Minor Prophets & Isaiah

Isaiah

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

Isaiah prophesied from about 740 to 680 B.C.. In this time Tiglath-Pileser was growing Assyria to be a powerful force; conquering many smaller nations including the Northern Kingdom in 722 B.C.. After Israel was conquered, the Southern Kingdom of Judah realized their vulnerability. This created a stage for Isaiah to preach a message of repentance, and Judah turned to God and were delivered from Assyria. This book also contains many messianic prophecies and encouraging words of comfort for Gods people then and now.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

The book of Isaiah contains an overwhelming about of insight into the nature and character of God. God knows us and desires to lead us (1:3), God cares deeply for the oppressed (1:17), God is the ultimate redeemer (1:27), God is full of glory and majesty (2:19), God is a might warrior who is always victorious (12:2), God always upholds His end of the covenant and is extremely faithful (24:5), God is patient (30:18), and a huge theme throughout Isaiah that powerfully reveals the nature of God is that he is comforter. God gives a picture of the way he comforts us by comparing it to how a baby “…drinks at its mothers comforting breasts.” (49:15, 66:11)

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

Isaiah is brimming full with God’s best and ultimate redemptive plan for mankind: Jesus! Chapter nine is full of prophecies of what Jesus will accomplish and how he will come. “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.” (Isaiah 9:6-7) Chapter eleven is also full of prophecies of Jesus and describes the way He will lead and love. In Nelson’s the Messianic prophecies spoken by Isaiah and fulfilled in the New Testament are found in: 7:14-15, 9, 11, 35, 42, 50, 52, 53, 61:1-2. 

Application Questions for Isaiah

Reading Isaiah I was overwhelmed with remembrance of Jesus and my personal relationship with Him. I had gotten so caught up in the story of the Israelites and the longing for a Savior and mediator that I lost sight of my reality that Jesus, this one desired, yearned, longed for was with me. WOAH! This is the halfway point of the school (craziness!) and such perfect timing of the Lord to remind me of His nearness. God spoke deeply to my heart all the ways He has been constantly providing strength for me in this school and caring for me. Isaiah is packed full of incredibly sweet, refreshing droplets of truth from the heart of God for me.

“I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. Always on me mind…” (Isaiah 49:15)

“So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.” (Isaiah 30:18)

For oppressed women to know the hope and assurance of new life in Christ would be so powerfully. This identity piece is crucial for any woman, but especially for one meeting Jesus in the midst of oppression. God is the perfect restorer and new life giver. He restores our hope, gifts us with piece and a reason to be joyful!

“…You will be given a new name by the Lord’s own mouth. The Lord will hold you in his hand for all to see- a splendid crown in the hand of God. Never again will you be called “The Forsaken City” or “The Desolate Land. Your new name will be “The City of God’s Delight” and “The Bride of God,” for the Lord delights in you and will claim you as his bride.” (Isaiah 62:2-4)

“He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, a festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.” (Isaiah 61:3)

Nahum

Write one paragraph explaining the background and purpose of the prophet

The book of Nahum is a sequel to Jonah, filling us in on the current situation in Assyria. Nahum's time of ministry to Nineveh was about 100 years after Jonah’s ministry. In Jonahs ministry the people repented and turned to God; but time has passed and now they have resumed their ways of wickedness and pagan living. Nahum speaks judgment against powerful Assyria around 663 B.C. at a time when they are in full strength and pride after conquering Egypt. Nahum recorded these prophecies for the nation of Judah to “…assure them that evil does not endure forever and that God will one day fulfill his plan to restore good permanently.” (SourceView Insights Pg. 1191)

What does this book reveal about the character and nature of God?

The book of Nahum reveals that God is true to his character. “Though Assyrians have many allies, they will be destroyed and disappear… Now I will break the yoke of bondage from your neck and tear off the chains of Assyrian oppression.” (Nahum 1:12-13) Even though God deeply loves Assyria and pardon their sins before He will not allow them to persistently sin without repentance. This also shows the Lords heart to free Israel from their bully, Assyria. For God is a great defender and He will punish those who oppress and afflict. “The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7) This is an incredible passage showing us the safety and goodness found in God. He is jealous and desires to be our only refuge.

What does this book reveal about Gods redemptive plan for mankind?

Just as the Lord redeemed and delivered Israel from the hands of Assyria; so God will redeem and set everything right for us. In Gods perfect timing He rose up to “…sweep away his enemies in an overwhelming flood.” (Nahum 1:8) In God’s perfect timing He will come and deliver us from our enemy and from the evil of the world. 

Application Questions for Nahum

“The Lord is good is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. But cozy islands of escape he wipes off the map.” (Nahum 1:7 NLT & MSG) This verse spoke deeply to my heart and the theme it communicates of God being our only refuge is a life theme for me. I didn’t realize it until I picked this verse to create my preaching message on. I saw so powerfully how deeply God wants to be our safe refuge. How He desires to be our only cozy, safe, refuge. Any other comfort we try to escape to will be eventually destroyed by the storms of life. The only security we really have is found only in God! How encouraging!

Nahum was written to the Israelites who had spent years being oppressed by Assyria. The book of Nahum shows God’s hatred for oppression and that He will rescue and defend the underdog. This message would be one many oppressed women could relate to. They would have a very real picture of their own “Assyria.” This book would be a powerful testimony to them that no matter how big and scary your oppressor seems, to God are as small as an ant. Not only will they be destroyed, they will disappear! (Nahum 1:12) God hates injustices and He will faithfully bring justice to even the most oppressed women. “Now I will break the yoke of bondage from your neck and tear off the chains of Assyrian oppression.” (Nahum 1:13)

Jonah

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet

The story of Jonah took place during the reign of Jeroboam II around 785-750 B.C., a time when Israel’s influence and strength was rising. The world super power was still Assyria; a nation known for their cruelty, evil and broom sticks. Jonah was called by God to proclaim a message of repentance to the Assyrian city of Nineveh. Jonah’s pride kept him from understanding God’s great love for the Assyrians; but God goes to great lengths to get through to those he loves, including Jonah.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

This book clearly displays Gods heart for ALL people, seeing even the worst people through eyes of redemption, and longing to extend grace to any who will accept. “But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn't I feel sorry for such a great city?” (Jonah 4:11) God cares deeply for all people to know Him and experience His true love. “…you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.” (Jonah 4:2) This verse powerfully displays the Gods character and nature.

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

The book of Jonah reveals that just as God had a beautiful redemption plan for Jonah, the sailors and Nineveh, so God has a plan to redeem us to Himself. Some believe that when Jonah “…was inside the fish for three days and three nights.” (Jonah 1:17)that is was to foreshadow Jesus spending three nights and days in the tomb. When Jonah was spit out of the whale or “resurrected” he was used by God as a savior for the people of Nineveh, calling them to God. When Jesus was powerfully resurrected, conquering death and the grave, He became the ultimate Savior for all mankind.

Micah 

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet

Micah, whose name means "Who is like the Lord?" was a small town prophet and evangelists who dealt heavily with morality. Micah is confident in his call from the Lord, saying "...I am filled with power- with the spirit of the Lord. I am filled with justice and strength to boldly declare Israel's sin and rebellion." (Micah 3:8) The meaning of his name will haunt the people as they discover they are not like the Lord. He is sent by God to bring judgment and a call to repentance, all under the umbrella of Gods hope. For every time Micah prophesies judgment or destruction, he echo's with a word of mercy and restoration. Showing His understanding of the sovereignty of God; and that ultimately Israel's hope would not be dependent on their goodness, but on the goodness of God. Micah was a prophet to the southern kingdom, ranging from about 735-710 B.C., in the days three kings shared the throne: Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Micah deals also with the peoples hypocrisy, and teaches them what truly matters to God.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

"...The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God!" (Micah 6:8) This reveals Gods heart of compassion and righteous living. He cares deeply for his children! Gods’ heart is fiercely for justice and that His children would understand the weight of their wicked sin, but, staying true to His character, He is full of mercy, grace and forgiveness. "Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love." (Micah 7:18)

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

This book shows a gorgeous picture of a messiah to come (Micah 5:2) and what it will be like to be reunited fully to God. I am so encouraged by Micah's declaration in Micah 7:7 where he says: "As for me, I look to the Lord for help, I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me." This is true for all of God's children! We can have this same hope, expectancy and confidence in the redemption of God to save us! 

Hosea

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

Hosea began his ministry in the final days of the Northern Kingdom (indicting he lived in Israel), during a time when Israel was experiencing a “…temporary period of political and economic prosperity.” (Pg. 236 Nelson’s) To the citizens of flourishing Israel, they were happy and enjoying life; but inwardly they were cheating on God with idols and were full of moral corruption. God called Hosea (whose name means “Salvation”) to marry a unfaithful woman so that He will understand the one-sided love and commitment that has come to represent Israel’s relationship with God. “Go and marry a prostitute, so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution. This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the Lord and worshipping other Gods.” (Hosea 1:2) Because of Hoseas’ personal experience with his wife, and love for his people; he spoke to Israel with deep passion concerning God’s judgments; but even more of God’s mercy and steadfast love. Hosea calls the people back to their perfect, loving Bridegroom who is waiting with arms wide open.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

Hosea reveals powerful the mercy, restoration and hesed (Hebrew word the powerfully encompasses “…loving loyalty to covenant commitment, illustrated by the marriage vows of God.” Pg. 237 Nelson’s) of God.  “Then I will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds.” (Hosea 14:4) “I will make you my wife forever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion. I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as the Lord.” (Hosea 2:19-20) God shows Israel this unbelievable love; so deep and high and overwhelming. God is also a jealous God and we see this when He compares Israel to “…silly, witless doves…” flying around to other super powers instead to Him. So He throws a net over them and captures them. (Hosea 7:12) God also displays His jealous heart towards Israel when He says “…I will fence her in with thorn bushes, I will block her path with a wall…” (Hosea 2:6) God wants Israel all to himself! The father heart of God moves me deeply in the book of Hosea and I feel His deep grief. God says: “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt. But the more I called to him, the farther he moved from me. (11:1-2) I myself taught Israel how to walk, leading him along the way by the hand. But he doesn’t know or even care that it was I who took care of him. I led Israel along with my ropes of kindness and love. I lifted the yoke from his neck, and I myself stooped to feed him. (11:3-4) Oh, how can I give you up, Israel? How can I let you go? My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows.” (11:8)

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

The theme of this entire books screams loudly that God desires to redeem us! “I will show love to those I called ‘Not Loved.’ And to those I called ‘Not my people,’ I will say, ‘Now you are my people.’ And they will reply, ‘You are our God!” (Hosea 2:23) God commands Hosea to return to his unfaithful wife to illustrate to Israel that regardless of their idolatry God will ultimately restore them to himself. (Hosea 3:1) But Hosea had to pay a price to get her back (Hosea 3:2), foreshadowing Jesus who would come and pay the ultimate to restore us to perfect relationship with God! 

Application Questions for Hosea

“But then I will win her back once again. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there. I will return her vineyards to her and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope. She will give herself to me there, as she did long ago when she was young, when I freed her from her captivity in Egypt. When that day comes,” says the Lord, “you will call me ‘my husband’, instead of ‘my master’… I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as the Lord.” (Hosea 2:14-16, 19-20)

This verse speaks powerfully to my heart about the pursuit of God after our hearts. It displays God’s longing for us to experience true intimacy with Him. What god is like you? That would desire to have a personal relationship with me? That would seek me out? One that invites me to put aside “master”, an impersonal expression, and call you “my husband.” Lord you are incredible! Your love is better than life itself!

Hosea in it entirety displays that the faithful love of God will always be committed to us; regardless of our response. This message would speak to oppressed women of the power of true love; a love that is patient and committed; yet jealous and eager to make us completely His. He desires to have us only for himself because He knows that is the safest and most joyful place for us. We thrive in the care of Jesus! When we turn our backs on God and stop being faithful to him it grieves Him deeply. God says “My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows.” (Hosea 11:8)

                                  Joel

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet

Disaster fell upon Judah, in the form of locust, and in the chaos and vulnerability a voice is heard prophesying judgment and calling the people to repentance. Also, a message of hope for the coming day of salvation, following judgment. Joel was the bold, courageous voice behind these prophecies. Joel was called by God to paint a word picture of “…the day of the Lord…” (Joel 2:1) A time when of judgment for those who have rebelled against God and a time of rejoicing and hope for those who put their trust in Him. Joel also predicts the day of Pentecost, that would come hundreds of years later. Joel could have been written around 835 BC when seven year old Joash was “king”, or more like a puppet for Jehoiada the priest in a time when there wasn't a ruling king, just “…leaders of the people.” (Joel 1:2) 

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

Joel reveals that God cares about the way we live. He is an intimate God, wanting to walk closely with us and be “…among my people Israel...” (Joel 1:27) Our salvation is dependent not on what we do outwardly, but He cares deeply for us to come to Him with broken hearts. (Paraphrased: Joel 1:13) It says that God is “eager” (or longing, yearning, hoping) “…to relent and not punish.” (Joel 2:13) Although the Lord is perfectly just, Joel reveals that God is equally “…merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.”(Joel 2:13)

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

This book gives us a glimpse and picture of God’s final redemptive plan, the day of judgment and ultimate redemption of God to His people. A time when He will set everything right so that we can be fully one with Him. In the last days, the days we are currently living in, are the fulfillment of the words prophesied in Joel: “I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants- men and women alike.” (Joel 2:28) 

Amos

Write one paragraph explain the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

Amos was a prophet who felt the heartbeat of God and understood what truly grieved God. Amos was called by God (Amos 7:15) in a time when Israel was prospering outwardly, but inwardly, their wickedness was also prospering. They were exploiting the poor, selling people, not caring for the oppressed, caught up in sexual perversion and idolatry. (2:6-11) And the most heartbreaking part was their detest for hearing the voice of God. (Amos 2:12) Amos was a simple, kind and moral man who prophesied (Amos 7:14), and lived in the country herding sheep and taking care of sycamore fruit. (Amos 7:14) Amos prophesied judgment to rebellious Israel (judgment that came three decades after), but also the hope of God’s restoration for them. He has an incredible understanding of true religion and real love, and calls the people back to a life centered on what matters to God.

What does this book show about the character and Nature of God?

Amos reveals that religion to God has little to do with “…religious festivals and solemn assemblies.” (Amos 5:21); but has everything to do with righteous living and the way we love others. God hates hypocrisy, and He says: “Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.” (Amos 5:24) This gives us great insight into a caring, just God who cares passionately for the oppressed and poor, and will know our love for Him when we also care for those who have injustice done against them.

What does this book show about Gods redemptive plan for mankind?

This book reveals prophecies still anticipating fulfillment, showing the need for righteous living and acting justly to continue. The sins God judges Israel for still remain today. But there is a day coming, prophesied in Amos nine, when the redemption of God will shine brightly as God sets everything right. Until then we are admonished to keep living out the words spoken by Amos to not pretend to be Christians, but truly care for the oppressed and to live righteously before God.