1.
0 Introduction
The minor prophets provide profound massages about God’s Love, justice, and hope of the
restoration. Their theologies contribute to the broader narrative of the Hebrew Scriptures and the
anticipation of the coming Messiah, shaping the spiritual understanding of both ancient and
modern audiences.
1.1 Meaning of the term Minor prophets
The minor prophets, also known as the Twelve prophets, are a collection of twelve books in the
Old Testament Bible. They are called minor not because their massages are less important but
because their writings are shorter than those of the major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and
Daniel). These books span a variety of themes, including Judgement, restoration, and the coming
of Messiah, and they address both Israel and Judah during various historical contexts1.
1.1.1 Who are the minor prophets?
The Twelve Minor Prophets are; Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk,
Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and lastly Malachi.
1.1.2 Some of their Common theme:
The Minor prophets address a variety of themes, often in the context of Israel’s history, sin, and
the call to repentance. Common theological theme includes:
Covenant faithfulness: The Prophets emphasize God’s Covenant with Israel and the people’s
failure to uphold their part.
Judgment and Restoration: Many Prophets foretell impending judgment due to idolatry and
social injustices while also proclaiming hope for restoration and the coming of a new era.
Social Justices: A strong emphasis on righteousness, justice, and concern for marginalized is
hallmark of these writings.
Universalism: Some prophets envision a time when all nations will recognize and worship the
God of Israel.
1
Sigmund Mowinckel, Prophecy and Tradition: The Prophetic Books in the Light of the Study of the
Growth and History of Tradition (Oslo: J. Dybwad, 1946), 267
1
1.2 Examination of the Two Minor Prophets
1.2.1 Prophet Amos (755 B.C)
Shepherd and gatherer of sycamore fruit called by God to prophesy: Amos 7:14-15
Who proclaimed God’s message concerning eight nations, with an emphasis on the northern
kingdom of Israel.
Context: Amos prophesied in the 8th century BCE during a time of prosperity in the Northern
Kingdom of Israel. Despite his material wealth, he witnessed significant social injustices and
moral decay.
1.2.2 Theology
1.2.2.1 Social justice
Amos strongly emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness. He condemns the
exploitation of the poor and injustices perpetuated by the rich and powerful. His famous
proclamation, “Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever flowing stream”
(Amos 24), encapsulates this theme. Amos argues that the true worship of God cannot be
divorced from ethical behavior and social justice.
1.2.2.2 Divine Judgment
A central focus of Amos’s massage is the impending judgment upon Israel for their sins 2. He
warns that the nation’s complacency and neglect of divine commandments will lead to their
downfall. Amos emphasizes that God’s judgment is consistent with His character; He cannot
overlook injustice and must act against it this theme is pivotal in highlighting God’s holiness and
inevitability of consequences for communal and individual sin.
1.2.2.3 Covenantal Accountability
Amos also stresses that Israel, as a chose people in a covenant relationship with God, has a
unique responsibility to live according to His laws. His sermons underscore that privilege come
with accountability, and failing to upload God’s standards would invite divine scrutiny and
retribution.
2
Ronald L. Troxel, Prophetic Literature: From Oracles to Books (Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell,
2012), 82-83.
2
1.3 Prophet Habakkuk (625-605 B.C)
Context. Habakkuk prophesied during a time of uncertainty as the Babylonian Empire was rising
and threatening Judah. The book engages deeply with the problem of evil and the justice of God.
1.3.1 Theology:
1.3.1.1 Theodicy (God’s justice)
One the central focus of Habakkuk is the wrestle with theodicy-the justification of God’s
goodness despite the presence of evil. Habakkuk opens with a lament questioning God about the
violence and injustice rampant in Judah, asking why God seems inactive 3. This dialogue
highlights the tension between human perception of justice and God’s divine oversight.
Habakkuk learns that God has a plan, even when it seems incomprehensible.
1.3.1.2 Faith and Trust in God
As the dialogues progress, Habakkuk transitions from questioning to a firm declaration of faith.
He receives God’s assurance that the righteous will live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4). This theme
underscores that even in times of apparent chaos and suffering, believers are called to trust in
God’s ultimate justice and sovereignty. Habakkuk’s resolution to wait on the Lord despite
circumstances illustrates profound faith amidst uncertainty4.
1.3.1.3 Judgment and Sovereignty
The inevitable judgment of the wicked is a significant theme as Habakkuk anticipates Babylon’s,
rise as God’s instrument of judgment, albeit they themselves are wicked. This reinforces the
notion that God rules over all nations and is sovereign even over those who may appear to thrive
through injustice.
1.4 General conclusion
The minor prophets, although brief, offer profound insights in to the character of God and
expectations for His people. They reveal a God who is both just and merciful, deeply concerned
with the ethical dimensions of life and community.
3
Alan Hauser, Rhetorical Criticism of the Bible: (Leiden: Brill, 1994), 92-97.
4
Heinrich Ewald, Die Propheten des Alten Bundes (Stuttgart: Adoph Krabbe, 1840).
