Malachi has used the question and answer method to probe deeply into Israel’s problems of hypocrisy, infidelity, mixed marriages, divorce, false worship and arrogance. Is this list of problems not familiar to the church in modern times?
The reconstruction work of the temple was stopped due to opposition for more than a decade and was then resumed in 520 B.C and completed in 516 B.C. Zechariah encouraged the people to complete their unfinished task. Rather than rebuking them, he encourages them by pointing out the future importance of the temple. The temple had to be built because one day the Messiah’s glory will inhabit it. Sadly, the man who encouraged the temple building was murdered between the temple and the altar
Apparently, the message of Hosea concerning the Day of the Lord is a peaceful one where not only will Israel be reconciled with God but other nations also will have peace on earth. Yahweh will make a covenant with all the creatures of the earth. Also the bow the sword, the two main weapons of Hosea’s day will be abolished so that all may live in safety.
Obadiah is a brief prophetic book that pronounces God’s judgment against the Edomites, ancient enemies of the nation of Israel. A struggle that began in the womb between twin brothers Esau and Jacob eventuates in a struggle between their respective descendants, the Edomites and the Israelites.
Obadiah proclaims that the ‘Day of the Lord’ upon all the nations is near and he has a message from the Lord for us.
Zephaniah’s message has a definite focal point, namely ‘the Day of the Lord’. He uses the expression more often then any other prophet of the Old Testament. The prophet begins with a declaration of universal destruction. God will consume and destroy everything on the face of the earth whether man or beast.
Joel prophesied in the southern kingdom of Judah in the aftermath of invasion by a swarm of locusts, followed by a severe drought. (Joel 1: 2-4) As tragic as this destruction was, Joel declared, it will be nothing compared with the coming Day of the Lord.
Does the book of prophet Amos also convey any message for the end times for us in the contemporary world? Maybe yes,
