The MAJOR & MINOR Prophets - The 16 Writing Prophets Of The Hebrew Canon

(Continued)

Book

Theme

Obadiah

The proud, haughty descendants of Esau were a constant threat to Israel down through the years, doing whatever they could to hinder the descendants of Jacob. God’s response: “As you have done, it will be done to you.” And so it was. Using a locust plague to illustrate the terrible “Day of the LORD,” Joel calls the people of God to fasting and prayer. This turning to God brought the abundant restoration of all that had been destroyed. A remarkable prophecy of a future outpouring of the Holy Spirit is given, showing how God’s people will all become prophetic. God commissioned Jonah to go to the wicked gentile city of Nineveh and preach repentance. The reluctant prophet tried to run away from the assignment, but God captured him and he finally went. The sincere, repentant response of the total population of Nineveh to Jonah’s message caused God to spare the city. Then God had to deal with His despondent prophet. Hosea sounded a final call to Israel for repentance before the death knell of the country. The domestic life of Hosea, his wife and children give remarkable spiritual and moral application to Israel’s relationship with God Himself. Hosea actually portrayed in real life the heart, agony and righteousness of God as he married a wife that he knew would be unfaithful to him, illustrating that God will tolerate no rival – but that His love is undying and forgiving. Amos, the Judean farmer, went to Bethel and challenged the King, leaders, prophets and people that they have departed from the way of the LORD. Israel has forgotten her covenant with God and gone into wanton corruption and moral decay. In spite of the devastation that the Assyrians will bring, God promises an eventual restoration of David’s Tabernacle and a marvelous ingathering of both Israel and Gentiles. “Isaiah is the supreme poet-prophet to come out of the Hebrew people.” 1 He presents the holiness of God in a graphic way and makes “salvation” his major emphasis. Three themes are repeated and developed: judgment, comfort and hope.” His remarkable prophetic insights portray the Messiah as both a suffering servant and a conquering king. Presented like a courtroom scene, God brings serious accusations against His people whom He has cared for and loved. Judgment will fall on leaders and people in both Israel and Judah. Eventually, a glorious restoration of His kingdom will occur with the Messiah as king and shepherd.

Joel

Jonah

Hosea

Amos

Isaiah

Micah

_____________________________ 1 Eugene Peterson, The Message , p. 912.

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