THE MINOR PROPHETS (2)

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) What is commonly referred to as the "minor prophets" are a collection of writings in the Bible from twelve different men inspired by God. The longest of these books are Hosea and Zechariah, with each having fourteen (14) chapters. The shortest prophetic book in this series is Obadiah, with only one chapter, followed by Haggai, which has only two.

b) The minor prophets, from oldest to youngest writing, are Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Joel, Obadiah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. Their books are considered minor since each is much shorter than the writings of Isaiah (sixty-six chapters), Jeremiah (fifty-two chapters) and Ezekiel (forty-eight chapters). If all of their writings were combined into a single book it would be only two-thirds of the size of the book of Isaiah.

c) The Book of Daniel, although it contains important prophecies from Daniel’s time to the end of the age and Christ’s return, is not included as part of the writings of the prophets. This is because Daniel wrote in Babylon during the Jews’ 70-year exile in captivity due to their sins.

Date (B.C.)

Name

Theme

Prophecies To / About

Sins Addressed

626	Zephaniah	God's indignation. Who may be hidden? Israel repents then God saves them.	Judah, Jerusalem, ALL people about Day of the Lord	Spiritual fornication
596 - 586	Joel	Day of the Lord	Israel	Adultery, drunkenness, idolatry, licentiousness
590	Obadiah	Day of the Lord. Edom's Destruction. Israel's restoration.	Against Edom	Edom had continual violence toward Jacob.
520	Haggai	The restoration Temple points to the Church	Zerubbabel, Joshua and the returned remnant	Neglect in building God's House. Procrastination.
520 - 518	Zechariah	The coming of God's Kingdom preceded by building of Temple	Zerubbabel, Joshua and the returned remnant	Joshua's filthy garments. Lack of judgment, mercy and peace. Living in evil ways.
400	Malachi	Be prepared for the Messenger that is to come	Israel and 'Israel of God' today (the church)	Priests neglect duties. People chided for divorce, adultery, criticizing, robbing God.

The End ...