INTRODUCTION TO THE MINOR PROPHETS

What are the Minor Prophets?

1. Short answer: These are books we seldom study.

2. OT divisions

   1. 5 books of Law Historical books – Genesis through Esther.

   2. 12 books of history

   3. 5 Poetical books

   4. 5 Major prophets

   5. 12 Minor prophets

Who are the Minor Prophets?

1. Lesser-known prophets from all walks of life.

2. Joel is thought to have been a priest.

3. Habbakuk appears to have been a Levite [Unger].

4. Micah seems to have been a simple villager.

5. Amos was a shepherd and tree trimmer

6. Zephaniah was the great grandson of Hezekiah, the reformer king of Judah.

Why are they called “minor”?

1. NOT in inspiration

2. NOT in importance

3. NOT minor in significance

4. MINOR in size of the writings

5. In the Hebrew Bible – one book – The Writings of the 12

6. Important in Content

   1. Luke 11:29-30 - Jonah

   2. Habakkuk 2:4 Just shall live by faith

   3. Micah – Jesus born in Bethlehem

   4. Hosea – Jesus would go to and come out of Egypt

   5. Zechariah – betrayal for 30 pieces of silver

   6. Malachi – John the Baptizer

Where do the Minor Prophets Fit into History?

1. Assyrian Period – Obadiah (845), Joel (835), Jonah (782), Hosea (760), Amos (760), Micah (735), Nahum (650).

2. Babylonian Period – 640), Habakkuk (609), Haggai (520).

3. Persion Period Zechariah (520), Malachi (433).

Why Study the Minor Prophets?

1. Part of God's Word

2. Quoted in the New Testament

3. They are unfamilar to us

4. To learn from history or repeat it fulfillment.

5. Learn how God judges nations

6. See how God acted in the past – A measure of how He will act in the future.

Adapted from outline by Tony Garland - www.SpiritAndTruth.org