The Minor Prophets are so named not because their messages were any less important or inspired but because their writings were shorter. Often God called them to deliver one specific message and then they went back to their vocation. Some are very familiar like Jonah. Others like Nahum or Zephaniah are not so well known. Over the next several study tips, we'll look at these short books and point out what makes them relevant and worth a closer look.Amos was a farmer who was tapped to bring a message to Israel- don't be fooled into thinking that just because economic times were good, it's a sign of God's favor. We can date his message pretty reliably from 1:1 where he says "two years before the earthquake". A major earthquake occurred in 760BC during King Uzziah's reign. This makes Amos a contemporary with Isaiah.
What to look for-
- Amos starts with a series of messages to the neighboring nations. Who are they? What sins are mentioned? What judgment is promised?
- Then he turns his attention to Israel. What are her major sins? What means has God used try to get Israel's attention so far? Has it worked?
- Finally, Amos sees a series of visions in which Gods uses everyday objects to help illustrate the point. Two visions are positive. Three are negative. What are the objects and the messages?
(BONUS: Did you notice the locusts? How do they compare with Joel's locusts? Are they positive or negative?)
Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, a one chapter quick hit for the nation of Edom. The people of Edom were the descendents of Esau and there were generations of bitter, bad blood between Edom and Israel.
- How is Edom characterized? What are the people like? What have they done?
- How does/will God respond? What is the final outcome for Israel and for Edom?
- Notice the repeated word "day". How is it described? What will happen on that day?
- What does Obadiah tell you about the fate of the enemies of God's people?
I love that even after difficult messages of warning and judgment, God finishes with a clear word of hope and restoration. Thankfully, with God, the bad news is never the last word.
Next week: Jonah and Nahum
We read some verses from Obadiah last week in church, so this was well-planned in a way. I also think it’s great how God includes a message of hope in everything He says. At one point, I did read both Amos and Obadiah, but I never sat down to study them. But when I do, I’ll keep these things in mind. Great post!