The book of Malachi can be likened to our spiritual health. It requires constant maintenance; otherwise we quickly lapse into apathy and insincerity. This was a specific problem in Malachi’s time. After returning from exile in Babylon, the Jews rebuilt the Temple and reinstated the priesthood. Everything seemed to be going well, but after a few generations passed, many Jews became complacent in their faith. Even the priests became corrupt and careless in carrying out their duties. So Malachi, prophesied against the people’s insincere worship, their refusal to tithe the full amount and their lack of concern for God’s commands.
Malachi
Minor Prophets
October 20, 2020 • Cory Holas
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Minor Prophets
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.