(not so) Minor Prophets
The moniker given to the 12 books we call the Minor Prophets is thanks to St Augustine. Over the centuries, and with that name, there has been a tendency to think their message was less important—and their impact insignificant—especially when compared to the Major Prophets.
Neither of these assumptions is true. Placing the Minor Prophets in their proper literary context means seeing them not as individual books but as one book altogether; the Book of the Twelve.
Understanding the Minor Prophets in this unified context helps us see the common themes that run through these books as God deals with the covenant unfaithfulness of the nation of Israel. Their message is a demonstration of the pursuing grace of God and the seriousness of the covenant violations of His followers. However, these books also point to a future period of hope and restoration. Taken together, the sound these books produce is not that of a single instrument playing a solemn tune in a minor key. Instead, they’re a 12-piece symphony boldly striking major key melodies of God’s justice and God’s mercy.
Here’s a snapshot of some of those melodies:
The Minor Prophets paint a greater picture of God and His love.
Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3 that all Scripture is profitable—and that includes the Minor Prophets. In fact, some of the most stirring and powerful images of God’s character are found in the Minor Prophets.
Hosea shows the beautiful, unending, and uncompromising love of God. Amos displays the depths of God’s heart for social justice and His loathing of hollow religion. Jonah shows us the zealous missionary nature of God—a nature that desires people from all nations to be redeemed. Habakkuk reminds us of God providentially working all things for His glory and our good, even when it doesn’t seem that way. Malachi speaks of God’s faithfulness to His promises, even when His people disobey. The Minor Prophets give us a clearer, more accurate understanding of God and a deeper love and awe of Him.
The Minor Prophets show us Jesus in powerful ways.
Some of the most well-known and powerful Messianic prophecies are found in the Minor Prophets. Verses such as Micah 5:2; Zechariah 9:9; and Hosea 11:1. But those passages are not the only place we see Jesus in these short books. The Minor Prophets are not about the men after whom they are named; they are all about Jesus.
In Hosea, we meet a prophet who faithfully loved his unfaithful wife, Gomer, and even paid to win her back. Hosea points us to Jesus and the great price He paid to bring us back to Himself.
In Amos, we meet a prophet who warned God’s people, people who thought they were right with God though they lived unrighteously. Amos points us to Jesus, the Righteous One, whose perfect obedience is credited to us when we trust in Him.
In Jonah, we meet a prophet who failed to see other people with love and compassion like God sees them and who reluctantly called on them to turn to God. Jonah points us to Jesus, who lovingly, compassionately, and willingly called on all people to turn to God and who gave up His life so that the whole world might be saved.
In Habakkuk, we meet a prophet who struggled to make sense of God’s ways—especially in difficult times—but eventually trusted God to rescue His people. Habakkuk points us to Jesus, who rescued God’s people by being crucified on the cross—the most evil act in history.
In Malachi, we meet a prophet who warned God’s people to get ready because a messenger—John the Baptist—was on his way. Malachi points us to the One of whom John spoke—Jesus, the final Messenger, who brought good news of salvation.
These 12 books offer a treasure of proclamation from the Lord. He offers warnings against wickedness and blessings for faithfulness. God shines a light in a very dark world, offering lessons that are applicable to the world in which we live today. These books are not only well written, with deep theological insights, but they also offer hope for a bright future. The outlook may be dim at times, but God always offers a way out.