icon__search

Haggai

Minor Prophets

October 13, 2020 • Hannah Johnston

The book of Haggai is one of the smaller prophetic books. It only has 2 chapters. The name Haggai
means "festive" in Hebrew, from the root ָח ַגג (chagag). Haggai prophesied at a time when the people of Judea were extremely vulnerable. They had been humbled by their exile to Babylon, were hopeful in their return to the promised land, but they had become discouraged by opposition in their rebuilding of the Temple that they had quit (Ezra 4:24). Now, sixteen years later, Haggai blamed their lack of food, clothing and shelter on their failure to rebuild the Temple. The Jews living in Judea were ultimately receptive to his message of rebuilding the Lord's house.

Hosea

September 15, 2020 • Ian Mann

Hosea followed on from Amos and was the last of the northern Prophets before the exile. His ministry lasted for around 40 years starting under King Jeroboam II, through to the last King of Israel, Hoshea. All we know about Hosea is written in this book.

Obadiah

September 22, 2020 • Neil Gallagher

Obadiah the prophet is the writer of the shortest book in the Old Testament (a mere one chapter book, consisting of 21 verses, and 440 words), called “The most highly predictive book in the entire Bible” (because everything mentioned had to do with the future of Judah and Edom). Obadiah shares with (Jonah and Nahum) the distinction of having addressed his message not to Israel or Judah but to (or about) foreign nations exclusively.

Micah

September 29, 2020 • Sinead Holas

Micah came from Shephelah, His hometown Morsheth, near the border of Philistia and Judah a few miles away from Jerusalem, so he lived between the Jews and the philistines. Micah grew up in the countryside. He had strong concerns for the lowly and less fortunate (the lame, the outcasts, the afflicted Micah 4:6), therefore much of his prophecy is towards the leaders, the rich and those in places of authority or power.