show mercy to Abraham as you pledged on oath to our fathers in days long ago.” 7:19,20 MicahAnalysis “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the L ORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8

43. Micah’s Message Micah’s message is primarily concerned with judgment against the sin of Israel and Judah. The sin is national (1:5-7); social and economic (2:1-2), civic (3:1-3) and religious extending to both prophets (2:6-11) and priests (3:11). However, in full view of this sin the religious ritual appears to be thriving (6:6-7) and is inconsistent with the Lord’s desires of justice, mercy and humility (6:8). Micah’s secondary message is one of future hope and deliverance (2:1-13; 7:18- 20; 5:1-2) Micah “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the L ORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8 Message

44. Micah’s Prophecies are from the Lord What – the word of the Lord: the vision concerning Samaria and Jerusalem Who – Micah Where - Moresheth When – during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah (750-686 BC) Message The word of the L ORD that came to Micah of Moresheth during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah—the vision he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem. Micah 1:1 I. Heading 1:1 “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the L ORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8

45. The Transgressions of Jacob and Sins of Israel Because of the transgressions of Jacob and the sins of Israel the Lord will come down from his dwelling place and visit judgment on these two nations (1:2-5). Israel will be destroyed (1:6-7) – her sins are incurable. Judah has been infected. She will be attacked as well (1:8-16). II. Samaria and Jerusalem A. The Judgments 1:2-16 Message “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the L ORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8

46. Judgment for Robbing People’s Inheritance The judgment of God will fall on Israel and Judah because wealthy land owners unjust activity (2:1-2) – they rob the people of their inheritance: their land. As a judgment Israel will lose its land to an alien power (2:3-5). God’s judgment will fall on those prophets whose false utterances support the land robbers (2:6-11). II. Samaria and Jerusalem B. Reasons 2:1-11 Message “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the L ORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8

47. Future Hope: Restoration of the People See 2:3-5 about the judgment of losing the land. The future hope is expressed as a re-gathering of the people by a messianic king. II. Samaria and Jerusalem B. Hope 2:12-13 Message “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the L ORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8

48. The Leaders’ Judgment With three small oracles (3:1-4; 5-; 9-12) Micah focuses on the leaders and prophets of the nation whose policies and prophecies serve to promote social and economic injustice. Note the contrast between the establishment prophets (3:5-7) whom the Lord refuse to communicate with and Micah (3:8) who is filled with the Spirit and power of the Lord. The last oracle in the series (3:9-12) describes the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. III. The Leaders A. Judgments 3:1-12 Message “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the L ORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8

49. The Hope of a Messianic Kingdom This hope oracle is a response to the judgment on Jerusalem and the temple (3:12) The Lord will provide a messianic restoration of the temple and the nations will gather to hear God’s word (4:1-5). Judah will return from exile and crush her enemies (4:6-13). A messianic king will play the central role in the restoration (5:1-6). The remnant of Jacob will destroy her enemies (5:7-9) The Lord will purge the idolatry from the land (5:10-14) and take vengeance on rebellious nations (5:15) III. The Leaders B. Hope 4:1-5:15 Message “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the L ORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8

50. The Lord’s Accusations for the People The Lord brings a charge against his people and asks the mountains to hear his case (6:1-3). The Lord’s offenses includes the exodus, the manipulation of curses to blessing of Balaam and the journey into the promised land (6;4-5). The people’s defenses is in their abundant sacrifices and offerings – rivers of olive oil (6:6-7). The Lord responds that he prefers justice, mercy and humility (6:8). Because of their unjust and unmerciful actions the Lord will bring destruction upon them (6:9-16) IV. The People A. Judgments 6:1-16 Message “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the L ORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8

51. Micah’s Anguish at the Evil in the Land All the righteous people are gone. No one can be trusted – not even family (7:1-7). But Micah has hope in the Lord and waits for God his savior (7:8). IV. The People B. Micah’s Lament 7:1-7 Message “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the L ORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8

52. Restoration, Forgiveness and Covenant The Lord will restore the people from exile (7:8-13). Micah’s prays that the Lord will “shepherd” his people (7:14). The nations who opposed Israel will be brought low (7:15-17). The Lord who is gracious and compassionate, will forgive Israel’s sin (7:18-19) and Israel will be faithful to the covenant made with Jacob and Abraham (7:20). IV. The People C. Hope 7:8-20 Message “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the L ORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8 The phrase in 7:18 “who is a God like you” reflects the meaning of Micah’s name.

53. Micah Is Quoted Twice by Matthew MicahTextNew Testament Text 5:2“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Matt 2:6“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7:6"For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.” Matt 10:35,36 For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. MicahNew Testament “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the L ORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8

54. Worship Devoid of Justice is Futile Micah “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the L ORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8 With what shall I come before the L ORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the L ORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the L ORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:6-8 “His message was that the people, particularly the upper class, were guilty of injustice (2:1-2; 3:1-3, 9-11; 6:10-11).” Hill and Walton “A Survey of the Old Testament” “Micah labored to impress Israel with the truth that certain principles of righteous conduct were required of men not the mere exercise of external ritual.” H.E. Freeman “Introduction to the Old Testament Prophets” Application

55. A prophet is one who: A.Foretells the word of God by predicting the future B.Forgets himself in the presence of God C.Fosters distrust among the kings and priests D.Forth-tells the word of God by denouncing sin, proclaiming judgment, pleading for repentance and encouraging obedience E.None of the above TEST

56. Obadiah’s message was to: A.Pronounce judgment on Edom for not allowing Israel to pass through their land during the exodus B.Clarify the historical origins of Edom and Israel C.Warn Edom against raiding Judah D.Settle a boundary dispute between Edom and Israel E.Pronounce judgment on Edom for aiding Babylon during the destruction of Jerusalem TEST

57. Jonah’s message was to: A.Show that God gives all of us a second chance B.Demonstrate that God is free to change his mind C.Reveal that the words of a prophet do not always come true D.Explain that God’s compassion for people far exceeds that of humans E.Contrast the Jews, who rarely obeyed prophetic message to the Gentiles who repented TEST

58. Micah’s message was to: A.Increase the number of animals used for sacrifices B.Show that righteous conduct was required of the people of God and not just the exercise of religious ritual C.Rebuke the priests and Levites for their laxity D.Encourage Israel to keep the covenant between them and the Lord E.None of the above TEST