THE MINOR PROPHETS Course Objectives
1. To obtain a better knowledge and understanding of the character of each of the Minor Prophets
2. To study and analyze each prophetic bookCourse Requirements and Grading
1. Reading -- Students must read through the Minor Prophets 3 times during the semester (20%)
2. Daily Assignments -- Write out 7 good observations from each chapter of reading (20%)
3. Quizzes (20%)
4. Major Exams (2) (40%)INTRODUCTION TO THE MINOR PROPHETS A. Although these 12 short books are recognized individually in the English Bible, they were originally considered a unit in the Hebrew Masoretic Text. These prophetic books, dating from the Divided Kingdom through the Post-Exilic period of Israel, and covering some 400 years, are not intended to be slighted by the name 'minor'. Rather, this name has been applied because of the brevity of the writings.
The men whose names the books carry were men of God who delivered Jehovah's message to Israel, Judah, and the heathen nations.B. Political Background
These men prophesied at a time in Jewish history when there was much to hinder the work of God. Men were in charge of government rather than God (Monarchy vs. Theocracy), and the results were disastrous.1. Northern Kingdom (Israel)
The Kingdom of Israel was carried back and forth from one reigning Jewish family to another, from one form of idolatry to another, etc. Finally, Israel went into Assyrian captivity in 722 B.C. as a result of their idolatry.2. Southern Kingdom (Judah)
The Kingdom of Judah remained much longer, with King David's descendants on the throne continually. For idolatry and sin, God eventually destroyed Judah and Jerusalem also; the final destruction coming in 586 B.C. by Babylon.3. The Exile Period
Throughout this time, God always had His preacher. Even in captivity, God's people were not left without the prophet and the word of the Lord.4. The Post-Exilic Period
At this time in Jewish history, one would imagine a permanent return of the Jews to the God who had chastened and restored them. The prophets continue, however, to rebuke the people for their wickedness and hypocrisy.C. Message of the Minor Prophets
Primarily, negative. Man is by nature rebellious; much of God's dealing with man must be negative in nature. As long as man is sinful (until the eternal state), God's message to man must address that sinfulness.
There is the message of restoration interwoven in the message of doom for the Jews. God has promised an eternal remnant, and will bring the Jews back to their land.D. Chronological order of the Minor Prophets
1. Obadiah 850-845 B.C.
2. Joel 830 B.C.
3. Jonah 790-770 B.C.
4. Amos 760-750 B.C.
5. Hosea 750-730 B.C.
Isaiah 750-690 B.C. E PRE-EXILE
6. Micah 735-700 B.C.
7. Nahum 660-612 B.C.
8. Zephaniah 630-620 B.C.
Jeremiah 626-586 B.C.
9. Habakkuk 620-598 B.C.
Ezekiel 593-573 B.C. E BABYLONIAN
Daniel 600-540 B.C. EXILE
10. Haggai 520 B.C.
11. Zechariah 520 B.C. E POST - EXILE
12. Malachi 430-420 B.C.E. Biblical order of the Minor Prophets
1. Hosea 14 under construction
2. Joel 3 under construction
3. Amos 9 under construction
4. Obadiah 1
5. Jonah 4 under construction
6. Micah 7 under construction
7. Nahum 3
8. Habakkuk 3 under construction
9. Zephaniah 3 under construction
10. Haggai 2
11. Zechariah 14
12. Malachi 4
MINOR PROPHETS MID-TERM EXAMINATION 3-10-96
STOREHOUSE TITHING 3-31-96 [klp]
FINAL EXAM - Minor Prophets 6-10-96
More Information:
Go to: minpinfo.htm