Twelve Minor Prophets - An Overview - Assignment Example

Twelve Minor Prophets- An Overview Hoshea. During the declining years of the first Temple period, Hoshea gives his prophecy to Israel as a warning to the Jews. During that period, the morality is slipping and Hoshea informs them that it would bring about destruction and exile. Through Hoshea’s eyes is a vision of the coming destruction, exile, and rebuilding of the Temple seventy years later. There is also a narration of a vision of the Temple’s destruction at the hands of the Romans. It is shown here that even during exile, God is still protecting His people. Joel. Joel’s vision contains both good and bad news. He tells about Babylonia, Persia, Greece, and Rome --- the four kingdoms that would rule over the Jews. It also says here that the future of the nation would be filled with hardships if they continue to fall short in their obedience to God’s commandments. Joel is also known for his account of the final assembly of the exiles at the time of the last redemption. Amos. Amos’ prophecy is mainly directed at the Ten Tribes --- who were eventually lost due to their actions. Amos also says that the Jews have a significant mission in the world, and are given immense power to accomplish this task. With these, he gives warnings to all those in the northern and southern kingdoms of Jerusalem. Amos informs them that a greater punishment, compared to others, awaits the Jews if they do not do their job. “The bigger they are the harder they fall.” Obadiah. Obadiah supports 100 prophets during the dreadful reign of King Ahab and hides them to safety. He is also famous for his prophecy that is directed at the Jews’ neighboring nation of Edom. Per Obadiah, these people are also fated to be brought to justice to all their deeds. The Roman Empire is usually associated with Edom. Jonah (Yonah). He is most probably the most well-known of all the minor prophets. Jonah’s book is read in the synagogues on the afternoon of the Yom Kippur war in 1973. Jonah is ordered by God to go to Nineveh, a city located in modern northern Iraq, near the Turkish border. He is to convince the non-Jews to turn away from their ways and repent to God. Jonah tries to avoid the mission that almost costs him his life. He is afraid that the people of Nineveh would pay attention to his reproach and do better, which would definitely create a bad image of the Jews. Jonah tries to avoid the mission by riding on a boat going to the opposite direction. He deals with a violent storm that makes him throw himself overboard to save the other people on the boat. Once in the waters, he is swallowed by a fish, is spat out, then swallowed again by another. Jonah realizes his mistake, repents, and eventually finds himself on dry land. In his book, Jonah describes how no one can escape from God’s will. He then goes to the Assyrian city in Nineveh and talks to the people there to change their ways. Micah. Micah gives warnings to all the Jews of both the north and south that continued disobedience to God’s commandments will bring about destruction. However, most part of the book is dedicated to the third Temple that will be built during the final redemption. What is interesting in this book is the clear prophecy that God will remain true to His promise that He will never forsake His people even during their exile --- that God will not allow His people to be totally wiped-out. Nahum. This book narrates the undoing of Jonah’s vision. The small Assyrian city in Nineveh that repented because of Jonah’s warnings is soon destroyed because they fell under the reign of King Sancheriv. King Sancheriv’s empire is the one that disrupted and swallowed the most part of the uprising nations, even the ten northern tribes of Israel. This book arises a frequently asked question among the Jews. If King Sancheriv did God’s will that caused such fate to the ten northern tribes of Israel, why should he be punished? Habakkuk. Like Nahum, Habakkuk is sent to spread the word regarding destruction of the enemy of the Jews, particularly the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. In this book, the story of rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple merely seventy years later brings about the idea that this is not the final redemption. Zephaniah. What is notable in Zephaniah’s prophecy is the vision regarding the gravity and length of the imminent exile, followed by the salvation that will bring about a universal belief in the one true God. Haggai. After the Babylonian captivity, the people of Israel returns to Jerusalem and are ministered by Haggai. He inspires the people to give utmost importance to the building of the temple. He talks about the superiority of religious rituals over morality and justice. However, even after fifteen years from their return from exile, merely the foundations of the temple have been put in place. During all those years, the people busy themselves in building houses for their families. Haggai reminds the people of their responsibility, and weeks after, the construction of the temple is restarted. God is pleased with their efforts and promises to bless them. The temple is finished after four years. Zechariah. Zechariah is viewed to be the contemporary of Prophet Haggai. His prophecies are those of hope and encouragement. His messages includes God’s plan of bestowing wonderful blessings on the people of Israel. He mentions eight positive visions for Israel. Malachi. The temple that is rebuilt at Jerusalem is being misused after several decades. There is dishonesty among some of the priests wherein tithes and offerings are not made properly. Intermarriage between the people of Israel and people from other nations are also going on. In this book, Malachi prophesies that God will bless them greatly if they turn away from their ways and obey God. In here, God also announces the coming of a messenger who will prepare the path for the Messiah. According to Conservative beliefs, Malachi is a contemporary of Nehemiah and this prophecy refers to John the Baptist who will pave the way for the Messiah. According to Liberal beliefs, an unknown editor added Malachi 4:4 later to be able to link it to the Pentateuch. Another belief is that a second editor added Malachi 4:5-6 to have God’s announcement regarding Prophet Elijah to turn the hearts of children to their fathers, and their fathers to their children. References Frolov, Serge. "Reviews." Journal of Semitic Studies. 48.1 (2003): 176-177. Print. Smith, George A. The Book of the Twelve Prophets: Commonly Called the Minor. Whitefish, MT: Kessinger Pub, 2006. Print. Read More