The Minor Prophets
The prophets Jonah, Amos, and Hosea ministered in the northern kingdom (Israel, Ephraim) before it was taken by Assyria in 722 b.c. In the southern kingdom (Judah), Joel, Micah, Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Obadiah served prior to the Babylonian captivity. Ezekiel and Daniel, who are considered major prophets, ministered during the captivity; and Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi ministered to the Jewish remnant after their return to the land from exile. Their messages are not “minor” as far as content is concerned; “minor” refers only to their size. Most of the minor prophets have a threefold message: the sin of the people; the coming judgment of God; and the future restoration of Israel. The promise of hope is present even in the message of judgment.