How to Better Understand the Minor Prophets

Zephaniah The Minor Prophets ministered for over three centuries in the most tumultuous times in Israel’s history, yet their message remains relevant for the chaotic times in which we live. The Old Testament prophets courageously confronted the sinfulness and idolatry of God’s people and called for repentance. They offered reminders of Yahweh’s sovereignty over the nations in times of international crisis, painting unforgettable images of God in the process. They warned of catastrophic judgment but also pointed to the future hope of Messiah’s kingdom of peace when all would be made right in the world.

Old Testament scholars Richard Alan Fuhr, Jr. and Gary E. Yates believe that the message of the twelve Minor Prophets is relevant for the church today, and they re-introduce these important books of the Bible to contemporary Christians. Ideal for use as a textbook as well as for personal study, The Message of the Twelve: Hearing the Voice of the Minor Prophets surveys the historical background of each prophetic book, the prophet’s message and themes, as well as the book’s place in the biblical canon. The authors also provide in-depth exposition of each book—from Hosea’s metaphor of Israel’s infidelity and Nahum’s warnings of foreign judgments, to Haggai’s postexilic call and Malachi’s vision of future restoration. The Message of the Twelve goes beyond typical biblical surveys to examine the key interpretive issues in each book, including important literary insights from the Hebrew text. Drawing on the prophets’ proclamations to ancient Israel and Judah, the authors emphasize that the church today must heed the call to reject apathy and return to a vibrant relationship with the living God.

In this new 7-minute video Fuhr and Yates give a behind-the-scenes look at their book on the minor prophets and explain how it brings the messages of the prophets to life for students of Scripture today.