Unit 1: Minor prophets

Week 1: Hosea
Week 2: Joel
Week 3: Amos
Week 4: Obadiah
Week 5: Jonah
Week 6: Micah
Week 7: Nahum
Week 8: Habakkuk
Week 9: Zephaniah
Week 10: Haggai
Week 11: Zechariah - 1
Week 12: Zechariah - 2
Week 13: Malachi

Week 1: Hosea

Objective:

Hosea’s Unfaithful Wife
Hosea's family
God’s Continuing Love for Israel
Fruits of repentance

Resources:

Activity for every week: Can you recite the 12 minor prophets?

Reading:

Hosea 1
Hosea 2:6-7, 14-23
Hosea 6:1-3
Hosea 11
Hosea 14

Key verse(s):

“When Israel was a child, I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son.” Hosea 11:1

NOTE TO SERVANT:

Please plan to ask and review these questions every week:
- Who are the minor prophets? Can you recite them?
- The theme for last week's minor prophet
- Highlight Messianic prophecy

Minor Prophets introduction:

The Major and Minor Prophet division of the Holy Bible does not denote the importance or rank of the writing prophets, but the length of the Holy Books which bear their prophecies.
- Ex: Jonah 4 chapters - Isaiah 66 chapters
There are 12 minor prophets and 4 major prophets (5 books including Lamentations)
In the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), all these books were listed under "prophets". In the Septuagint and Vulgate translations, this classification of major and minor was mentioned.
The prophet in the OT was someone who passed God's message to the people. A prophet in the NT is also someone who passes God's message or news (God's love and salvation for all mankind).
In the OT, there were many prophets (Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, etc.), but when we refer to the "Prophets", we refer to the ones who recorded their prophecy.
All prophecies had one goal: Repentance!
Recorded prophecies were split into three groups: Before, during, and after the exile.
- Before: Repent so God doesn't bring the exile
- During: Repent so God can end the exile and take us back to our land
- After: Repent because the Messiah is coming
The books of the prophets are rich with Messianic prophecies. Our Lord fulfilled all.
The meaning of the names of the prophets is usually the message of their writings.
The prophetic books always start with a strong tough message and then end with a joyful promising message.
All books have different themes. All books have the same message (repentance).

Minor Prophets

Before Assyrian Captivity

Directed to the North Kingdom

After Assyrian and before Babylonian captivities

Directed to the South Kingdom

After Captivity

1. Hosea

2. Joel

3. Amos

4. Obadiah (Edom)

5. Jonah

6. Micah

7. Nahum (Nineveh)

8. Habakkuk

9. Zephaniah

10. Haggai

11. Zechariah

12. Malachi

Comments:

Theme of Hosea: God's salvation
Messianic Prophecy: The Lord's entry to Egypt (11:1)

Hosea is one of the minor prophets.
The book of Hosea was written for the Northern Kingdom of Israel
Outwardly, the nation was enjoying a time of prosperity and growth; but inwardly, moral corruption and spiritual adultery permeated the lives of the people.
The prophet Hosea was instructed by God to marry an unfaithful woman, and he found in his own life a vivid illustration of the unfaithfulness of God’s people and the faithfulness of God.
Hosea repeatedly echoes his threefold message: God abhors the sins of His people; judgment is certain; but God’s love stands firm.
Hosea, whose name means “Salvation.”
The book of Hosea is a story of one-sided love and faithfulness that represents the relationship between Israel and God.
As Gomer is married to Hosea, so Israel is betrothed to God. Both relationships gradually disintegrate—Gomer runs after other men, and Israel runs after other gods.
Israel’s spiritual idolatry is illustrated by Gomer’s physical adultery. The development of the book can be traced in two parts: the adulterous wife and faithful husband (ch. 1–3), and the adulterous Israel and faithful Lord (ch. 4–14).
Hosea’s message reflects the terrible fascination of Israel with Baal worship.
Baal means “husband” or “lord,” and his worship involved fertility rites that included ritual prostitution. Baal was the other lover to whom the unfaithful Israel often turned.
Hosea provides one of the Old Testament’s most eloquent expressions of God’s mercy.
Chapter 1:
- God asked Hosea to marry Gomer. She gave birth to three children. Each child's name was a message from God.
- First Child: Boy: Jezreel - God sows/scatters. What God sows from hardships/punishments are the seeds of our actions.
- Second Child: Girl: Lo-Ruhamah - No mercy. When man doesn't stop sinning and takes advantage of God's patience, he doesn't receive mercy, but judgment.
- Third Child: Boy: Lo-Ammi - Not my people. If many can't separate from sin, how can they belong to God? Therefore, sin leads to separation from God and not being from his people.
Chapter 2:
- V6-7: God builds walls of thorns around us sometimes so we don't go back to our pleasures and lusts. Things happen and people come and go, which are ways of God's protection for us
- V14-23: A symphony of love and hope after all the tough messages.
  - V.15: "Valley of Achor" is where Achan cheated and stole (Joshua 7). This area became known for cheating and disobedience. God will use this same area to make it a door of hope if His people repent.
  - V.19: Betrothal or engagement days tend to be the most romantic and the couple love each other a lot. God used this metaphor a lot in the Bible to symbolize His relationship to humanity. "Forever" means the strong love will be forever and the second coming will be the "wedding."
  - V.23: Strong message of hope. The message has NT tone.
Chapter 6:
- Another message of hope.
- V.2: Hosea with the prophetic spirit spoke about the "third day"
- Former rain: Comes early to help after seed sowing. Latter rain: Comes towards the end to help with budding and producing fruits. God's blessings come at the beginning and end and are countless.
Chapter 11:
- Verse 1 Talks about how God saved his people a long time ago with Moses from Egypt. The number was small (child) and now they are a big nation (adult).
- Verse 1: Prophecy that God will flee to Egypt
  - St. Matthew linked this verse to Christ's entry to Egypt (Matt. 2:15)
  - Egypt was a symbol of idolatry and sin. This is a prophecy that God will accept the Gentiles and Egypt will become sanctified (Isaiah 19.)
Chapter 14:
- Fruits of the repentance
- V.1-3: Human's role in repentance
- V.4-9: God's role in sanctification

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

What are the meanings of these names: Hosea, Jezreel, Lo-Ruhamah, Lo-Ammi?
Why did God ask Hosea to take for himself a wife of harlotry?
Why did God say to the House of Israel “You are not My people and I will not be your God"?
What did God promise the people of Israel?
Find a prophecy in this book and when it was fulfilled. Give verses.

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

Hosea’s wife was called _________.
The number of the children of Israel shall be as:
a) the stars b) the sand of the sea c) the waves of the ocean
When Israel was a _________, I loved him, and out of _________ I called My ______..
I will not execute the _________ of My anger; I will not again _________ Ephraim. For I am God, and not man, the _______ One in your midst; and I will not come with ________.
I will be like the _____ to ________; he shall grow like the _____, and lengthen his _______ like Lebanon. 2. Who walks in the ways of the Lord? a) the poor b) transgressors c) the righteous

Week 2: Joel

Week 2: Joel 1-3

Objective:

The Locust Plague
Mourning for the Land
The Day of the Lord
God’s Spirit Poured Out
God Blesses His People

Resources:

Activity for every week: Can you recite the 12 minor prophets?

Reading:

Joel 1:1-20
Joel 2:1-32
Joel 3:18-21

Key verse(s):

“And it shall come to pass afterward, That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh" Joel 2:28

NOTE TO SERVANT:

Please plan to ask and review these questions every week:
- Who are the minor prophets? Can you recite them?
- The theme for last week's minor prophet
- Highlight Messianic prophecy

Minor Prophets introduction:

The Major and Minor Prophet division of the Holy Bible does not denote the importance or rank of the writing prophets, but the length of the Holy Books which bear their prophecies.
- Ex: Jonah 4 chapters - Isaiah 66 chapters
There are 12 minor prophets and 4 major prophets (5 books including Lamentations)
In the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), all these books were listed under "prophets". In the Septuagint and Vulgate translations, this classification of major and minor was mentioned.
The prophet in the OT was someone who passed God's message to the people. A prophet in the NT is also someone who passes God's message or news (God's love and salvation for all mankind).
In the OT, there were many prophets (Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, etc.), but when we refer to the "Prophets", we refer to the ones who recorded their prophecy.
All prophecies had one goal: Repentance!
Recorded prophecies were split into three groups: Before, during, and after the exile.
- Before: Repent so God doesn't bring the exile
- During: Repent so God can end the exile and take us back to our land
- After: Repent because the Messiah is coming
The books of the prophets are rich with Messianic prophecies. Our Lord fulfilled all.
The meaning of the names of the prophets is usually the message of their writings.
The prophetic books always start with a strong tough message and then end with a joyful promising message.
All books have different themes. All books have the same message (repentance).

Minor Prophets

Before Assyrian Captivity

Directed to the North Kingdom

After Assyrian and before Babylonian captivities

Directed to the South Kingdom

After Captivity

1. Hosea

2. Joel

3. Amos

4. Obadiah (Edom)

5. Jonah

6. Micah

7. Nahum (Nineveh)

8. Habakkuk

9. Zephaniah

10. Haggai

11. Zechariah

12. Malachi

Comments:

Theme of Joel: The Day of the Lord
Messianic Prophecy: The Holy Spirit on Pentecost (2:28)

Joel is one of the minor prophets.
The book of Joel was written for the Southern Kingdom of Israel
Joel means "Jehovah is God"
The book of Joel can be divided into two major sections: the day of the Lord in retrospect (ch. 1); and the day of the Lord in prospect (chs. 2,3).
Chapter 1:
- The waves of locusts are like levels of sin:
  - Chewing locust: small - can't move much. Small thoughts into the heart and mind
  - Swarming locust: started to move.
  - Crawling locust: developed small wings.
  - Consuming locust: Strong wings that can fly. Sins when they completely grow and take over the human
- St. Jerome symbolizes these four waves to the four kingdoms that disciplined Judah (Southern kingdom): Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome.
- V.6: Symbolizes the nations that will be very strong and take them to captivity
- V.9-10: No worship is taking place due to the lack of everything = no joy or communion with God
Chapter 2:
- V.1-11: The day of the Lord will be fearful to those who didn’t listen to his voice/warnings (locusts). Those who fear God, wait for this day joyfully.
- V.12-17: God is calling for repentance.
- V.13: God wants our hearts to follow Him and offer true repentance. Not just an outside fake repentant look.
- V.15-17: God is calling everyone to repent
- V.23: Rain/water is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Former rain comes at the beginning right after sowing to help the seeds grow and bud. Latter rain comes later to help the small buds become big trees and produce fruits. The Holy Spirit (Former rain) comes on the day of baptism to purify us and keeps coming again (latter rain) during our life to sanctify us until the end of our life.
- V.28: A prophecy on the day of Pentecost. When His Spirit was poured on His disciples. St. Peter quoted Joel in his sermon (Acts 2).
Chapter 3:
- V.18: There will be joy and happiness after we receive the Holy Spirit. The dry mountains are now dripping with wine (wine is a symbol of Joy in the Bible).
- The Book ends with a message of hope and joy in seeing God's work in His Church.
- Egypt and Edom: symbols of sin. Sin and violence will end, and God will reign forever (V.20)

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

Whom do the locusts represent?
What is meant by the day of the Lord?
Who quoted the prophet Joel in the NT?
Find a prophecy in this book and when it was fulfilled. Give verses.
How can the people escape this invasion?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

Joel asked the priests to a) Consecrate a fast b) Call a sacred assembly c) cry out to the LORD d) all of those
To whom should the beasts of the field cry out? a) each other b) the Lord c) the hunters d) Joelan
What do verses 28-29 in chapter 2 prophesy about?

Week 3: Amos

Week 3: Amos 1-9

Objective:

Amos's introduction
Authority of the Prophet’s Message
Punishment of Israel’s Sins
Israel Did Not Accept Correction
A Call to Repentance
Visions of the locusts, the fire, and the plumb line
Amaziah’s Complaint
Vision of the Summer Fruit

Resources:

Activity for every week: Can you recite the 12 minor prophets?

Reading:

Amos 1:1
Amos 3:1-8
Amos 4:6-13
Amos 5:4-15
Amos 7:10-17
Amos 8

Key verse(s):

“And it shall come to pass in that day,” says the Lord God, “That I will make the sun go down at noon, And I will darken the earth in broad daylight" Amos 8:9

NOTE TO SERVANT:

Please plan to ask and review these questions every week:
- Who are the minor prophets? Can you recite them?
- The theme for last week's minor prophet
- Highlight Messianic prophecy

Minor Prophets introduction:

The Major and Minor Prophet division of the Holy Bible does not denote the importance or rank of the writing prophets, but the length of the Holy Books which bear their prophecies.
- Ex: Jonah 4 chapters - Isaiah 66 chapters
There are 12 minor prophets and 4 major prophets (5 books including Lamentations)
In the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), all these books were listed under "prophets". In the Septuagint and Vulgate translations, this classification of major and minor was mentioned.
The prophet in the OT was someone who passed God's message to the people. A prophet in the NT is also someone who passes God's message or news (God's love and salvation for all mankind).
In the OT, there were many prophets (Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, etc.), but when we refer to the "Prophets", we refer to the ones who recorded their prophecy.
All prophecies had one goal: Repentance!
Recorded prophecies were split into three groups: Before, during, and after the exile.
- Before: Repent so God doesn't bring the exile
- During: Repent so God can end the exile and take us back to our land
- After: Repent because the Messiah is coming
The books of the prophets are rich with Messianic prophecies. Our Lord fulfilled all.
The meaning of the names of the prophets is usually the message of their writings.
The prophetic books always start with a strong tough message and then end with a joyful promising message.
All books have different themes. All books have the same message (repentance).

Minor Prophets

Before Assyrian Captivity

Directed to the North Kingdom

After Assyrian and before Babylonian captivities

Directed to the South Kingdom

After Captivity

1. Hosea

2. Joel

3. Amos

4. Obadiah (Edom)

5. Jonah

6. Micah

7. Nahum (Nineveh)

8. Habakkuk

9. Zephaniah

10. Haggai

11. Zechariah

12. Malachi

Comments:

Theme of Amos: God's judgment - The Day of the Lord
Messianic Prophecy: Darkness at noon (8:9)

Amos is one of the minor prophets.
The book of Amos was written for Israel, the Northern Kingdom
Amos means: “Burden” or “Burden-bearer”
- Amos lived up to the meaning of his name by bearing up under his divinely given burden of declaring judgment to rebellious Israel
Amos was from Tekoa (1:1) which is south of Jerusalem. Even though Amos was from the South kingdom, God chose him to prophesy to the North Kingdom
Amos mentioned that he was a sheep breeder (1:1) and a tender of sycamore fruit (7:14-15)
- Even though he was a simple man and not a prophet or a son of a prophet (7:14), God chose him to prophesy
- His prophecy has deep meanings and is very poetic
According to 1:1, Amos prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, king of Judah (767–739 B.C.), and Jeroboam, king of Israel (782–753 B.C.), thus leaving a possible time frame from 767 to 753 B.C.
Amos ministered after the time of Joel and Jonah, and just before Hosea, Micah, and Isaiah. At this time Uzziah reigned over a prosperous and militarily successful Judah.
In the north, Israel was ruled by the capable king Jeroboam II. Economic and military circumstances were almost ideal, but prosperity only increased the materialism, immorality, and injustice of the people.
Assyria, Babylon, Syria, and Egypt were relatively weak during these years.
Thus, the people of Israel found it hard to imagine the coming disaster predicted by Amos—a disaster that occurred barely three decades later.
Chapter 3:1-8
- God asked 7 questions and all are to be answered with "No"
- Question 1: God wanted to walk with His people but they did not keep the agreement
- Question 2: The Lion will only roar if there is prey. The devil is roaring cause of their actions
- Question 3: A young lion will roar out happiness that he found a prey. The devil is happy he found a prey
- Question 4: The bird will fall because of a trap/snare. God's people should be aware of satan's traps/snares
- Question 5: A snare will not be removed unless it catches something. The devil is removing the traps as they caught many souls
- Question 6: The trumpet was a sign of war. People would be scared when they hear it. God's voice is loud and clear like a trumpet and the people ignore Him.
- Question 7: Any calamity happens from God for the people’s correction and repentance. If they witnessed all these calamities and did not repent, this is a sign of their ignorance.
  - Discuss with the youth about different calamities that happen around us (Ex. COVID) or hardships that happen to us and how God uses these things so we can repent and get back to him. You can give Biblical examples.
  - V.7: God doesn’t do anything unless He tells his prophets. The people should listen to Amos. We shall listen to the priests and bishops when they tell us to repent.
Amos 4:6-13: God has done many things to correct His people. The message is very strong which reflects the people's spiritual status at this time. Reflect on things that happen nowadays for our correction and repentance.
- Soon after all these messages and things God allowed for their repentance, they were taken into captivity. That shows that God's messages are real if people do not repent. God is merciful and compassionate, but he is also just, judges, and keeps his word.
Amos 5:4-15: A call from God to repentance
- Amos 5:6: It's also translated (Seek the Lord and you shall live)
Amos 7:10-17: Amaziah the priest of Bethel was not a faithful priest. Instead of supporting God's prophet and his message, he attacked him and complained to the king.
- Amos 7:14: We see Amos's humility
- Amos mentioning his profession is proof of his humility. He is saying he is poor and from a low-class family as these jobs were meant for these people at the time. It also shows that God chooses the poor and the humble people.
Amos 8:9: A Messianic prophesy
- For the Israelites, it meant that their happiness would be turned into darkness. The joy will be switched to sorrow

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

What was Amos’ job?
Find a prophecy in this book and when it was fulfilled. Give verses.
To whom does God reveal His secret?
Describe God’s judgment on the day of the Lord

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

Amos was: a) king b) a sheep breeder c) soldier d) prince
God reveals His secrets to: a) the kings b) the princes c) the prophets d) the slaves
Seek _______ and not evil, that you may _______; so the LORD God of _______ will be with you, as you have spoken.
The Day of the Lord will be ______. a) darkness b) light c) cold d) rainy

Week 4: Obadiah

Objective:

The Judgment on Edom
Edom Mistreated His Brother
Israel’s Final Triumph

Resources:

Activity for every week: Can you recite the 12 minor prophets?

Reading:

Obadiah 1-21

Key verse(s):

“For the day of the Lord upon all the nations is near; As you have done, it shall be done to you" Obadiah 1:15

NOTE TO SERVANT:

Please plan to ask and review these questions every week:
- Who are the minor prophets? Can you recite them?
- The theme for last week's minor prophet
- Highlight Messianic prophecy

Minor Prophets introduction:

The Major and Minor Prophet division of the Holy Bible does not denote the importance or rank of the writing prophets, but the length of the Holy Books which bear their prophecies.
- Ex: Jonah 4 chapters - Isaiah 66 chapters
There are 12 minor prophets and 4 major prophets (5 books including Lamentations)
In the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), all these books were listed under "prophets". In the Septuagint and Vulgate translations, this classification of major and minor was mentioned.
The prophet in the OT was someone who passed God's message to the people. A prophet in the NT is also someone who passes God's message or news (God's love and salvation for all mankind).
In the OT, there were many prophets (Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, etc.), but when we refer to the "Prophets", we refer to the ones who recorded their prophecy.
All prophecies had one goal: Repentance!
Recorded prophecies were split into three groups: Before, during, and after the exile.
- Before: Repent so God doesn't bring the exile
- During: Repent so God can end the exile and take us back to our land
- After: Repent because the Messiah is coming
The books of the prophets are rich with Messianic prophecies. Our Lord fulfilled all.
The meaning of the names of the prophets is usually the message of their writings.
The prophetic books always start with a strong tough message and then end with a joyful promising message.
All books have different themes. All books have the same message (repentance).

Minor Prophets

Before Assyrian Captivity

Directed to the North Kingdom

After Assyrian and before Babylonian captivities

Directed to the South Kingdom

After Captivity

1. Hosea

2. Joel

3. Amos

4. Obadiah (Edom)

5. Jonah

6. Micah

7. Nahum (Nineveh)

8. Habakkuk

9. Zephaniah

10. Haggai

11. Zechariah

12. Malachi

Comments:

Theme of Obadiah: The destruction of Edom - The Day of the Lord
Messianic Prophecy: N/A

Background story to understand Obadiah:
- The Book contains condemnation against Edom and prophesies their total destruction because of their persistent opposition to God’s chosen people.
  - Edomites aligned with the Chaldeans to defeat and destroy the Israelites
  - They assisted the Babylonians on how to enter and take down the Kingdom (2 Kings 25)
  - Their Joy in seeing Israel taken to captivity is like the devil rejoicing in seeing God's people look defeated
  - Two years later, Nebucednazzer came and destroyed them. The devil is a cheater has no alliance with anyone
  - Psalm 137 "By the rivers of Babylon" talks about this incident.
  - Obedaiah directed his prophecy toward the Edomites and told them "As you have done, it shall be done to you."
Obadiah is the shortest book in the OT with only 21 verses
Obadiah means “Worshiper of Yahweh” or “Servant of Yahweh”
The Book deals with the bitter rivalry between Edom, the descendants of Jacob’s twin brother Esau, and the people of Israel.
Though the shortest of the Old Testament books, Obadiah carries one of the strongest messages of judgment.
Because of the long history of opposing God’s people, Edom’s fate is sealed, and there is no possibility of deliverance. God will bring total destruction upon Edom, and there will be no remnant.
V.2-4: That their pride should be humbled.
V.5-7: That their wealth should be plundered.
V.8-9: That their wisdom should be taken.
V.10-16: That their spiteful behavior towards God’s Israel should be avenged.
V.17-20: Gracious promises to Israel; that they shall be restored and reformed, and shall be victorious over the Edomites, and become masters of their land and the lands of others of their neighbors.
V.21: The kingdom of the Messiah shall be set up by the bringing in of the great salvation.
The prophetic theme of the day of the Lord is prominent in verses 15-21. As in the prophecy of Joel, this day brings both judgment and deliverance. For Edom, this is a pronouncement of judgment (V.15-16), but for Judah it will bring deliverance as they experience blessing and restoration to their land (V.17–21).

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

What is the shortest Book in the OT? How many chapters/verses?
What does the name Obadiah mean?
What will happen to the House of Esau?
What deceived Edom?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

What did Edom do to deserve the wrath of God?
"For the _______ of the LORD upon all the nations is ________; as you have done, it shall be _________ to you; your reprisal shall return upon your own ________."
The House of Jacob shall be a _______, and the house of ________ a flame; But the House of Esau shall be stubble; They shall kindle them and devour them, And no __________ shall remain of the House of Esau," For the __________ has spoken."

Week 5: Jonah

Objective:

Jonah’s Disobedience
Jonah Thrown into the Sea
Jonah’s Prayer and Deliverance
The Ninevites' repentance
Jonah’s Anger and God’s Kindness

Resources:

Activity for every week: Can you recite the 12 minor prophets?

Reading:

Jonah 1-4

Key verse(s):

“I have been cast out of Your sight, Yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.’

NOTE TO SERVANT:

Please plan to ask and review these questions every week:
- Who are the minor prophets? Can you recite them?
- The theme for last week's minor prophet
- Highlight Messianic prophecy

Minor Prophets introduction:

The Major and Minor Prophet division of the Holy Bible does not denote the importance or rank of the writing prophets, but the length of the Holy Books which bear their prophecies.
- Ex: Jonah 4 chapters - Isaiah 66 chapters
There are 12 minor prophets and 4 major prophets (5 books including Lamentations)
In the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), all these books were listed under "prophets". In the Septuagint and Vulgate translations, this classification of major and minor was mentioned.
The prophet in the OT was someone who passed God's message to the people. A prophet in the NT is also someone who passes God's message or news (God's love and salvation for all mankind).
In the OT, there were many prophets (Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, etc.), but when we refer to the "Prophets", we refer to the ones who recorded their prophecy.
All prophecies had one goal: Repentance!
Recorded prophecies were split into three groups: Before, during, and after the exile.
- Before: Repent so God doesn't bring the exile
- During: Repent so God can end the exile and take us back to our land
- After: Repent because the Messiah is coming
The books of the prophets are rich with Messianic prophecies. Our Lord fulfilled all.
The meaning of the names of the prophets is usually the message of their writings.
The prophetic books always start with a strong tough message and then end with a joyful promising message.
All books have different themes. All books have the same message (repentance).

Minor Prophets

Before Assyrian Captivity

Directed to the North Kingdom

After Assyrian and before Babylonian captivities

Directed to the South Kingdom

After Captivity

1. Hosea

2. Joel

3. Amos

4. Obadiah (Edom)

5. Jonah

6. Micah

7. Nahum (Nineveh)

8. Habakkuk

9. Zephaniah

10. Haggai

11. Zechariah

12. Malachi

Comments:

Theme of Jonah: The Lord's mercy and forgiveness
Messianic Prophecy: Jonah is a type of Jesus Christ (He came out alive after three days and the Ninevites were saved. Our Lord rose on the third day and delivered His people)

Jonah is a book that shows God's greatest love and forgiveness.
Many people pinpoint Jonah's arrogance and his escape from God, but we shall meditate on his strong faith and repentance.
At his time, prophets like Hosea, Joel, and Amos strongly urged the people to repent before the Assyrian captivity came as a punishment.
Ninevah was the capital of Assyria. Jonah hesitated to go because he knew the Assyrians were coming to destroy his people and take them captive.
For Jonah, it did not make sense to preach about this 'extremely bad nation' who is coming to rule over his nation.
God knew their hearts and knew they would repent.
This generation that Jonah evangelized to repent. But the following generation was bad and they started to head towards Israel to take them to exile.
We will see later that Nahum prophesied against Ninevah (The Assyrians) as they exiled God's people. He prophesied the Assyria would be punished by Babylon.
In summary:
- Hosea, Joel, and Amos: told the people to repent lest the Assyrians come to destroy the North Kingdom (Israel)
- Minor prophets and the Assyrian captivity:
  - (Before) Jonah: Went to evangelize to the Assyrians
  - (During) Micah: Prophesied to the South Kingdom (Judah). His message to them was to repent or the Babylonians will punish Judah
  - (After) Nahum: Prophesied against the Assyrians. Babylon will punish Assyria
In the Jewish Tradition, Jonah is thought to be the son of the widow whom Elijah arose from the dead (1 Kings 17)
Some people doubt Jonah is a symbolic story and not real. However, our Lord pointed out this story in Matthew 12 and Luke 11.
Jonah is also mentioned in 2 Kings 14
Jonah 1
- Everything and everyone obeyed, except Jonah (Sea, ship, wind, mariners, fish)
- The mariners:
  - They knew from experience what happened in the sea was abnormal. Most likely due to someone’s sin/fault
  - They prayed to their gods before doing any actions (throwing cargo)
  - They made sure everyone prays (life of fellowship)
  - They did not agree initially to throw Jonah into the sea as they cared about him
  - They rebuked Jonah for not obeying his God
  - They prayed to Jonah's God and feared Him
  - They offered sacrifices and took vows to Jonah's God
Jonah 2
- Jonah is God's man
- The first thing he did was pray and praise in the middle of his hardships
- His deep faith is highlighted in Jonah 2:4
  - "I will look again toward Your holy temple" - He was in the belly of the fist when he said that!
  - Jonah 2:7 - "And my prayer went up to You" He is sure God is listening to him
  - God didn't prevent Jonah from service. He accepted Jonah and returned him to his service. Similar to St. Peter after the Cross at the Sea of Tiberias (Jonah 21)
Jonah 3
- The people didn't question Jonah but believed right away
- They instantly offered true repentance
- This chapter shows that repentance does not need a long period of time, but a true repentant heart
- Jonah didn't tell them what to do. He only said they would be destroyed.
  - The people's faith led them to understand that repentance will allow God to not relent (3:9)
Jonah 4
- Jonah was not happy they repented and God accepted them
  - He was like the older son who didn’t like the return of his younger brother
  - The plan is like the Jews who grew but went astray from God and the Ninevites are the Gentiles whom God cared for their repentance.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

Why did Jonah run from God?
What effect did God stirring and stilling the storm have on the sailors?
How do you see Jonah’s prayer: a cry for help, for forgiveness or for thanksgiving?
Give verses showing Jonah’s assurance of the deliverance of God.
What was the Ninevites' reaction to Jonah’s message?
Mention four commands in the decree given by the king.
Show Jonah’s selfishness through this Holy Book.
After reading the Book of Jonah, prove that salvation comes from the Lord to everyone who believes.

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

The Lord asked Jonah to go to:
a) Tarshish b) Nineveh c) Joppa
What was Jonah doing when the storm started?
a) praying b) eating c) sleeping
Jonah was in the belly of the fish for:
a) forty days b) one week c) three days and three nights
While in the belly of the fish Jonah was:
a) praying b) singing c) crying d) all of these
How many days did the Ninevites have before the city was overthrown?
a) three b) ten c) forty
When the Ninevites heard Jonah’s message they:
a) proclaimed a fast b) believed God c) put on sackcloth d) all of these
The plant was damaged by:
a) fire b) a worm c) wind d) rain
How many people lived in Nineveh?
a) 20,000 b) 200 c) 120,000

Week 6: Micah

Objective:

Judgment on Israel and Judah
Woe to Evildoers
Lying Prophets
The Lord’s Reign in Zion
Zion’s Future Triumph
The Coming Messiah
God Pleads with Israel
Israel’s Confession and Comfort
God Will Forgive Israel

Resources:

Activity for every week: Can you recite the 12 minor prophets?

Reading:

Micah 1:1-9
Micah 2:1-11
Micah 4:1-13
Micah 5:1-5
Micah 6:1-8
Micah 7:1-20

Key verse(s):

"Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise" Micah 7:8

NOTE TO SERVANT:

Please plan to ask and review these questions every week:
- Who are the minor prophets? Can you recite them?
- The theme for last week's minor prophet
- Highlight Messianic prophecy

Minor Prophets introduction:

The Major and Minor Prophet division of the Holy Bible does not denote the importance or rank of the writing prophets, but the length of the Holy Books which bear their prophecies.
- Ex: Jonah 4 chapters - Isaiah 66 chapters
There are 12 minor prophets and 4 major prophets (5 books including Lamentations)
In the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), all these books were listed under "prophets". In the Septuagint and Vulgate translations, this classification of major and minor was mentioned.
The prophet in the OT was someone who passed God's message to the people. A prophet in the NT is also someone who passes God's message or news (God's love and salvation for all mankind).
In the OT, there were many prophets (Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, etc.), but when we refer to the "Prophets", we refer to the ones who recorded their prophecy.
All prophecies had one goal: Repentance!
Recorded prophecies were split into three groups: Before, during, and after the exile.
- Before: Repent so God doesn't bring the exile
- During: Repent so God can end the exile and take us back to our land
- After: Repent because the Messiah is coming
The books of the prophets are rich with Messianic prophecies. Our Lord fulfilled all.
The meaning of the names of the prophets is usually the message of their writings.
The prophetic books always start with a strong tough message and then end with a joyful promising message.
All books have different themes. All books have the same message (repentance).

Minor Prophets

Before Assyrian Captivity

Directed to the North Kingdom

After Assyrian and before Babylonian captivities

Directed to the South Kingdom

After Captivity

1. Hosea

2. Joel

3. Amos

4. Obadiah (Edom)

5. Jonah

6. Micah

7. Nahum (Nineveh)

8. Habakkuk

9. Zephaniah

10. Haggai

11. Zechariah

12. Malachi

Comments:

Theme of Jonah: Insrael's injustice
Messianic Prophecy: The Lord's incarnation (1:3) - The Lord's birth in Bethlehem (5:2)

Micah is short for Michael: "Who is like God"
He was one of the eighth-century prophets with Hosea, Amos, Isaiah, and Jonah.
He is mentioned in Jeremiah 26:18.
He directed his prophecy to the Kingdom of Judah.
Micah’s home was Moresheth Gath (1:14), a town probably located about 20 miles southwest of Jerusalem.
The book of Micah rebukes anyone who would use social status or political power for personal gain.
- One-third of Micah exposes the sins of his countrymen
- other third pictures the punishment God is about to send
- The final third holds out the hope of restoration once that discipline has ended.
Through it all, God’s righteous demands upon His people are clear: “To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (6:8).
Micah 1:3: A prophecy on the Lord's incarnation
Micah 1:8: He prophesied stripped and naked to show the people what the exile (their sins) will do to them. God asked him to prophesy in this way to show the Israelites what would happen to them if they didn't repent.
- Isiah also did the same: Isaiah 20:2-4
Chapter 2 talks about what will happen to the evildoers and the false prophets
Chapter 3: The triumph after overcoming sin. The good days will take place after their dark exile days.
Micah 5:2: The famous verse on the Lord's birth in Bethlehem. This prophecy is mentioned in many Nativity hymns.
Micah 5:5: 7 refers to the perfect earthly servants. 8: refers to the heavenly angels.
Micah 7:8: is very important to discuss with high school youth.
Micah 7:18: Talks about God's forgiveness.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

How was Samaria the transgression of Jacob?
Would Micah really go stripped and naked?
What was the sin of the false prophets?
Mention the prophecies in this book and their fulfillment in the New Testament.
Why should Israel’s enemy not rejoice?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

Who will be a witness against the people?
a) Micah b) Israel c) the Lord God d) Samaria.
Make yourself bald and cut off your _______, Because of your precious _______; enlarge your baldness like an _________, for they shall go from you into __________.
The evildoers covet:
a) fields b) houses c) both of these
The boundaries were determined by _________.
The One to be ruler in Israel will come out of _________.
For now He shall be ________ to the ends of the _______; and this One shall be ________.
Who did God send to redeem Israel from the house of bondage?
a) Moses b) Aaron c) Miriam d) all of these

Week 7: Nahum

Objective:

God’s Mercy and Judgment
The Destruction of Nineveh
The Woe of Nineveh

Resources:

Activity for every week: Can you recite the 12 minor prophets?

Reading:

Nahum 1:1-15
Nahum 2:1-13
Nahum 3:1-19

Key verse(s):

"Behold, on the mountains, The feet of him who brings good tidings, Who proclaims peace!" Nahum 1:15

NOTE TO SERVANT:

Please plan to ask and review these questions every week:
- Who are the minor prophets? Can you recite them?
- The theme for last week's minor prophet
- Highlight Messianic prophecy

Minor Prophets introduction:

The Major and Minor Prophet division of the Holy Bible does not denote the importance or rank of the writing prophets, but the length of the Holy Books which bear their prophecies.
- Ex: Jonah 4 chapters - Isaiah 66 chapters
There are 12 minor prophets and 4 major prophets (5 books including Lamentations)
In the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), all these books were listed under "prophets". In the Septuagint and Vulgate translations, this classification of major and minor was mentioned.
The prophet in the OT was someone who passed God's message to the people. A prophet in the NT is also someone who passes God's message or news (God's love and salvation for all mankind).
In the OT, there were many prophets (Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, etc.), but when we refer to the "Prophets", we refer to the ones who recorded their prophecy.
All prophecies had one goal: Repentance!
Recorded prophecies were split into three groups: Before, during, and after the exile.
- Before: Repent so God doesn't bring the exile
- During: Repent so God can end the exile and take us back to our land
- After: Repent because the Messiah is coming
The books of the prophets are rich with Messianic prophecies. Our Lord fulfilled all.
The meaning of the names of the prophets is usually the message of their writings.
The prophetic books always start with a strong tough message and then end with a joyful promising message.
All books have different themes. All books have the same message (repentance).

Minor Prophets

Before Assyrian Captivity

Directed to the North Kingdom

After Assyrian and before Babylonian captivities

Directed to the South Kingdom

After Captivity

1. Hosea

2. Joel

3. Amos

4. Obadiah (Edom)

5. Jonah

6. Micah

7. Nahum (Nineveh)

8. Habakkuk

9. Zephaniah

10. Haggai

11. Zechariah

12. Malachi

Comments:

Theme of Nahum: Destruction of Nineveh
Messianic Prophecy: Christ in the New Testament (1:15)

Nahum means "comfort" or "consolation"
Nahum prophesied against Ninevah after Jonah went there (approximately 130 years) and after they took Israel into captivity.
Since the message of the book is a prediction of the destruction of Nineveh, it must have been delivered sometime before 612 B.C., when the city was destroyed by the Babylonians.
The message of the prophecy is clearly stated in Nahum 3:7.
Nahum 1:15: A Prophecy on Christ in the New Testament. Christ will come and will proclaim peace on earth. Our lives will be in constant rejoicing (feasts) because Christ reconciled the earthly with the heavenly.
Nahum 2 talks about God's mercy and goodness to those who believe in Him after he punished them (His judgments). The chapter also talks about what will happen to those who reject God after numerous chances to return to him and offer repentance.
Nahum 2:11 shows the Assyrians as lions who controlled the whole world and everyone feared them.
Nahum 3:7: What Nineveh (The Assyrians) did to other nations, it will return on them. It is also a message for us that sin enslaves us. Sin needs to be amputated from its roots or will take the person down as it took many others slaves.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

Nahum is prophesying against the city of :
a) Samaria b) Egypt c) Nineveh
What is the Messianic prophecy in chapter 1?
What will God do to those who conspire against Him?
Why compare Nineveh to lions?
List the sins of Nineveh according to chapter 3.

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

Nahum is prophesying against the city of :
a) Samaria b) Egypt c) Nineveh
The LORD is ________, a stronghold in the day of _________; and He knows those who _______ in Him.
The shields of his mighty men are made _______, the valiant men are in _________.
The lion tore in pieces enough for his _______, killed for his _______, filled his caves with ________, and his dens with _________.
All your strongholds are _______ trees with ripened figs: if they are __________, they fall into the _________ of the eater.
Those who hear the news of Nineveh will:
a) cry b) clap their hands c) sing songs

Week 8: Habakkuk

Objective:

The Prophet Questions God’s Judgments
The Lord’s Reply
The Just Shall Live by Faith
Woe to the Wicked
The Prophet’s Prayer

Resources:

Activity for every week: Can you recite the 12 minor prophets?

Reading:

Habakkuk 1
Habakkuk 2
Habakkuk 3

Key verse(s):

"Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation" Habakkuk 3:18

NOTE TO SERVANT:

Please plan to ask and review these questions every week:
- Who are the minor prophets? Can you recite them?
- The theme for last week's minor prophet
- Highlight Messianic prophecy

Minor Prophets introduction:

The Major and Minor Prophet division of the Holy Bible does not denote the importance or rank of the writing prophets, but the length of the Holy Books which bear their prophecies.
- Ex: Jonah 4 chapters - Isaiah 66 chapters
There are 12 minor prophets and 4 major prophets (5 books including Lamentations)
In the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), all these books were listed under "prophets". In the Septuagint and Vulgate translations, this classification of major and minor was mentioned.
The prophet in the OT was someone who passed God's message to the people. A prophet in the NT is also someone who passes God's message or news (God's love and salvation for all mankind).
In the OT, there were many prophets (Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, etc.), but when we refer to the "Prophets", we refer to the ones who recorded their prophecy.
All prophecies had one goal: Repentance!
Recorded prophecies were split into three groups: Before, during, and after the exile.
- Before: Repent so God doesn't bring the exile
- During: Repent so God can end the exile and take us back to our land
- After: Repent because the Messiah is coming
The books of the prophets are rich with Messianic prophecies. Our Lord fulfilled all.
The meaning of the names of the prophets is usually the message of their writings.
The prophetic books always start with a strong tough message and then end with a joyful promising message.
All books have different themes. All books have the same message (repentance).

Minor Prophets

Before Assyrian Captivity

Directed to the North Kingdom

After Assyrian and before Babylonian captivities

Directed to the South Kingdom

After Captivity

1. Hosea

2. Joel

3. Amos

4. Obadiah (Edom)

5. Jonah

6. Micah

7. Nahum (Nineveh)

8. Habakkuk

9. Zephaniah

10. Haggai

11. Zechariah

12. Malachi

Comments:

Theme of Habakkuk: God edifies His people through Babylon - Destruction of Babylon
Messianic Prophecy: The Lord's incarnation (3:13)

Habakkuk means "Embrace"
Habakkuk was a Levite (Hab. 3:19)
The book takes place before the exile of the South Kingdom.
Although the book of Habakkuk does not mention a king's reign, internal evidence indicates a date between King Josiah's death (609 B.C.) and the beginning of the Babylonian captivity (605 B.C.).
Habakkuk is the prophet mentioned in the book of Daniel (Daniel 14:33-36).
A contemporary of Zephaniah and Jeremiah, Habakkuk warned of God’s approaching judgment through the approaching Babylonians.
The prophecy was fulfilled in 605 B.C. when Nebuchadnezzar deported ten thousand of Jerusalem’s prominent citizens to Babylon.
The book can be divided into two parts:
- Chapter 1-2: Habakkuk cries to the Lord - Expressing his problems
Chapter 3: Habakkuk praises the Lord - Expressing his thanksgiving
The main idea of the book:
- Habakkuk stresses God’s sovereign freedom as God to accomplish His good ends in His way. In spite of appearances to the contrary, God is still on the throne as the Lord of history and the Ruler of the nations.
The book contains questions the prophet directed to God.
- Question 1: Why does God not respond to the wrong and injustice in the land (1:2-4)?
- Answer 1: He is about to respond by using Babylon as a tool of judgment (1:5–11).
- Question 2: Why does God use the wicked Babylonians to punish those more righteous than themselves (1:12, 13)?
- Answer 2: God has chosen this action plan (2:2, 3). The just person will live by faith in God (2:4). Woe to the unrighteous (2:6–20).
Chapter 1:
- The book starts with Habbkuk asking God "Why?"
- God allows His people to ask Him why when the intention is to learn and feel comfortable. It's not good to ask God why to question Him and think that we can do better.
- Obviously God hears everyone’s cry and He always provides His comfort.
- Habakkuk asked why does God allow His people to suffer and be attacked by the Babylonians. Later, Habbkuk would learn that God allowed this for his people’s edification and salvation. He will reward the righteous and will avenge His people against the Babylonians.
Chapter 2:
- Habakkuk asked God what to do
- God answered by saying that Habakkuk should write the prophecy and make it very clear that the person running shall be able to read it.
- God's message to his people is very clear:
  - The proud's soul is not upright
  - The just shall live by his faith
- Habakkuk 2:4 summarizes the spiritual life. They just shall be faithful and know that everything will come to an end and that God is in control (The Pantocartor).
Chapter 3:
- After Habakkuk asked all his questions and the Lord answered them, he wrote a beautiful praise expressing God's mercy and compassion towards mankind.
- 3:13 is a Messianic prophecy. God will incarnate and will save His people through His Anointed One. He "struck the head of the wicked" on the Cross.
- Habakkuk understood that if the people repented, God would come, live with them, and will save them.
- Chapter 3:17-19
  - A beautiful hymn by Habakkuk
  - Starts with "though" shows Habakkuk's great faith
  - Everything might not seem good. Things might not seem bright. "Though" things are not going well, Habakkuk will rejoice in the Lord.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

Habakkuk questions God’s righteousness. Give verses.
By what shall the just live?
Find a prophecy about the Lord Jesus Christ in chapter 3.
Habakkuk rejoiced in the Lord under hard conditions. Give verse.

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

What kind of nation is the Chaldeans?
a) bitter b) terrible c) hasty d) all of these
Their horses also are swifter than ________, and more fierce than evening _______. Their chargers charge ahead; their cavalry comes from afar; they fly as the _________ that hastens to eat.
For the earth will be filled with the _________ of the ________ of the LORD, as the waters cover the ______.
But the LORD is in His holy _______. Let all the earth keep ________ before _______."
Yet I will _______in the LORD, I will _______ in the God of my __________.
The LORD God is my ________; He will make my feet like _______'s feet, and He will make me walk on my _______ hills.

Week 9: Zephaniah

Objective:

The Great Day of the Lord
A Call to Repentance
Judgment on Nations
The Wickedness of Jerusalem
A Faithful Remnant
Joy in God’s Faithfulness

Resources:

Activity for every week: Can you recite the 12 minor prophets?

Reading:

Zephaniah 1
Zephaniah 2:1-3
Zephaniah 3:8-20

Key verse(s):

"At that time I will bring you back, Even at the time, I gather you" Zephaniah 3:20

NOTE TO SERVANT:

Please plan to ask and review these questions every week:
- Who are the minor prophets? Can you recite them?
- The theme for last week's minor prophet
- Highlight Messianic prophecy

Minor Prophets introduction:

The Major and Minor Prophet division of the Holy Bible does not denote the importance or rank of the writing prophets, but the length of the Holy Books which bear their prophecies.
- Ex: Jonah 4 chapters - Isaiah 66 chapters
There are 12 minor prophets and 4 major prophets (5 books including Lamentations)
In the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), all these books were listed under "prophets". In the Septuagint and Vulgate translations, this classification of major and minor was mentioned.
The prophet in the OT was someone who passed God's message to the people. A prophet in the NT is also someone who passes God's message or news (God's love and salvation for all mankind).
In the OT, there were many prophets (Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, etc.), but when we refer to the "Prophets", we refer to the ones who recorded their prophecy.
All prophecies had one goal: Repentance!
Recorded prophecies were split into three groups: Before, during, and after the exile.
- Before: Repent so God doesn't bring the exile
- During: Repent so God can end the exile and take us back to our land
- After: Repent because the Messiah is coming
The books of the prophets are rich with Messianic prophecies. Our Lord fulfilled all.
The meaning of the names of the prophets is usually the message of their writings.
The prophetic books always start with a strong tough message and then end with a joyful promising message.
All books have different themes. All books have the same message (repentance).

Minor Prophets

Before Assyrian Captivity

Directed to the North Kingdom

After Assyrian and before Babylonian captivities

Directed to the South Kingdom

After Captivity

1. Hosea

2. Joel

3. Amos

4. Obadiah (Edom)

5. Jonah

6. Micah

7. Nahum (Nineveh)

8. Habakkuk

9. Zephaniah

10. Haggai

11. Zechariah

12. Malachi

Comments:

Theme of Zephaniah: The judgment and blessing of Jerusalem
Messianic Prophecy: The Lord's sacrifice (1:7)

Zephaniah means "God hides"
Zephaniah was a priest from the family of King Hezekiah
Normally the genealogy of a prophet is traced no further than his father. Zephaniah, however, traces his ancestry back four generations to demonstrate his royal lineage as the great-great-grandson of King Hezekiah (1:1).
- Thus, he was a distant relative of King Josiah and those to whom he addresses his prophecy.
Zephaniah lived at the time of Jeremiah and the destruction of the destruction of the Temple
- Therefore the book sends a final warning to the people before the Babylonian Exile
The book focuses on “The Day of the Lord” which is mentioned 7 times
- This refers to the destruction of Jerusalem as a result of sin
Chapter 1:
- V.1: Shows the genealogy of Zephaniah and the time of his prophecy during the reign of King Josiah
- V.7-9:
  - "Be silent in the presence of the Lord God" because the people are waiting for God to see what He will do
    - V. 7: Refers to the NT. A man usually prepares the sacrifice. But this time, God Himself will prepare the sacrifice. This means that God Himself will offer Himself as a sacrifice on behalf of His people
    - God made a Holy sacrifice. His people are not worthy, therefore he will "sanctify" His people. Invited them = sanctified them. They can not be invited without sanctification
    - Very similar to the Parable of the Wedding Feast (Matt. 22 & Lk. 14)
    - The "clothed with foreign apparel" means not clothed with Baptism. Not clothed with Christ and the Grace of the NT. They will be cast out. They want to take a shortcut and not go through baptism (they want to leap over) (V.9)
Chapter 2:
- Talks about the people's repentance
- He called them an "undesirable nation" as they needed to repent to be desired
- "Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth" This Invitation for everyone to go to God
- "Seek righteousness, seek humility" so that you may be saved in the day of the Lord's anger AKA be saved and accepted by God.
Chapter 3:
- Praise regarding the joy of the NT (V.14-20)
- "Daughter of Zion" is the Church of the NT
- God removed the judgments and defeated Satan (V.15)

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

Who was king at the time of Zephaniah?
What sacrifice would the Lord prepare and who are His guests?
Describe the Day of the Lord.
What does the prophet urge the nation to do?
Why should the faithful of Jerusalem rejoice?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

God will punish those who fill their master’s house with:
a) money b) lies c) fruits d) violence
(Zephaniah 1:14) The great day of the LORD is near; it is near and hastens quickly. The noise of the Day of the LORD is bitter; there the mighty men shall cry out. Who said this?
What will the people do with a pure language?
(Zephaniah 3:17) "The LORD your God is in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." What does this mean?

Week 10: Haggai

Objective:

The Command to Build God’s House
The People’s Obedience
The Coming Glory of God’s House
Promised Blessing
Zerubbabel Chosen as a Signet

Resources:

Activity for every week: Can you recite the 12 minor prophets?

Reading:

Haggai 1
Haggai 2

Key verse(s):

"I will make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you,’ says the Lord of hosts.” Haggai 2:23

NOTE TO SERVANT:

Please plan to ask and review these questions every week:
- Who are the minor prophets? Can you recite them?
- The theme for last week's minor prophet
- Highlight Messianic prophecy

Minor Prophets introduction:

The Major and Minor Prophet division of the Holy Bible does not denote the importance or rank of the writing prophets, but the length of the Holy Books which bear their prophecies.
- Ex: Jonah 4 chapters - Isaiah 66 chapters
There are 12 minor prophets and 4 major prophets (5 books including Lamentations)
In the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), all these books were listed under "prophets". In the Septuagint and Vulgate translations, this classification of major and minor was mentioned.
The prophet in the OT was someone who passed God's message to the people. A prophet in the NT is also someone who passes God's message or news (God's love and salvation for all mankind).
In the OT, there were many prophets (Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, etc.), but when we refer to the "Prophets", we refer to the ones who recorded their prophecy.
All prophecies had one goal: Repentance!
Recorded prophecies were split into three groups: Before, during, and after the exile.
- Before: Repent so God doesn't bring the exile
- During: Repent so God can end the exile and take us back to our land
- After: Repent because the Messiah is coming
The books of the prophets are rich with Messianic prophecies. Our Lord fulfilled all.
The meaning of the names of the prophets is usually the message of their writings.
The prophetic books always start with a strong tough message and then end with a joyful promising message.
All books have different themes. All books have the same message (repentance).

Minor Prophets

Before Assyrian Captivity

Directed to the North Kingdom

After Assyrian and before Babylonian captivities

Directed to the South Kingdom

After Captivity

1. Hosea

2. Joel

3. Amos

4. Obadiah (Edom)

5. Jonah

6. Micah

7. Nahum (Nineveh)

8. Habakkuk

9. Zephaniah

10. Haggai

11. Zechariah

12. Malachi

Comments:

Theme of Haggai: The restoration of the Temple
Messianic Prophecy: The Desire of All Nations (2:7)

Haggai means "festive or My feast"
Haggai was one of the three minor prophets who appeared after the return from exile
Haggai started his prophecy before Zechariah the prophet
The prophet Haggai is known only from this book and two other references to him in Ezra 5:1 and 6:14.
Haggai returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel and lived in Jerusalem
Haggai and Zechariah prophesied at the same time and both encouraged the people to continue building the Temple (Ezra 5)
- People had started rebuilding the Temple then stopped (Ezra 5)
The destruction of Jerusalem had humbled a once-proud people and they were influenced by the Persian view of all religions as equal in value.
The postexilic prophets ministered to discouraged and apathetic people who were tempted to believe that nothing they did made any difference from a religious standpoint.
Haggai 1:
- V.1 Darius is a Persian King. The Israelites returned during the Persian kingdom
- V.2 The people quit rebuilding God's house and started building their own houses
  - This is like the people who leave God and the Church and focus only on their work, school, job, family, etc.
- V.3 "Consider your ways" is a warning and to be attentive
- V.6 They did many things, but there are no blessings
- V.7-8 Invitation to return to God
  - They thought that they couldn't rebuild another Temple that was as glorious as Solomon's Temple. God reassured them that He was awaiting on this new Temple and that He will glorify it
  - It is a beautiful message that God is looking at the heart of the giver and not the gift
- V.12-15 Show the people's obedience after they heard God's words from Haggai
- After the people got scared of not following God's ways, God wanted to encourage them (V.13 "I am with you")
  - God is like a good father who threatens his children to improve and become more serious but doesn't leave them all the way and returns to encourage them
Haggai 2:
- V.6 "a little while" means that God's coming is not too far. We should be ready and waiting for him
- Haggai called God the "Desire of all nations"
  - A prophecy that God will be desired and sought by all nations (not just Jews)
  - A prophecy on God's acceptance of the Gentiles
- V.8-9 show that God has everything and He can provide His people with everything and sustain them if they return to Him
- V.23 The book ends with a special and joyful message
  - The Royal Signet at that time represented huge importance and value as who owned this signet was someone who was in charge and owned the kingdom
  - God will give His servants the kingdom and will make them heirs
  - God's message to His people: "I have chosen you"

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

Give verse that proof God will be with His people.
With what will God fill this temple?
Why did the temple look as nothing in the eyes of some people?
Who was chosen as a signet ring?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

Who was high priest at the time of Haggai?
a) Zerrubabbel b) Joshua c) Darius d) Shealtiel
God asked the people to bring ______ to build the temple
a) Gold b) silver d) wood d) all of those
God will fill the temple with
a) gold b) silver d) wood d) glory
God said He will make Zerubbabel
a) king b) signet ring c) prophet d) prince

Week 11: Zechariah - 1

Zechariah 1-7

Objective:

Vision of the Horses
The Lord Will Comfort Zion
Vision of the Horns
Vision of the Measuring Line
Future Joy of Zion and Many Nations
Vision of the High Priest
The Coming Branch
Vision of the Lampstand and Olive Trees
Vision of the Four Chariots
Obedience Better than Fasting
Disobedience Resulted in Captivity

Resources:

Activity for every week: Can you recite the 12 minor prophets?

Reading:

Zechariah 1:7-21
Zechariah 2:1-13
Zechariah 3:1-10
Zechariah 4
Zechariah 6:1-8
Zechariah 7

Key verse(s):

"‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6

NOTE TO SERVANT:

Please plan to ask and review these questions every week:
- Who are the minor prophets? Can you recite them?
- The theme for last week's minor prophet
- Highlight Messianic prophecy

Minor Prophets introduction:

The Major and Minor Prophet division of the Holy Bible does not denote the importance or rank of the writing prophets, but the length of the Holy Books which bear their prophecies.
- Ex: Jonah 4 chapters - Isaiah 66 chapters
There are 12 minor prophets and 4 major prophets (5 books including Lamentations)
In the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), all these books were listed under "prophets". In the Septuagint and Vulgate translations, this classification of major and minor was mentioned.
The prophet in the OT was someone who passed God's message to the people. A prophet in the NT is also someone who passes God's message or news (God's love and salvation for all mankind).
In the OT, there were many prophets (Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, etc.), but when we refer to the "Prophets", we refer to the ones who recorded their prophecy.
All prophecies had one goal: Repentance!
Recorded prophecies were split into three groups: Before, during, and after the exile.
- Before: Repent so God doesn't bring the exile
- During: Repent so God can end the exile and take us back to our land
- After: Repent because the Messiah is coming
The books of the prophets are rich with Messianic prophecies. Our Lord fulfilled all.
The meaning of the names of the prophets is usually the message of their writings.
The prophetic books always start with a strong tough message and then end with a joyful promising message.
All books have different themes. All books have the same message (repentance).

Minor Prophets

Before Assyrian Captivity

Directed to the North Kingdom

After Assyrian and before Babylonian captivities

Directed to the South Kingdom

After Captivity

1. Hosea

2. Joel

3. Amos

4. Obadiah (Edom)

5. Jonah

6. Micah

7. Nahum (Nineveh)

8. Habakkuk

9. Zephaniah

10. Haggai

11. Zechariah

12. Malachi

NOTE TO SERVANT:

Zechariah will be divided into two parts to be covered over two weeks:
- Week 1: Ch.1-7 --> Zechariah's visions
- Week 2: Ch.9-14 --> Zechariah's prophecies

Comments:

Theme of Zechariah: The coming of God's kingdom
Messianic Prophecy: Entering Jerusalem (9:9), Thirty pieces of silver (11:12), His wounds (13:6), The piercing (12:10), The suffering shepherd (13:7)

Zechariah means "Jehovah remembers"
Zechariah was one of the three minor prophets who appeared after the return from exile
Zechariah started his prophecy before Haggai the prophet by only a few months
As the son of Berechiah and grandson of Iddo, he came from one of the priestly families of the tribe of Levi
He was born in Babylon and was brought by his grandfather to Palestine when the Jewish exiles returned under Zerubbabel
Zechariah uses a series of eight visions, four messages, and two burdens to portray God's plans for His people
The book is second to Isaiah in prophecies
The book is second to Ezekiel in visions
The book can be broken down into three parts:
- Part 1: Ch. 1-6: Visions
- Part 2: Ch. 7-8: Fasting
- Part 3: Ch. 9-14: Messianic Prophecies
The book has some clear prophecies about Christ:
- Entering Jerusalem (9:9)
- Thirty pieces of silver (11:12)
- His wounds (13:6)
- The piercing (12:10)
- The suffering shepherd (13:7)
Zechariah 1:
- Vision of the Horses
  - The angels came and surveyed the earth and went back to God (the man riding on a red horse who stood among the myrtle trees)
  - Man riding a red horse is similar to the one in Revelation
  - The angles reported to God that the earth was ready for Him to come
  - Zechariah 1:12: The Son is talking to the Father
- Vision of the Horns
  - V.19: The four kingdoms that ruled over them (Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome)
  - The four craftsmen: The four evangelists
  - They will "coming to terrify them, to cast out the horns of the nations that lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it"
  - They will come to deliver the Good news to people
Zechariah 2:
- Vision of the measuring line
  - After measuring Jerusalem, the angel found it was very big. This will lead to having a "multitude of men and livestock in it"
  - This represents that the earth (Jerusalem) will have no limit to who will be with Christ. This Jerusalem that was able to have everyone, has no walls. God is the one protecting His people and also is in their midset
  - This is the Heaven in the book of Revelation "of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues"
- V.6: God is telling the rest of the Israelites to come back from the land of captivity (north) because Jerusalem is big and can fit everyone
- V.8: The Son is telling His people that the Father sent Him to gather everyone (all nations). And "who touches us touches the apple of His eye" means God will protect us
- V.12-13: Talks about the Lord's crucifixion "He is aroused" and saving those who were captives "the Lord will take possession"
Zechariah 3:
- Vision of the High Priest
  - Joshua the high priest was being judged in front of God. Satan was there to oppose Joshua
  - God defended Joshua and asked the angels to cloth him with new clothes and turban
  - The clothe resemble Joshua's sin, and the new clothes represent God forgiving his sins and clothing him with new clothes
- V.10:
  - Servant: Christ took the form of man and looked like a servant
  - Branch: it's the same meaning as "Nazarene"
  - Stone: He is the chief corner stone
    - All these three titles are Messianic prophecies that were fullfiled by Christ
Zechariah 4:
- Vision of the Lampstand and Olive Trees
  - Lampstand = Church
  - Gold = Pure - Heavenly
  - Bowl = Christ
  - Lamps = Sacraments
  - Seven = Complete number
  - Source of oil = Two olive trees
    - The lampstand represents the Church that is full of oil Which is the Holy Spirit. The works of the Holy Spirit in the church is complete/perfect (seven) through the sacraments (lamps). Works of the Church is always connect with Christ (Bowl). The two olive trees are the source of the oil that tell us the source is a heavenly and continous source.
  - V.7: A comforting verse to Zerubabel and us that God will transform any mountain (problem/sorrow) to a plain (solution/joy/blessing)
  - V.14: The verse shows the three hypostases.
  - God the Son and God the Holy Spirit (the two olive trees) will fill the Church (Lampstand) with the spiritual heavenly works.
Zechariah 5:
- Vision of the Flying Scroll
- Vision of the Woman in a Basket
  - Not discussed
Zechariah 6:
- Vision of the Four Chariots
  - Red Horses: Babylonian kingdom
    - Was already defeated in history at the time of Zechariah. That is why it was not mentioned again
  - Black Horses: Persian kingdom
    - Going up North = Going North to defeat Babylon
  - White Horses: Greek kingdom
  - Dappled Horses: Roman kingdom
  - Bronze mountains = Strong mountains
    - The four horses came out of the Bronze Mountains. These are the four kingdoms that ruled over the world in the OT before the coming of Christ. Bronze means that God's will and judgments are firm and unchangeable.
  - We learn that everything that happens in the world is God's will. He allows kingdoms to rule and things to happen for our purification and salvation. He is strong and in control of everything (Pantocrator).
Zechariah 7:
- The chapters discuss the spirituality of the fast
- V.4-5
  - They asked about fasting about the fifth month, but God answered regarding the fifth and seventh months
  - God does not want (or wait) for our fast. We fast because we need to show our meekness and humility and because of our sins. We humble ourselves in front of Him through our fast.
- V.6
  - When we eat or fast we do it for ourselves, not for God
    - God is reminding us that even when we eat or break our fast, we should do it with the spirit of Thanksgiving
- V.7 - God is reminding them that he had spoken to them about these things through His prophets who told them that there are consequences to their sin
- V.8-10 - God is reminding them to be fair in their judgments
- V. 11 - "shrugged their shoulders" means they refused to listen to God and the prophets
- This chapter can be summarized that God wants mercy not sacrifice. God wants the heart to fast and repent, not just fast from food and show our supplications only on the outside without changing our heart.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

CHAPTER 1
- What do the colored horses represent and who is the one riding on the red horse?
- Who do the horns and the craftsmen represent?
CHAPTER 2
- Why measure Jerusalem? And where else in the Holy Bible was this mentioned?
- Why should Zion flee from the hand of the North?
CHAPTER 3
- Why the filthy garment?
- Who is the BRANCH?
CHAPTER 4
- Who are the anointed ones?
CHAPTER 6
- How did God’s Spirit find rest in the North?
CHAPTER 7
- What commandments did the people refuse to obey?
- What was God’s reply when asked about fasting? Explain. What do we personally learn about fasting from this chapter?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

CHAPTER 1
- In Zechariah’s vision the man was riding:
  a) a donkey b) a red horse c) a white horse
- God’ house shall be built in: a) the temple
  b) the North c) Jerusalem d) Samaria
CHAPTER 2
- The Lord said that he who touches Zion touches:
  a) His heart b) His head c) the apple of His eye d) His Son
- "And the LORD will take possession of Judah as His ________ in the _________ _______, and will again choose __________."
CHAPTER 3
- "Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'If you will walk in My ______, And if you will keep My _______, Then you shall also judge My ______, And likewise have charge of My ________."
- In that day,' says the LORD of Hosts, '________ will invite his _______ under his vine and under his ______ _______.
CHAPTER 4
- Whose hands laid the foundation of the temple?
  a) Zachariah b) God c) Zerubbabal d) the servant
- The lampstand was made of
  a) gold b) silver c) bronze d) copper
CHAPTER 5
- What will God send out to the house of the thief?
  a) gifts b) a letter c) a prophecy d) a curse
- The woman sitting in the basket represents:
  a) the mother b) wickedness c) poverty d) Jerusalem
CHAPTER 7
- For how many years of exile did the people fast on the 5th and 7th months
  a) 10 b) 30 c) 70
- "Thus says the LORD of hosts: Do not oppress------."
  a) the widow b) the fatherless c) the poor d)all of these

Week 12: Zechariah - 2

Zechariah 9-14

Objective:

The Coming King
Restoration of Judah and Israel
Desolation of Israel
Prophecy of the Shepherds
Mourning for the Pierced One
The Shepherd Savior
The Day of the Lord
The Nations Worship the King

Resources:

Activity for every week: Can you recite the 12 minor prophets?

Reading:

Zechariah 9:9-10
Zechariah 10:4
Zechariah 11:4-13
Zechariah 12:9-14
Zechariah 13:6-9
Zechariah 14:1-9

Key verse(s):

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you” Zechariah 9:9

NOTE TO SERVANT:

Please plan to ask and review these questions every week:
- Who are the minor prophets? Can you recite them?
- The theme for last week's minor prophet
- Highlight Messianic prophecy

Minor Prophets introduction:

The Major and Minor Prophet division of the Holy Bible does not denote the importance or rank of the writing prophets, but the length of the Holy Books which bear their prophecies.
- Ex: Jonah 4 chapters - Isaiah 66 chapters
There are 12 minor prophets and 4 major prophets (5 books including Lamentations)
In the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), all these books were listed under "prophets". In the Septuagint and Vulgate translations, this classification of major and minor was mentioned.
The prophet in the OT was someone who passed God's message to the people. A prophet in the NT is also someone who passes God's message or news (God's love and salvation for all mankind).
In the OT, there were many prophets (Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, etc.), but when we refer to the "Prophets", we refer to the ones who recorded their prophecy.
All prophecies had one goal: Repentance!
Recorded prophecies were split into three groups: Before, during, and after the exile.
- Before: Repent so God doesn't bring the exile
- During: Repent so God can end the exile and take us back to our land
- After: Repent because the Messiah is coming
The books of the prophets are rich with Messianic prophecies. Our Lord fulfilled all.
The meaning of the names of the prophets is usually the message of their writings.
The prophetic books always start with a strong tough message and then end with a joyful promising message.
All books have different themes. All books have the same message (repentance).

Minor Prophets

Before Assyrian Captivity

Directed to the North Kingdom

After Assyrian and before Babylonian captivities

Directed to the South Kingdom

After Captivity

1. Hosea

2. Joel

3. Amos

4. Obadiah (Edom)

5. Jonah

6. Micah

7. Nahum (Nineveh)

8. Habakkuk

9. Zephaniah

10. Haggai

11. Zechariah

12. Malachi

NOTE TO SERVANT:

Zechariah will be divided into two parts to be covered over two weeks:
- Week 1: Ch.1-7 --> Zechariah's visions
- Week 2: Ch.9-14 --> Zechariah's prophecies

Comments:

Zechariah means "Jehovah remembers"
Zechariah was one of the three minor prophets who appeared after the return from exile
Zechariah started his prophecy before Haggai the prophet by only a few months
As the son of Berechiah and grandson of Iddo, he came from one of the priestly families of the tribe of Levi
He was born in Babylon and was brought by his grandfather to Palestine when the Jewish exiles returned under Zerubbabel
Zechariah uses a series of eight visions, four messages, and two burdens to portray God's plans for His people
The book is second to Isaiah in prophecies
The book is second to Ezekiel in visions
The book can be broken down into three parts:
- Part 1: Ch. 1-6: Visions
- Part 2: Ch. 7-8: Fasting
- Part 3: Ch. 9-14: Messianic Prophecies
The book has some clear prophecies about Christ:
- Entering Jerusalem (9:9)
- Thirty pieces of silver (11:12)
- His wounds (13:6)
- The piercing (12:10)
- The suffering shepherd (13:7)
Zechariah 9
- V.9-10: A prophecy on Palm Sunday when the Lord entered Jerusalem as a king
Zechariah 10
- V. 4: Christ is the Chief cornerstone (Acts 4:11 - Ephesians 2:19-22 - Matthew 21:42)
Zechariah 11
- V.4 The shepherds are not taking care of the people. The shepherds mislead the people
- V.7 God took two staffs (The Cross). Beauty and Bonds are God's two characteristics of Mercy and Judgment.
- v.8 the "three shepherding" are thought by the Fathers to be the Pharisees, Scribes, and Chief Priests who were dismissed by the "Two staffs - the Cross"
- V.10-12 They rejected Christ and did not accept His mission. The staff is broken because they rejected Him. God respected their wishes of denying them and asked them to give him His wages for all the years that he cared for them and guided them. So they calculated His wages and it was 30 pieces of silver.
- V.13: After Judas gave them the money back, they took it and bought a potter’s field (Matt. 27:1-8)
Zechariah 12
- V.10- God will fill them with His Spirit of grace and supplication, but they will pierce Him
  - A prophecy that they will pierce Him
Zechariah 13
- V.6 A prophecy on His wounds and the nails in His hands
- V.7-8 When the Lord was on the Cross "Strike the Shephard", the disciples ran away "Sheep will be scattered"
  - This was mentioned in Matthew 26:31
Zechariah 14
- V.4 The Ascension from the Mountain of Olives
  - A symbolic meaning that God's Glory will split the mountain in two - shows the power of God
- V.5 The Lord will come back with His saints - The second coming
- V.6 Prophecy on Darkness on Good Friday
- V.6-9 The Day of the Cross - Good Friday
- V.8 God will extend His love and mercy to bring people together from east and west

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

CH.9
1. Find a prophecy in this chapter that was fulfilled in the New Testament. Give verse.
CH.10
1. What does the Lord promise His flock the House of Judah?
CH. 11
1. What do the 30 pieces of silver represent? And what do they remind you of?
2. Who are the three shepherds that were dismissed?
CH.12
1. Find a prophecy in this chapter fulfilled in the New Testament. Give verse.
CH.13
1. Strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered. Who quoted this verse and on what occasion
CH. 14
1. Who are the saints that will come with the Lord?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

The king of Israel will come riding on:
a) a horse b) a mule c) a colt d) a car
The LORD their God will ______ them in that day, as the _______ of His people. For they shall be like the ________ of a crown, lifted like a ________ over His ________.
The people were in trouble because there is no:
a) king b) prophet c) priest d) shepherd
"So I will __________ them in the LORD, and they shall _______ up and down in His _______," Says the LORD."
The names of Zechariah’s staffs were _________ and __________.
How much was the wage given to Zechariah?
a) 30 pieces of silver b) 30 pieces of gold c) 10 pieces of silver d) a crown
"Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; then I will turn My hand against the little ones." Who were the sheep?
They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'This is My people'; and each one will say, 'The LORD is my God." Who will call God's Name?

Week 13: Malachi

Objective:

Polluted Offerings to God
Corrupt Priests
The Coming Messenger
Do Not Rob God
The Great Day of God

Resources:

Activity for every week: Can you recite the 12 minor prophets?

Reading:

Malachi 1
Malachi 2:10-17
Malachi 3
Malachi 4

Key verse(s):

"Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me.” Malachi 3:1

NOTE TO SERVANT:

Please plan to ask and review these questions every week:
- Who are the minor prophets? Can you recite them?
- The theme for last week's minor prophet
- Highlight Messianic prophecy

Minor Prophets introduction:

The Major and Minor Prophet division of the Holy Bible does not denote the importance or rank of the writing prophets, but the length of the Holy Books which bear their prophecies.
- Ex: Jonah 4 chapters - Isaiah 66 chapters
There are 12 minor prophets and 4 major prophets (5 books including Lamentations)
In the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), all these books were listed under "prophets". In the Septuagint and Vulgate translations, this classification of major and minor was mentioned.
The prophet in the OT was someone who passed God's message to the people. A prophet in the NT is also someone who passes God's message or news (God's love and salvation for all mankind).
In the OT, there were many prophets (Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, etc.), but when we refer to the "Prophets", we refer to the ones who recorded their prophecy.
All prophecies had one goal: Repentance!
Recorded prophecies were split into three groups: Before, during, and after the exile.
- Before: Repent so God doesn't bring the exile
- During: Repent so God can end the exile and take us back to our land
- After: Repent because the Messiah is coming
The books of the prophets are rich with Messianic prophecies. Our Lord fulfilled all.
The meaning of the names of the prophets is usually the message of their writings.
The prophetic books always start with a strong tough message and then end with a joyful promising message.
All books have different themes. All books have the same message (repentance).

Minor Prophets

Before Assyrian Captivity

Directed to the North Kingdom

After Assyrian and before Babylonian captivities

Directed to the South Kingdom

After Captivity

1. Hosea

2. Joel

3. Amos

4. Obadiah (Edom)

5. Jonah

6. Micah

7. Nahum (Nineveh)

8. Habakkuk

9. Zephaniah

10. Haggai

11. Zechariah

12. Malachi

Comments:

Theme of Malachi: The coming of God's kingdom
Messianic Prophecy: St. John the Baptist preparing the way before the Messiah (3:1)

Malachi means "My Messanger/angel"
Malachi was one of the three minor prophets who appeared after the return from exile
- Malachi was the last prophet before the NT
- He appeared about 400 years before Christ
He prophesied about the prophet coming after him to prepare the way
- The prophet is St. John the Baptist
Nehemiah led the third and final returning wave from captivity
- After he finished his ministry and built the walls, he returned to the King as he promised him before leaving (Nehemiah 1)
Malachi appeared when Nehemiah left the people
The people were living in prosperity at that time, so they fell into the sin of 'lukewarmness'
Chapter 1
- V.2 “I have loved you” summarizes the OT and God's relationship with mankind. He loved us which is why he came for us, did miracles for us, sent the Israelites to captivity and brought them back, etc.
- The book has questions from the people to God that show their lukewarmness
  - Question 1: Mal. 1:2- Questioning how God loved them
    - One way to avoid lukewarmness is to remember God's mercy in our lives and always to give thanksgiving
    - Question 2: Mal. 1:6- Questioning God's sovereignty and honor
      - Getting used to the thing leads to lukewarmness sometimes. One way to avoid lukewarmness is to remember God's honor and always have God's fear in our hearts
    - Question 3: Mal. 1:10- God is questioning their spiritual life
      - They pray in the Temple, but not at their homes
      - Lukewarmness is shown in praying with groups but not alone at home
    - Malachi 1:11: A prophecy that the Gentiles will be accepted in the NT. The incense was only offered in the Temple only. It also shows the use of incense in the worship
    - Question 4: Mal. 1:13
      - Lukewarmness is shown in the signs of being weary and complaining
      - Avoiding the urge to complain and realizing God's blessings in our lives is a way of defeating lukewarmness
Chapter 2
- Question 5: Mal. 2:14
  - Lukewarmness is shown in breaking the law
    - Having a 'favorite' sin in our hearts leads to lukewarmness. Certain sins, lusts, wrong feelings, etc lead to lukewarmness
    - God used marriage as a sin where the consequences will last for a long time
    - This part shows the holiness of marriage and what God intended for the couple. It is a covenant, not a contract
- V.16: Shows that God doesn’t like divorce and in certain cases, it is the last resort as a solution
- Question 6: Mal. 2:17
  - Lukewarmness is shown in not realizing God's judgment and thinking that God doesn't reward the rights and judge the sinners. It's the way of thinking the world has no one in control and that the righteous and the sinners are 'just living' and no rewards/consequences
  - Lukewarmness can be avoided if the person realizes his/her faults and always ask God for His mercy and forgiveness
Chapter 3
- A famous chapter where Malachi prophesies about the prophet coming after him: St. John the Baptist
- St. John the Baptist is the angel coming before God to prepare the way (people) as mentioned in Mark 1:1
  - Question 7: Mal. 3:7
    - Lukewarmness in the spiritual life can result from drifting away from tradition and from what the Church, as mothers, taught us to do. Thinking the church is old, God is not important, or the Clergy does not know anything causes lukewarmness.
  - Question 8: Mal. 3:8
    - We feel lukewarm towards God when we don't give the tithes. When we feel that God needs our tithes, not that we need to give, the heart becomes lukewarm.
    - Bringing the tithes (10%) is the beginning of giving. God wants the people to show their love. "Try me" means see what I will do to reward your love.
  - Question 9: Mal. 3:13
    - Lukewarmness is shown when people are harsh in their language with God. People think serving God is useless. Instead of feeling that we need to serve God for our edification, we take it as a burden and think it has no fruits/rewards. The same applies to prayers, fasting, repentance, etc.
Chapter 4
- V.1 The day of judgment will make the proud and the wicked be like stubble
- V.2 The same day for the righteous will be a day of light and healing
- Our Lord Jesus Christ "The Sun of Righteousness" in the second coming will judge the wicked and reward the righteous. That day will bring healing and good news for the righteous who were waiting for this day.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

Where incense shall be offered to God’s Name?
What did the priests offer on God’s Altar?
What does God say about divorce?
In what did the people rob the Lord?
Who is the messenger that will prepare the way? Give a verse from the New Testament to support your answer.
Who will arise with healing in His wings?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

For from the rising of the ______, even to its going down, My ______ shall be great among the _________; in every place________ shall be offered to My name, and a pure ________."
For I am a great _______," Says the LORD of hosts, "And My _______ is to be feared among the __________."
The lips of the priest should keep:
a) praise b) knowledge c) lies d) jokes
What was written before the Lord?
a) the Holy Bible b) prophecies c) a book of remembrance d) letters
Then you shall again discern between the ________ and the wicked, between one who _________ God and ______ who does not serve Him.
But to you who fear My name The __________ ______ ___________ shall arise with healing in His _______.
Behold, I will send you _______ the prophet before the coming of the _______ and dreadful ________ of the ________.