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Hey Reading Community,
Alright, you finished reading Isaiah, one of the “Major Prophets!” Coming up next are some more prophetic books, which are often called “Minor Prophets,” or in the Hebrew tradition, “the Scroll of the Twelve.” The word “minor” refers only to the shorter length of these prophetic books (Hosea through Malachi).
The poetry and narratives from these ancient prophets have been collected into an anthology and stitched together into one unified work with twelve “chapters,” so to speak. Each of these prophets appeared at different moments in Israel’s history, but later their works were brought together into the Scroll of the Twelve, which was set alongside the longer prophetic scrolls of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel.
This week, you will be reading the first four of the twelve Minor Prophets, two of which we have decided to explore deeper in this week's blog.
Onwards!
Jon, Tim, & The Bible Project Crew
P.S. Want to dive deeper? Start with our blog on Biblical Theology. This week, we take a look at Hosea & Amos: Two Sides of Covenant Failure. |
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Chapter 8
The prophets before the exile |
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Week 19
Summary |
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Hosea - Hosea was a prophet to northern Israel and its king, Jeroboam II, about 200 years after the national split. This is a complex book full of poetic language and allegory, namely of Hosea and the relationship with his “wife of the night,” Gomer. The book focuses on Israel’s idolatry (as prostitution), their coming judgement through Assyria, but also God’s undying love and covenant faithfulness to all his people, now and in the future.
Joel - Unlike Hosea, Joel has no clear historical place or time, but it was likely in the post-exilic period. Joel does not go after any one of Israel’s particular sins, but focuses on the Day of the Lord, both in the past and future. He also points to God’s self-declared covenant faithfulness, which creates hope and is described as a picturesque future.
Amos - Amos was a prophet from southern Judah who was sent to northern Israel about 150 years after the national split. He focuses on the rampant social injustice throughout all the nations, but most specifically (and intensely) of Israel’s. Israel was called by God, and had virtually no excuse for its behavior; Amos exposes this all and announces the Day of the Lord, which is coming for Israel.
Obadiah - This is the shortest prophetic book, and by extension, the shortest book in the Old Testament. Obadiah was a prophet to Judah’s neighbor, Edom. However, like many prophetic books, this is allegorical in that it is pointing to the Day of the Lord, not just against Edom, but against all prideful nations. Obadiah also preaches that God will bring restoration and renewal to all those who repent and turn back to Him. |
| Hungry to Read Ahead? |
| Next week we will be reading through the rest of the Minor Prophets before the exile: Jonah, Micah, Nahum, and Habakkuk. |
| Want a Different Pace? |
| Visit the Read Scripture website and download the app to read at your own pace and keep track on all your devices. Or, download the good ol' paper copy! |
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| Thank you! |
| Whether you gave us a one-time gift, are a monthly supporter, a full-time prayer warrior, a Bible Project advocate, or just an eager participant in the Read Scripture community, we are so grateful for you because this project wouldn't be possible without you. |
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