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

Quick Summary of the 5 th Century B.C. Prophetic Books

Book

Meaning of Name Festal or Festive

Key Thought

Approx. Date BC

Audience # of Ch.

Key Verse(s)

NT References Heb 12:26

Rebuilding the House of the LORD Future Blessing for Israel

520

Returned Exiles at Jerusalem Returned Exiles at Jerusalem

2

1:7; 2:7,9 Key Chap: 2 8:3; 9:9 Key Chap:14

Haggai

Zechariah God

520-480

14

Rom 9:13; 1Tim 2:8; Lk 1:17, 76,78 Ja 4:8; Rev 20:27; 2 Pet 3:7; Mt 11:14; 17:10-13 Ja 4:8; Ju 9; Heb 8:1; Mt 21:4-5; 27:3-10; Jn 19:34,37; 20:25, 27

Remembers

Appeal to Backslidders

432-424

Returned Exiles at Jerusalem

4

2:17-3:1; 4:5, 6

My Messenger or Messenger of the LORD

Malachi

Themes of the 5 th Century B.C. Prophetic Books Haggai: An older prophet who worked with Zechariah a younger prophet to inspire and challenge the first exiles that returned to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. He gives 5 stirring messages in 2 chapters, inciting the people to put God’s priorities ahead of their own. Zechariah: Is commissioned to encourage the returned exiles to finish building the Lord’s house, for they build not only a building, but their future. He brings a strong emphasis on the coming Messiah who will come to His temple. Malachi: As time has passed, the great prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah are not yet fulfilled, and the returned exiles are disillusioned and doubtful.Speaking for God, Malachi brings God’s accusations in the form of probing questions to challenge their empty ritual, divorces, cheating on tithes and offerings, and their over-all indifference. He also brings a strong rebuke to a corrupt priesthood, but He does give glorious hope concerning coming Messiah.

146