Minor Prophets

FOREWORD

One who determines to study the prophets, whether seriously or out of curiosity, will do well to begin with the "minor" rather than the "major" prophets. These are shorter, thus enabling one to complete a phase of his study without getting bogged down in a mass of unfamiliar material. Another reason for beginning with these is that the twelve span a period of approximately four hundred years of Israel's history. This provides both a spiritual or religious and historical background for a better comprehension of the longer more entailed prophetic writings.

In his study one will be impressed with the political, social and moral corruption in Israel and Judah. The prophets point to the fact that this is the consequence of religious apostasy, a rejection of God and His truth. This was true then; it is true today. Such a study and realization will help the student to understand better the conditions and their cause in our own time. The prophets sought to stay the madness of the people, which would lead to destruction, by preaching the absolute holiness and righteousness of God and His law, and the inevitable judgment which His righteousness and justice demanded. The principles involved then are as true today, for God does not change. Only by turning to God and away from sin can ruin and destruction be averted by the individual or nation.

Robert Harkrider, the author of this workbook, has rendered a valuable and worthwhile service in providing a compact guide and aid to assist the beginner in his study. The short introduction and the brief analysis of each book is clear and the comments well defined, designed to aid the student in understanding the conditions of the day and the prophet's message in meeting them.

This is one of a number of workbooks on the Old Testament prepared by the author. He is to be commended for his studious life and faithful devotion to truth. This workbook is commended to all teachers and beginning students of the prophets in the belief and confidence that the teacher will find it to be an excellent guide and help to him in teaching, and that the student will find it helpful to him in his understanding.

Homer Hailey
Tucson, Arizona
May, 1985

COPYRIGHT 1985
by
ROBERT HARKRIDER

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pg

INTRODUCTION:

OBADIAH (Date Unknown)

JOEL (Date Unknown)

JONAH (790-780 B.C.)

AMOS (760-750 B.C.)

HOSEA (750-725 B. C.)

MICAH (735-700 B.C.)

ZEPHANIAH (630-625 B.C.)

NAHUM (630-612 B.C.)