The Message of the Twelve: Hearing the Voice of the Minor Prophets

Although they ministered for more than three centuries during some of Israel’s most tumultuous days, the Minor Prophets remain a mystery to many Christians in the 21st century. Old Testament scholars Richard Alan Fuhr, Jr. and Gary E. Yates believe that the message of the twelve Minor Prophets is relevant for the church today, and they re-introduce these important books of the Bible to contemporary Christians. Ideal for use as a textbook as well as for personal study, The Message of the Twelve surveys the historical background of each prophetic book, the prophet’s message and themes, as well as the book’s place in the biblical canon. The authors also provide in-depth exposition of each book—from Hosea’s metaphor of Israel’s infidelity and Nahum’s warnings of foreign judgments, to Haggai’s postexilic call and Malachi’s vision of future restoration. The Message of the Twelve goes beyond typical biblical surveys to examine the key interpretive issues in each book, including important literary insights from the Hebrew text. Drawing on the prophets’ proclamations to ancient Israel and Judah, the authors emphasize that the church today must heed the call to reject apathy and return to a vibrant relationship with the living God.