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Minor Prophets

The Minor Prophets are the twelve shorter Old Testament prophetic books. In the Hebrew Bible Hosea through Malachi form one book, “The Twelve,” and with the Major Prophets they hold God’s will and plan, warning and comfort. Each book is short but clear, from judgment on social and religious corruption to hope in the Messiah and restoration.

Background of writing

  • Author and inspiration — Twelve prophets—Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi—each wrote under God’s inspiration (2 Tim. 3:16).
  • Date — Written over about 300 years, from the late 8th century BC (Hosea, Amos) to the 5th century BC (Malachi), from the divided kingdoms through return from exile and temple rebuilding.
  • Historical setting — North Israel’s prosperity and decline, Assyrian and Babylonian invasion, Judah’s fall, exile and return, temple rebuilding and spiritual dullness. Each prophet exposed the sins of his day and called for repentance.

Purpose of writing

  • God proclaimed judgment on idolatry, injustice, and social corruption, and required true repentance, justice, and mercy.
  • Even under threat of ruin and exile he gave hope: salvation of a remnant, the Messiah’s coming (Micah 5:2), and restoration after the day of the LORD.
  • After the return he encouraged temple rebuilding and covenant faithfulness, and through Malachi announced the coming messenger and judgment at the close of the Old Testament.
  • Though short, these books still call today’s saints to hold God’s justice and grace, repentance and hope.

Choose a book below to listen to the exposition sermons in order.