How Can We Summarize the Minor Prophets of the O.T.?
(Part 1)
The Minor Prophets once again do not advance the storyline of the Old Testament. These Prophets, who are minor only because their books are shorter––were messengers of God. They were once united in a single volume, the Book of the Twelve, and together declare Israel’s spiritual unfaithfulness, God’s judgment, and the promise of future restoration. Here is a way we could summarize each of them:
Hosea is a collection of stories revealing Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s inexhaustible redeeming love.
Joel is a sermon about God’s judgement on the day of the Lord and his promise to pour out his Spirit.
Amos is a collection of sermons declaring God’s justice against all who sin and a call for true worship of God that overflows in a life of righteousness and love towards others.
Obadiah is a sermon revealing humanity’s pride and downfall as well as the restoration of God’s kingdom.
Jonah tells the story of God’s compassionate love toward sinful people and of a prophet who resents God because of it.
Micah declares God’s judgement against his sinful people as well as his forgiveness for those who turn from their sin.
Scripture 1.24