Special series: Synopsis of the Minor Prophets

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Introduction

The objective of this series of articles is to introduce to the average reader a succinct understanding of the minor prophets in the Bible. Most Christians only have a faint understanding of the Bible. Although it is true that salvation is not dependent on a complete understanding of the whole Bible, but a complete understanding is definitely helpful in the conduct of our spiritual lives.  Prayerfully, this synopsis will   kindle the readers’ interest to be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, who continue to search the scriptures further.

Outline of each book

The following outlines the organisation of the synopsis of each book in the Bible:

1) The writer

There is a short description of the author, the time when it was probably written and its audience or addressees will be reviewed. 

2) Key verse

In each book review, a key verse in the book will be selected and commented . The selection of the key verse is the choice of the author. For the sake of simplicity and keeping to the objective, the synopsis will only highlight one key verse. Reflective readers who study the book may find other key verses helpful to them. 

3) A main theme

Every book in the Bible speaks about the Lord Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, each book (whether in prophesy or type of the Lord) has a reference to the Saviour. In the New Testament, the central theme would be about the Saviour such as the key in John 20:31, “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name”.  


The synopsis’s main theme will focus on specific Christian teachings which the authors intend to impart their readers in addition to their central themes. Sometimes, the author has several themes but keeping to the purpose of these articles in perspective, I will only select one. 

4) A summary of spiritual and life lessons

Spiritual lessons

Spiritual lessons are teachings that guide us in our relationship with God. It includes teachings that keep us on the ‘strait and narrow path’ in our pilgrimage to our heavenly home. In line with the aim of this article (i.e., to present a synopsis), I will keep to the most important lesson(s).

Life lessons

Life lessons are temporal lessons that we can apply during our journey on earth. In contrast with spiritual lessons which contain eternal values, life lessons only have temporal values. An example of a life lesson is ‘contentment’. However, being contend will not help us to be pardoned from our sins and it does not lead us to the path of eternal life. However, we have to be reminded that spiritual and life lessons are invariably intertwined. Although contentment does not help us spiritually, it is a timely reminder to be wary of earth’s extravagances. Therefore, a ‘contented lifestyle’ on earth prevents us from being ensnared by excessive earthly desires. It helps us to keep our mind on the things above (Col 3:1-2).

The Minor Prophets

In this series, the description of minor prophets begin with the book of Hosea. There are twelve books identified as ‘minor prophets’ not because their content is less authoritative compared to the preceding prophetic books, but on the account of their ‘size’.

The Jews considers them as one book and the Talmud says, “Our fathers made them one book that they might not perish on account of their littleness.” The term “minor prophets” was used by the church in the early days. Augustinus states: “The prophet Isaiah is not in the books of the twelve prophets who are therefore called minor, because their discourses are brief in comparison with those who are called ‘greater’ because they composed considerable volumes.” Jewish tradition claims that the present arrangement was made by the great synagogue formed by Ezra. This arrangement is not chronological. (Anro C. Gaebelain)

Readers should not be misled by the word ‘minor’ and think it is less important. The contents of these “minor “books are quoted by many New Testament writers and also the Lord Jesus Christ. In Habakkuk 2:4, the Apostle Paul used the verse to develop his rich teachings on the Christian faith. ‘The just shall live by faith’ has since been the main theme of the reformation lead by Martin Luther.

~ CL~

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