Major Notes From The Minor Prophets

Emmanuel Bible CollegeFall Semester, 2003Professor T. E. Dow2

Course Objectives

• 1. Cognitive - what am I learning?

• 2. Affective - what am I feeling?

• 3. Conative - what am I going to do now?

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Author: Very little known – son of Beeri. Contemporary of Isaiah, Micahand Amos. He could be called the Jeremiah of the Northern Kingdom.From southern kingdom apparently, names of kings are listed – acontemporary of Isaiah. Ministry must have lasted for seventy years. Helived to see his prophecies fulfilled with destruction of Samaria in 722.Addresses himself to Israel during time of Jeroboam II. A time of greatprosperity; Israel’s downfall could not have been foreseen in such a time.

Question: Is the Messiah anywhere to be found in this book? Is Christ here?Hosea: one of the greatest lovers of all time. There would be an even greater–“while we were yet in our sins…” (Romans 5:8). Is the story of Hosealiteral or figurative? Did he know what it was to love someone unworthy,loathsome, who would break his heart again and again? Did he know theshame of looking for her in the worst places imaginable, and totallyhumiliated and shamed, begging her to return home with him? Then havingher leave again, going God knows where, finally running out of money andfriends and crawling home to him again? How many times? How much lossof self-respect? But he loved her so much he kept trying to break the patternof her sin. And in the end The Lover prevailed.

How much did God love Israel? How much was he willing to endure of herbacksliding and wandering? Was there no end to his patience? This bookspeaks of terrible punishment. But it speaks of undeserved mercy and finalredemption.

Chapter one - “Israel has become a harlot”.She has other lovers – idols galore – and has forsaken her first love.God wants her back. He will go to any lengths to demonstrate hisdesire to be her first love. Children from other lovers – Jezreel,Loruhamah, Lo Ammi Israel has become a nation of bastards. But thischapter as the next ends in a promise: you are the children of theliving God. Israel and Judah will be reunited under one ruler.

Chapter two – “Israel the Detestable Prostitute” but there is hope!Gomer is so pathetic as she runs from lover to lover. She thinks theyare her salvation and provision, but God is looking after her through itall, and will restore her beautifully one day. She will run out of lovers,decide she can do better at home, return and be publicly shamed. But

The Book of Hosea Author: Very little known – son of Beeri. Contemporary of Isaiah, Micah and Amos. He could be called the Jeremiah of the Northern Kingdom. From southern kingdom apparently, names of kings are listed – a contemporary of Isaiah. Ministry must have lasted for seventy years. He lived to see his prophecies fulfilled with destruction of Samaria in 722. Addresses himself to Israel during time of Jeroboam II. A time of great prosperity; Israel’s downfall could not have been foreseen in such a time. Question: Is the Messiah anywhere to be found in this book? Is Christ here? Hosea: one of the greatest lovers of all time. There would be an even greater –“while we were yet in our sins…” (Romans 5:8). Is the story of Hosea literal or figurative? Did he know what it was to love someone unworthy, loathsome, who would break his heart again and again? Did he know the shame of looking for her in the worst places imaginable, and totally humiliated and shamed, begging her to return home with him? Then having her leave again, going God knows where, finally running out of money and friends and crawling home to him again? How many times? How much loss of self-respect? But he loved her so much he kept trying to break the pattern of her sin. And in the end The Lover prevailed. How much did God love Israel? How much was he willing to endure of her backsliding and wandering? Was there no end to his patience? This book speaks of terrible punishment. But it speaks of undeserved mercy and final redemption. Chapter one - “Israel has become a harlot”.

She has other lovers – idols galore – and has forsaken her first love. God wants her back. He will go to any lengths to demonstrate his desire to be her first love. Children from other lovers – Jezreel, Loruhamah, Lo Ammi Israel has become a nation of bastards. But this chapter as the next ends in a promise: you are the children of the living God. Israel and Judah will be reunited under one ruler.

Chapter two – “Israel the Detestable Prostitute” but there is hope!

Gomer is so pathetic as she runs from lover to lover. She thinks they are her salvation and provision, but God is looking after her through it all, and will restore her beautifully one day. She will run out of lovers, decide she can do better at home, return and be publicly shamed. But

of HoseaAuthor: Very little known – son of Beeri. Contemporary of Isaiah, Micahand Amos. He could be called the Jeremiah of the Northern Kingdom.From southern kingdom apparently, names of kings are listed – acontemporary of Isaiah. Ministry must have lasted for seventy years. Helived to see his prophecies fulfilled with destruction of Samaria in 722.Addresses himself to Israel during time of Jeroboam II. A time of greatprosperity; Israel’s downfall could not have been foreseen in such a time.

Question: Is the Messiah anywhere to be found in this book? Is Christ here?Hosea: one of the greatest lovers of all time. There would be an even greater–“while we were yet in our sins…” (Romans 5:8). Is the story of Hosealiteral or figurative? Did he know what it was to love someone unworthy,loathsome, who would break his heart again and again? Did he know theshame of looking for her in the worst places imaginable, and totallyhumiliated and shamed, begging her to return home with him? Then havingher leave again, going God knows where, finally running out of money andfriends and crawling home to him again? How many times? How much lossof self-respect? But he loved her so much he kept trying to break the patternof her sin. And in the end The Lover prevailed.

How much did God love Israel? How much was he willing to endure of herbacksliding and wandering? Was there no end to his patience? This bookspeaks of terrible punishment. But it speaks of undeserved mercy and finalredemption.

Chapter one - “Israel has become a harlot”.She has other lovers – idols galore – and has forsaken her first love.God wants her back. He will go to any lengths to demonstrate hisdesire to be her first love. Children from other lovers – Jezreel,Loruhamah, Lo Ammi Israel has become a nation of bastards. But thischapter as the next ends in a promise: you are the children of theliving God. Israel and Judah will be reunited under one ruler.

Chapter two – “Israel the Detestable Prostitute” but there is hope!Gomer is so pathetic as she runs from lover to lover. She thinks theyare her salvation and provision, but God is looking after her through itall, and will restore her beautifully one day. She will run out of lovers,decide she can do better at home, return and be publicly shamed. But

The Book of Hosea

Author: Very little known – son of Beeri. Contemporary of Isaiah, Micah and Amos. He could be called the Jeremiah of the Northern Kingdom. From southern kingdom apparently, names of kings are listed – a contemporary of Isaiah. Ministry must have lasted for seventy years. He lived to see his prophecies fulfilled with destruction of Samaria in 722. Addresses himself to Israel during time of Jeroboam II. A time of great prosperity; Israel’s downfall could not have been foreseen in such a time. Question: Is the Messiah anywhere to be found in this book? Is Christ here? Hosea: one of the greatest lovers of all time. There would be an even greater –“while we were yet in our sins…” (Romans 5:8). Is the story of Hosea literal or figurative? Did he know what it was to love someone unworthy, loathsome, who would break his heart again and again? Did he know the shame of looking for her in the worst places imaginable, and totally humiliated and shamed, begging her to return home with him? Then having her leave again, going God knows where, finally running out of money and friends and crawling home to him again? How many times? How much loss of self-respect? But he loved her so much he kept trying to break the pattern of her sin. And in the end The Lover prevailed. How much did God love Israel? How much was he willing to endure of her backsliding and

The Book of Hosea Author: Very little known – son of Beeri. Contemporary of Isaiah, Micah and Amos. He could be called the J eremiah of the Northern K ingdom. From southern kingdom apparently, names of kings are listed – a contemporary of Isaiah. Ministry must have lasted for seventy years. He lived to see his prophecies fulfilled with destruction of Samaria in 722. Addresses himself to Israel during time of J eroboam II. A time of great prosperity; Israel’s downfall could not have been foreseen in such a time. Question: Is the Messiah anywhere to be found in this book? Is Christ here? Hosea: one of the greatest lovers of all time. There would be an even greater –“while we were yet in our sins…” (Romans 5:8). Is the story of Hosea literal or figurative? Did he know what it was to love someone unworthy, loathsome, who would break his heart again and again? Did he know the shame of looking for her in the worst places imaginable, and totally humiliated and shamed, begging her to return home with him? Then having her leave again, going God knows where, finally running out of money and friends and crawling home to him again? How many times? How much loss of self-respect? But he loved her so much he

Chapter Six: “God Pleads With His People

1-3: come let us return to the Lord

4: “Your love is like the morning mist

6: I want you to know God

10: I have seen a terrible thing in Israel

Chapter Seven: “My People: What Have They Become?”

A strong tirade against Israel. Kings, priests and people are corrupt; king killers

8-11: what are they like? Worthless half baked cake, old man unaware of his age,

Silly doves; let them be, they have rebelled. They look everywhere except to me.

Chapter eight: “For Israel It is Too Late!”

The enemy descends like an eagle; the calf you have crafted (v. 5) has brought you Down. You are incapable of innocence. Sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. Israel: An old, unwanted pot, a wild donkey rushing after lovers. Meaningless sacrifices, More altars and continual sinning. V. 14 – Israel has forgotten her maker.

Chapter nine: v. 7: “The Time of Israel’s Punishment Has Come!” No Hope Left Now

“God will not forget. What punishments? No satisfaction; bondage; separation from God;unacceptable sacrifices; useless religious observance; no festivals or feasts; briars andbrambles; depravity; the glory flies away like a bird; terrible sorrow; abandoned by God; hatedby God; wanderers; homeless. This is the worst chapter in the book. Things could get no worse

Chapter ten: “A Call to Repentance – It Is Time to Seek the Lord!”

More harsh judgement for Israel. V.5 – the calf of Bethel: they trembled beforeit and now it will be carried away. V. 7 – the king will be carried away like achip of wood on an ocean wave. Israel is a trained heifer, very tender, yet sheshall receive a yoke and hard labour. Key verse, 12 – “Plough up the ground ofyour hearts, now is the time to seek the Lord.”

***Chapter eleven: “Hope Returns: God’s Love Prevails” Climax of book

A change of mood – the Lord loves and will redeem His people!I loved him like a son…O how can I give you up, Israel? My compassionoverflows. Like birds, doves, they will fly home. I will bring my people homeagain!

Chapter twelve: A word for Judah –“Jacob, come back to your God”

Chapter thirteen – “Ephraim once respected, now disappears” Like mist smoke and dew, she will not last. Note reference to dry and thirsty land. God is the lion, the leopard, bear, the angry lion. Where are all the leaders of the land? Here are the terrors of death, the plagues of the grave. Chapter fourteen – “Love’s Last Plea” The greatest chapter in the book for backsliders!

1-3 Return and I will heal you! Just say, forgive us, receive us, so we may praise you. None but you can rescue us. We are orphans without you

4-7 then I will heal you and you will flourish like lilies, cedars, olives, grapevines and the wines of Lebanon 8 – final plea – live by walking in the paths of the Lord!

The Book of J oel The book depicts in tremendous poetic style, an attack (plague) of locusts overrunning the land and bringing absolute devastation. This attack is a harbinger of the invasions to come. The day of the Lord is imminent. Therefore a solemn call to repent and call upon God, chapter two. God will hear and forgive, and restore what has been lost. Further he will give an increase of blessing and pour out his Spirit in great measure upon all. Chapter one – something unprecedented has occurred – the locust attack has destroyed everything. 6. ‘Nation’ is this sign of foreign human invasion? 12 – gladness and joy fail in the land. 14ff call a fast and cry to the Lord all men and nature are lamenting the natural disaster. Chapter two – Sound the alarm, here comes the great army. Description of locust army on the march. V3 Eden mentioned only twice outside of Genesis. Locusts look like tiny horses. Point: v.11 the Day of the Lord is a terrible awesome thing. Who can endure it? 12 – turn to me now says the Lord Give me your hearts. Tear your hearts, not your clothes. Let all people come to this prayer assembly – even the bride and groom should interrupt their nuptials. This is an essential gathering. The Lord’s glory is at stake. 18 then the Lord will hear and stay the hand of his judgment. 21 – Don’t be afraid my people. Rejoice. I will restore to you what has been lost.

The Book of Amos The shepherd of Tekoa who preached in Israel and got kicked out for his strong words. Reign of Jeroboam II –same as Hosea. He preaches against the enemies that surround Judah and Israel and then zeroes in on these nations as well. No respecter or persons, God judges in righteousness. In Chapter one, Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom and Ammon are judged. They have ‘ sinned again and again’, and ‘I will not forget…I will not let them go unpunished.’ Chapter two – Moab, then Judah, then Israel Israel is accused of denying justice, being morally corrupt and guilty of religious perversion. God has done so much for them giving them their land. But they will groan and become weak. Chapter ends ‘I the Lord have spoken.’

Amos chapter three – A Series of Serious Questions to Israel and Judah the point of which seems to be read the signs and heed the warnings. All is ripe for judgement. My people have forgotten what it means to do right. So they will be punished for their faithlessness. Let the Egyptians and the Philistines become an audience watching the spectacle of the punishment of the people of God! Eventually – a broken chair and a tattered pillow – that’s all that will be left

Amos chapter four – “Woe to the fat cows of Samaria” women who oppress the poor and beg their husbands for drink. They will be carted off to captivity with hooks in their noses.

“I the Lord have spoken” In this chapter – still you would not return unto me, says the Lord…5 times.

Therefore, v.12 “prepare to meet your God O

Israel…”The Lord God Almighty is His Name…”

Chapter five – Amos: A Funeral Song for Israel: Come Back to Me and Live! You have twisted justice, hated honest judges, despised people who tell the truth, trampled poor with excessive taxes and rents. This is an evil time, but perhaps the Lord will have mercy…Don’t wish for the day of the Lord – it will be terrible. I hate your show and pretense; away with your hymns of praise, they are mere noise; I will not listen to your music no matter how lovely it is! Justice and right living are what matter!

Amos Chapter six – Living In False Security you have no idea of what terror is coming. Y our nation is going to ruin. Chapter seven: Visions of What is to Come Locusts: God relents; Fire: God relents; P lumb line – Israel does not measure up! Amaziah reports to king and the word to Amos: “GO HOME!” The people of Israel will certainly become exiles far from home!

Amos chapter eight – Ripe Fruit and a Famine for the Word The ripe fruit suggests Israel ripe for judgment. Cheating poor, dishonest, slave owning, these are some of their sins. Famine: the Lord’s people stagger everywhere from sea to sea searching for the word of the Lord, But They Will Not Find It! Beautiful girls and fine young men will grow faint and weary thirsting for the Lord’s Word!

Amos Chapter nine – God’s Judgementand God’s Promise God will touch theearth and it will melt! Yet I havepromised… In that day I will restore andrebuild. Israel again in her land; beautifulmessage of glory and satisfaction. Thenthey will never be uprooted again!

The Book of Obadiah

Nothing known about his prophet. Of course it’s all about the doom of Edom. But when? The reason is of course Edom’s treatment of Judah in her hour of greatest need. There were several times Jerusalem was invaded and Edom might have stood by without assistance. Many think this book refers to the Babylonian sack of Jerusalem in 587.The point of these few short verses -–as you have done it shall be done to you. The book ends with great promises regading the future of Jerusalem as a home for the returned captives.

The Book of Jonah

Chapter One – Running From God Jonah mentioned in II Kings 14:25 –

prophesied prosperity in Israel under Jeroboam II. He hoped to escape from the Lord – you can’t! Very dramatic sea story. Does God hear the sailors’ prayers? When the storm stopped the sailors turned to God. Nineveh not the only place of repentance & deliverance! A fish story if ever there was one!

Jonah chapter two – Running to GodJonah’s magnificent prayer. Down, down todespair – to the very roots of the mountains.Have you been there? When I had lost all hope Iturned my thoughts once more to the Lord.Thrown up On The Beach

Jonah chapter three – Running With GodGet up and go!This time he obeyed. His

message – 40 days to doomsday. No gospel here. Noevangelist this. King’s decree –‘perhaps even yet God willhave pity on us.’

Chapter four- Running Ahead of God jonah’s theology getsin the way of his prejudice. Vice versa. Nothing I predicted isgoing to happen, but everything God promised happened!Youfelt sorry about plant death. What about all of these people?

Micah chapter one – Warnings to Samariaand Jerusalem Attention: the Lord iscoming! The capital cities are to blame.Samaria will be reduced to a heap of rubble.Micah’s response: I mourned and lamented– wailed like an ostrich. The wound is toodeep to heal. Towns and villages taken oneby one. Chapter two – disaster is comingThe people say, don’t prophesy such things!What kind of prophet would you like? Onewho preaches of the joys of wine and drink?Someday a remnant will be saved; yourleader will break out and lead you home!

Micah chapter three – Everyone has a price!1-7 false leaders and prophets condemned.Prophets for sale! 8 but I am a true prophetfilled with the Spirit. Israel’s sins – injustice,murder, corruption, bribery. Chapter four –identical message to Isaiah the mountain ofthe Lord – he will give us knowledge.Swords and ploughshares – knowledge of wargone forever. V.8 off you go to Babylon.Chapter five – the Bethlehem chapter ThouBethlehem…He will be highly favoured allover the world. He will be the source of ourpeace

Micah chapter six – The Lord’s ComplaintAgainst His People rehearsal of historydemonstrating God’s faithfulness. Whyhave they forsaken Him? Then v. 6 – whatcan we bring to the Lord to make up forwhat we have done? V.8 – do right, lovemercy, walk humbly with your God. 9 –Jerusalem’s sins:dishonest businessdealings. You will be treated with contemptand mocked by all.Chapter seven – God will be vindicated!A prophet’s beautiful prayer and its answer.Lovely ending for a sad book of judgement.

824 BC824 BC

640 BC640 BC

Assyrian EmpireAssyrian EmpireJudahJudah

Assyrian EmpireAssyrian Empire

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EgyptEgypt

Assyrian Empire

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The City of Nineveh• Proclaimed capital of Assyria by Sargon II

after fall of Samaria 722 BC.• An ancient city, going back to 21st C. BC.• Beautified by Sennacherib (ca. 700) who

built temples, palaces and fortifications.• Massive wall 40-50 ft. high. Built a water

system including the first known aqueduct.• Built a 71 room palace with sculpted walls.

Nineveh (cont’d.)• Walls wide enough for three chariots

abreast, hundreds of towers, moat a hundred feet wide and fifty deep, impregnable!

• But when Alexander the Great fought there in 331 BC he did not know there had been a city there! Napoleon camped near the city, but did not know it. Not unearthed til 1845!

Nineveh (contd.)

• Archaeologists also unearthed residence and royal library of Ashurbanipal, containing some 22,000 clay tablets.

• An alliance of Medes, Babylonians and Scythians destroyed Nineveh in August 612 BC, after 2 month siege. City excavations began in mid 19th C.

Assyrians at War• Shalmaneser III (ca 825) called

himself, “the mighty king, king of the universe, the king without a rival, the autocrat, … who shatters the might of the princes of the whole world, who has smashed all of his foes as pots.” Assyria known for “ruthless cruelty.” Merril Unger

• “Their wars were conducted with brutal ferocity.” John McNichol

Assyria’s Cruelty

• “…skinned prisoners alive, dressed columns with the skin; cut off hands, feet, noses, ears…put out eyes, pulled out tongues, burned children in fire, made mounds of human skulls. They did everything to inspire terror…” H. Mears

Chapter One: 1-4 – Lord, life in Judah is corrupt – do something! 5-11 – I’m going to use Babylon to punish my people. 12-17 – But God, people more wicked than your own?

Chapter Two:1-4 – Wait patiently – trust and live by faith.5-20 – Babylon will be punished in its time.

Chapter Three

An awe-filled song of faith and rejoicing3:1 – “This prayer was sung by the prophetHabakkuk…”

“Even though…yet I will rejoice in the Lord!I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.”The sovereign Lord is my strength!”

Chapter One – The day of the Lord’s Anger,Jerusalem and Judah fall! Judah worships Baaland Molech. Chapter Two – Surroundingnations destroyed – Philistia, Moab, Ammon,Ethiopia, Assyria and Nineveh. Nineveh willBe a ‘habitation of dragons’. Chapter Three1-7 fall of Jerusalem; 14ff. Song of rejoicing.

Other NationsOther Nations CanaanitesCanaanites HittitesHittites PhilistinesPhilistines PhoeniciansPhoenicians MoabitesMoabites AmmonitesAmmonites EdomitesEdomites MidianitesMidianites

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FOUR AUTUMN SERMONS BY HAGGAI

Sermon 1 – August 29, 520 BC; 1:1-11

Sermon Two – October 17, 520 BC; 2:1-9

Sermon Three – December 18, 520 BC; 2:10-19

Sermon Four – December 18, 520 BC; 2:20-23

Things are not going well for the returnees.They are working hard, but not succeeding.Haggai says this is because they are selfish,and are neglecting the things that matter.Get busy on the Temple! Put God first andcease from your selfish ways! Get to workbuilding what is vitally important! Yourhouses can wait. It’s time for the House ofGod!

Apparently, some were comparing thenew temple to that of Solomon. The newpaled by comparison. Temptation: getdiscouraged and say, oh for the good olddays. Haggai says Take heart!”MySpirit remains among you…” Great thingsare happening, even though they seem smallnow. Eventually Glory will be revealed here!

QUESTION: Which is easierand more likely: to go from cleanto unclean, or to go from uncleanto clean, ceremonially speaking?Clean contacts unclean and becomesunclean. Unclean contacts clean andthere is no change. Be careful!

Zechariah The ProphetZechariah The Prophet

The “Revelation” of the Old Testament

The “Revelation” of the Old Testament

Chapter One – Return to me and I will return to you.A strange vision of a rider, horses, a man in the midstof a myrtle tree. Angels conversing “the Lord spokekind and comforting words to the angel”…”My lovefor Jerusalem is passionate and strong.” Major enemiesof Judah to be punished.

Chapter Two – Coming Glory of Jerusalem.Shout, rejoice: many nations will jointhemselves to the Lord in that day. He will once againchoose Jerusalem as His Own City!

Chapter Three – The Angel and Jeshuathe high priest. Satan accuses him andis rebuked. Then he is clothed with cleangarments. “I am bringing before you myservant, the Branch…I will remove the sinsof the land in a single day.”

Visions: Lamps, bowls of oil,olive trees and olive branch…Not by might nor by power butby my spirit says the Lord.Zerubbabel is doing his part.Do not despise small beginnings!

Chapter Five – More strangevisions: flying scroll = curse onthieves and liars/blasphemers.Grain measuring basket is full – awoman inside! She is Wickedness.Two flying women carry the basketto Babylon, build a temple for it,and venerate Wickedness.

Chapter six : Vision of four horses:four spirits patrolling earth.Angry horseman to the north.v.9 – bring gold from Babylon,make a crown for Jeshua who willbe the Branch, the Priest-King.

Chapter seven: Questions askedin Jerusalem: should we stillbe mourning for the Old Temple?Answer – no, you are really onlyengaged in self pity. Rather, befair, kind, live in harmony; theseare the important things. Nobodylistens to this. Thus theirpunishment and loss.

Chapter eight: Great future for Israel!Jerusalem will be a city of peace andprosperity. Remnant will be heirs ofgreat blessing. Israel and Judah joinedagain. Rebuild Temple and God willbless. Tell the truth, have honestcourts, no false swearing, treat eachother well. Turn your fasts intofestivals! Follow Truth and Peace.Let’s go to Jerusalem!

Chapter nine:Doom upon Aram, Damascus,Philistia, Tyre, Sidon. EventuallyPhilistines will join Israel. Vs. 9-11:Palm Sunday – riding on a donkey,your humble king will bring peaceto the nations. 13-25: the Lord willprotect and rescue His people.“They will sparkle in his land likejewels in a crown.”

Chapter ten – Future glory of Israel; His people will survive and they will come home again to Israel. Chapter eleven: Shepherd abandons false sheep. Chapter twelve: Jerusalem cannot be conquered!They will look on me whom they pierced, and all Jerusalem will mourn.

Chapter thirteen: A fountain openIn Jerusalem for cleansing from sin– idolatry and false prophecy. Strikethe shepherd and sheep will flee.Chapter fourteen: Jerusalem’s enemiesslain, Mount of Olives splits, kingcomes, no more night, waters flow fromJerusalem – no more traders in the temple!

Malachi The Prophet

Last of the Minor Prophets Last Book of the Old Testament

1:2 - They doubted God’s Love1:6 – They dishonoured God’s Fatherhood1:6 – They disregarded God’s Lordship1:7 – They despised God’s Name1:7 – They defiled God’s House2:17 – They distressed God’s Heart2:17 – They denied God’s Justice3:7 – They deserted God’s Standards3:8 – They dishonestly robbed God and others3:13 – They detested God’s Service

Don’t Doubt His Love – Celebrate It!Don’t Dishonour His Fatherhood – Praise and please Him!Don’t Disrespect His Lordship – Submit to It!Don’t Despise His Name – Revere It!Don’t Defile His House – Sanctify It!Don’t Distress His Heart – Strengthen It!Don’t Desert His Standards – Determine to live by Them!Don’t Dishonestly Rob Him – Open Heart and Bankbook to Him!Don’t Detest His Service – Delight in It

THE DAY IS COMING!For the wicked - a day of judgment 4:1“The day of judgment is coming, burninglike a furnace…”

For the remnant (3:16) -“But for you whofear my Name, the Sun of righteousnesswill rise with healing in his wings. And youwill go free, leaping with joy…” 4:2

Don’t Doubt His Love – Celebrate It!Don’t Dishonour His Fatherhood – Praise and please Him!Don’t Disrespect His Lordship – Submit to It!Don’t Despise His Name – Revere It!Don’t Defile His House – Sanctify It!Don’t Distress His Heart – Strengthen It!Don’t Desert His Standards – Determine to live by Them!Don’t Dishonestly Rob Him – Open Heart and Bankbook to Him!Don’t Detest His Service – Delight in It

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THE MINOR PROPHETSProfessor: T. E. Dow

Biblical Studies Course

Course Objectives• To apply valid

hermeneutical principles to the study, understanding and appreciation of each book

• to understand the historical and geographical context of each book

• To trace the connections between testaments, especially to see Christ in these books.

• To obtain from this study a greater appreciation of God’s love, sovereignty and providence

OBJECTIVES (Contd.)• to personalize and

internalize the major truths and universal applications of each book

• to translate Scriptural material into useful sermon and Bible-study presentations.

• To develop tools and discover resources necessary for further meaningful and useful bible study and teaching

Course Textbook

• Take a few days to choose your own text. This will be the main book you use for your note taking. It can be a monograph on the Minor Prophets, or a commentary from a set. Make sure it’s sound, scholarly, and a book you will keep and use for years to come. Instructors approval required for text use. Must be chosen by end of second week of classes.

Course Requirements• Read/Pray/Write.• Half page intro/book.• Chapter

outline/summary for each chapter.

• 1 page of your personal reflections & universal applications for each book.

• Six-ten minute sermon for each book. Full manuscript, ready to preach to class.

• All assignments written/typed and handed in weekly.

• Everything well documented!

About The Introductions

• In at least a half-page, more if possible, discuss the issues of authorship, date of composition, historical background, general themes, recipients and brief summary.

• Make reference to your sources, making sure you cite several useful and respected texts.

About The Outlines/summaries

• Try to determine natural divisions within chapters and suggest creative titles for each division.

• Where this is not possible or seems forced, summarize and paraphrase in your own words the chapter contents.

About The Reflections

• What is this book about? What are its major truths? What are its life-lessons? How has it impacted me, and how should it impact others? Why is this book in the Bible? What is here that is nowhere else? What would be missing if this book were not in the canon? What should I do with what I have read here?What do I think of the author and his ideas? Etc.

About The Sermons• You choose the type: topical,

textual, life relational, etc., as long as the sermon relates in some way to the prophet behind your message. Wanted: messages that hit home, that stick, that come from the heart. Make as many or as few points as you wish - but make a point! Everyone will get a chance to preach once in class.

About The Grading Scheme For This Course

• Do all the assignments well and hand them all in and on time, including sermons. Preach in class in an adequate way. Take rigorous part in class discussions. Give all of this your best and you will get an A for the course. Do less than everything and take your chances. Let’s have an all-A class! Perfect attendance is required.

Timetable And Other Information

• We will cover approximately one of the twelve minor prophets per week. Assignments for each book due at end of Tuesday class. At least one person will present a sermon each week. There will be no exams or term papers. Everything depends on meeting assignment deadlines!