Minor Prophets One
KID VERSION - What's a Minor Prophet?
So, imagine you have two types of books: big ones and small ones. The "minor" prophets wrote shorter books, so they're like the small ones. But just because they're small doesn't mean they're not important! They still have really cool stories and messages from God. So, even though they're called "minor," they're still super special!
KID VERSION - The First Six Minor Prophets
The first six minor prophets in the Bible—Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah—each have special messages from God for the people of Israel and Judah. Hosea teaches us about God's enduring love, no matter what. Joel reminds us to say sorry and be kind, especially when things are tough. Amos stands up for fairness and says everyone should be treated well. Obadiah tells a story about being mean and how it's not good for us. Jonah's adventure shows us that we should listen to God, even when we're scared or don't want to. And Micah's messages are about doing what's right, being kind, and staying humble. Each prophet teaches us something important about being good and making the world a better place!
FACTS
Hosea married a woman named Gomer, who kept cheating on him.
Scholars debate what these characters symbolize, but many see Gomer as representing Israel and Hosea as representing God.
This story shows how God's love remains constant even when people are unfaithful.
Hosea's name means "God saves."
He also named his children symbolically:
Jezreel, meaning "God scatters"; Lo-Ruhamah, meaning "No mercy"; and Lo-Amni, meaning "Not my people."
Joel preached during a time of famine, warning people to repent to avoid further disasters.
Some Christians see his prophecies as related to Pentecost.
Amos, a shepherd and prophet, criticized the rich for oppressing the poor. His famous line "But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" was echoed by Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement.
MORE FACTS
Obadiah was a prophet in the southern kingdom of Judah after many of its leaders were exiled by the Babylonians. The nation of Edom, traditionally descendants of Esau, comes into Judah after the Babylonians attack and leave. Obadiah's book is the shortest in the Hebrew Scriptures.
Jonah's story, often shared with children, isn't actually a children's story. Jonah is sent to the capital of Assyria, Nineveh, to tell them to repent. Assyria conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Jonah doesn't want to do this and runs from God, leading to the famous incident with the big fish. When Nineveh, a non-Jewish nation, repents because of Jonah's message, he gets upset at God's kindness, leading to another incident involving a tree.
Micah's message is summarized in Micah 6:8: "God has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah depicts both the holy and loving sides of God. He also prophesies that Bethlehem will produce a ruler over Israel. Micah's writing is poetic, and he prophesied during the reigns of three Judah kings: Jothan, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.
One Popular Verse from Each Minor Prophet (First Six)
Hosea 6:6 - "For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."
Joel 2:28 - "Then afterward I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions."
Amos 5:24 - "But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."
Obadiah 1:15 - "For the day of the Lord is near against all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head."
Jonah 2:9 - "But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’”