Overview of the Minor Prophets
The Minor Prophets speak from the heart of the ancient Near East, addressing God’s people amid the rise and fall of empires such as Assyria, Babylon, and Persia. Their message unfolds across Israel’s history, from creation and covenant, through kingdom, exile, and restoration. Rooted in the Law of Moses and carried forward through poetic prophecy, these books confront sin, injustice, and false religion while calling for repentance, faithfulness, and hope. The prophets speak God’s word into their own time while pointing forward to God’s redemptive plan, ultimately centered on His sovereignty, justice, mercy, and restoration of His people.
The Twelve
The Prophet Hosea
Hosea
Hosea speaks during the Divided Kingdom, aiming mainly at Israel (the northern kingdom) as it spirals toward destruction. Through a painful personal story, Hosea shows God’s faithful love toward an unfaithful people.
Hosea
Joel
Joel uses a national disaster to wake God’s people up. The book calls for real repentance and points forward to God’s Spirit being poured out.
Joel
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Amos
Amos confronts a nation that looks religious on the outside but is rotten with injustice. He warns Israel during the Divided Kingdom, with Assyria looming.
Amos
Obadiah
Obadiah is the shortest Minor Prophet, but it hits hard: God holds nations accountable for pride and violence. It speaks into the pain surrounding Judah’s collapse and its aftermath.
Obadiah
Jonah
Jonah is a prophet who runs. The story shows God’s compassion extending beyond Israel and reveals how difficult it can be for God’s people to share God’s mercy.
Jonah
Micah
Micah calls out corruption among leaders and false religion, warning of judgment, but also promises a future ruler who will bring peace. He speaks into the divided, collapsing world that leads toward exile.
Micah
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Nahum
Nahum brings a message of comfort for oppressed people: God judges violent empires. It focuses on God’s justice against Assyria.
Nahum
Habakkuk
Micah calls out corruption among leaders and false religion, warning of judgment, but also promises a future ruler who will bring peace. He speaks into the divided, collapsing world that leads toward exile.
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Zephaniah warns of the coming Day of the LORD judgment for sin but restoration for a faithful remnant.
Zephaniah
Haggai
Haggai challenges returning exiles to rebuild the temple. Ignoring God leads to futility.
Haggai
Zechariah
Zechariah encourages the rebuilding of Jerusalem and promises future glory.
Zechariah
Malachi
Malachi addresses spiritual laziness after restoration. Temple rebuilt. Hearts drifting.
The Minor Prophets 