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Post by Admin on Apr 2, 2024 11:55:01 GMT -5
Key to JONAH
1. STATISTICS:
Writer, Jonah (II Kings 14:25), one of the earliest of writing prophets; time of writing, 785-767
B.C., during reign of Jeroboam II; Jonah's home in Gath-Hepher in Northern Kingdom; key
word, Nineveh (capital of Assyria); key verse, 3:2; time, soon after Elisha.
2. THEME:
Assyria, a rising world power, was idolatrously wicked before GOD. Jonah, a prophet of Israel,
was commissioned to offer Nineveh GOD's ultimatum. However Jonah, willing that Nineveh
should be destroyed so the threat to the well-being of Israel might be removed, took a ship in the
opposite direction. GOD changed his direction and Jonah went to Nineveh; and his preaching
brought complete repentance.
3. SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Jonah was the only prophet in the Bible who endeavored to conceal his message.
Here is a prophet of Israel, called of GOD to prolong the life of a Gentile nation.
Except for the miracle of the fish experience, the people of Nineveh would have paid little
attention to Jonah.
The book closes with a beautiful lesson on GOD's care and compassion for little children (4:11).
4. OUTSTANDING TEACHINGS:
There is no problem with the "fish" part of the story when we understand that GOD "prepared" it
(1:17);
GOD prepared other things also (4:6-8).
The heart of the story revealed that Nineveh's sin and impending destruction became a giant
object lesson to Israel who was committing the same sins.
Another lesson: GOD desired to show His compassion for other nations so that Israel would
understand the gospel of CHRIST ought to be preached to all nations.
Jonah's story is proof of the foolishness of trying to escape from GOD. He has thousands of ways
at His command to bring about willing obedience.
5. INTERESTING FEATURES:
Tarshish possibly refers to Tartessus, a city in Spain.
Nineveh was a huge city, thought to be 60 to 90 miles, in circumference, with walls enclosing
gardens and pastures.
6. KEY TO UNDERSTANDING:
There is absolutely no difficulty in accepting and understanding the narrative of the book if your
concept of GOD is large enough. Surely, a GOD who could make a world could also "prepare" a
fish to bring about the completion of His will.
~ end of Jonah ~
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Post by Admin on Apr 2, 2024 11:56:46 GMT -5
Key to MICAH
1. STATISTICS:
Writer, Micah (full name Micaiah) meaning "Who is like JEHOVAH?" a prophet from MoreshGath (30 miles S.W. of Jerusalem) who ministered to both Judah and Israel; time of prophecy,
751-693 B.C. in the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah and before the fall of Samaria (722
B.C.). He was contemporary of Isaiah and Hosea; key thought, controversy; key verse, 6:2.
2. THEME:
Little is said of his personal history, the book is given over to reproof and warning to both
Kingdoms. Micah has been called the "prophet of social reform" due to his emphasis on the sins
of the rulers and false religious leaders against the people. National shortcomings are also
emphasized with judgment promised. There is a better day coming for GOD's people.
3. SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Though Assyria was world dominant, Micah's prophecy was concerning Babylon's conquest
(4:10) which was not to take place for another century.
Micah's style is poetically beautiful and vigorous. He is quite clear in his predictions of coming
punishment although there are passages that are somewhat obscure.
Much of the subject matter concerns the capitals, Jerusalem and Samaria. As to the latter, it was
to become "as an heap of the field" (1:6); Jerusalem was to become "heaps" (3:12).
4. OUTSTANDING TEACHINGS:
It was to Micah's prophecy the scribes of Jerusalem referred when the wicked King Herod
sought to know concerning the birth of the new King (Matthew 2:2-6; Micah 5:2).
A glorious passage (somewhat identical with Isaiah 2:2-4) is found in 4:1-5 as the prophet
speaks of a warless, prosperous, godly world with GOD's chosen people in the foreground.
Other prophetic subjects include the invasion by Shalmaneser (1:6-8); invasion by Sennacherib
(1:9-16); the dispersion of Israel (5:7, 8); the cessation of prophecy (3:6, 7); the utter destruction
of Jerusalem (3:12).
5. INTERESTING FEATURES:
Jeremiah refers to Micah in his prophecy (Jeremiah 26:18, 19).
Some say the greatest verse in the Old Testament is 6:8.
One of the Old Testament's major Messianic predictions is in Micah 5:2.
6. KEY TO UNDERSTANDING:
GOD uses men to proclaim His message. Here, through the instrumentality of a chosen man,
some amazing details of future history are given to all who will hear. As always, GOD warns
before He sends punishment.
~ end of Micah
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Post by Admin on Apr 2, 2024 11:57:35 GMT -5
Key to NAHUM
1. STATISTICS:
Writer, Nahum, a prophet of Elkosh (possibly related to later Capernaum which means "village
of Nahum") in Galilee whose name means "consolation." Time of writing, approximately 100
years after Jonah (663-633 B.C.); key word, doom; key verses, 1:8,9.
2. THEME:
Essentially, Nahum is a continuation of Jonah with the latter recording the repentance of
Nineveh, and Nahum its predicted doom. Humanly speaking, Nahum's prediction was impossible
as Nineveh was the impregnable capital of a world-ruling empire. But as predicted, the vast
Assyrian nation came to certain doom about 100 years after Nahum prophesied. The book of
Nahum is almost wholly taken up with this one theme.
3. SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Assyria's policy concerning captive peoples was one of exceeding cruelty. Its enormous wealth
was gained mostly by plundering surrounding nations. Nahum likened it to a den of lions (2:1-
13) which became beasts of prey. Captives were mutilated by having eyes torn out and tongues
extracted.
Nahum's prediction brought comfort to hearts of dwellers in Jerusalem, for Assyria had been the
hated and feared enemy for nearly two centuries.
4. OUTSTANDING TEACHINGS:
While GOD's people had sinned, and GOD in faithfulness had to punish them, still the nations
which He used came to know His wrath also, and this was the case with the Assyrian Empire.
The collapse of Nineveh and the Assyrian Empire came suddenly. The Medes and Babylonians
had besieged the capital for two years when a sudden flood of the Tigris river carried away part
of the protecting wall and opened the way for the attacking army to enter and conquer. This was
pre-written by Nahum 100 years before.
There is a possible reference to the disastrous defeat of Sennacherib as he confronted Jerusalem
(II Kings 19:35), in 1:10-13. The untimely end of the king himself is outlined in the following
verses.
5. INTERESTING FEATURES:
Ezekiel (31:3-14) and Zephaniah (2:13-15) besides Jonah concern themselves with Nineveh's
fate.
The city's walls were 100 feet high and broad enough to drive four spans of chariot horses
abreast; there were 1500 watch towers, for defenses. There was never a prophecy more unlikely!
6. KEY TO UNDERSTANDING:
Who but GOD could predict minutely events of such magnitude and infinitude hundreds of years
before they came to pass? This is true comfort to those who study prophecy today relating to
tomorrow. GOD is faithful.
~ end of Nahum
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Post by Admin on Apr 2, 2024 11:59:44 GMT -5
Key to Habakkuk
1. STATISTICS:
Writer, Habakkuk, a little known prophet (the name means "embrace,") who ministered in the
reigns of Josiah and Jehoiakim, possibly 612-598 B.C. Key verse, 2:4; key thought, faith in
GOD. Habakkuk was a contemporary of Jeremiah and prophesied in Judah.
2. THEME:
To the prophet was given the vision of the coming captivity of GOD's people by the
Babylonians. Already Nebuchadnezzar had carried off some nobles (including Daniel in 606
B.C.) and there were two other deportations to follow (597 and 586 B.C.). Habakkuk's sensitive
heart was torn by the devastation of his land. GOD answered by setting forth the coming doom
of the Babylonians and the book ends with the prophet's prayer of complete confidence in GOD.
3. SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS:
There is almost a dialogue between GOD and Habakkuk, as the prophet inquiringly complains of
the problems of good and evil. GOD patiently answers in chapter 2.
The predictions concerning the fall of Babylon were fulfilled about 70 years later.
Habakkuk has many well quoted passages in the New Testament: particularly 2:4; but also 2:14;
2:20; 3:2; and 3:17,18.
This book is a very beautiful example of poetic prophecy.
Chapter 3 was evidently a psalm to be used in public worship.
4. OUTSTANDING TEACHINGS:
The prophet was desperately concerned with the evil in his own land. So to him GOD revealed
the coming invasion of the enemy, Babylon, to punish the nation for its sins. Habakkuk answered
by asking GOD why Israel should be punished for sin by a nation more sinful than itself. GOD's
answer was that the "just" would still live by faith, and that He would also punish Babylon in
due time. The prophet was satisfied and prayed for speedy deliverance of the people.
5. KEY TO UNDERSTANDING:
The great standard by which Israel and all the nations of the world will be judged is the holiness
and righteousness of GOD.
~ end of Habakkuk ~
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Post by Admin on Apr 2, 2024 12:01:14 GMT -5
Key to ZEPHANIAH
1. STATISTICS:
Writer, Zephaniah, prophet to Judah was a great-great-grandson of one Hizkiah, believed by
many to be King Hezekiah. He would thus be of royal lineage. Little is known of this prophet
whose name means "JEHOVAH has guarded." His ministry (638-608 B.C.) was in the reign of
King Josiah which makes him the first of the Chaldean prophetic messengers. Key thought, the
coming day of GOD's wrath; key verse, 1:14-16.
2. THEME:
The Kingdom of Judah apparently was to have profited from the experience of Israel's captivity,
for GOD sent no prophet to them during the reign of wicked King Manasseh until Zephaniah.
The revival under Josiah soon degenerated with the idea of tolerance allowing anyone to choose
his own religion. This, GOD could not allow, and Zephaniah was sent to call attention to certain
judgment unless complete repentance followed.
3. OUTLINE:
Day of wrath for Judah (l)
Day of wrath for the nations (2)
Day of wrath for Jerusalem with coming blessing (3)
4. SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Zephaniah's prophecy was the most comprehensive of all prophetic utterances, spoken as it were,
to all nations under Heaven. The phrase "great day of the LORD," or similar words, is
emphasized in 1:7 and repeated nine times through chapters 1-3.
5. OUTSTANDING TEACHINGS:
Above all other prophets, Zephaniah sees the entire earth as the theater of GOD's universal
government. From every quarter nations are chosen as examples of His judgment (2:4-15), but
Judah failed to learn the lesson.
The prophecy regarding the four cities of Philistia shows that prophecy and providence are
guided by the same hand.
6. KEY TO UNDERSTANDING:
It is true that GOD is love. But this is not the entire description of the character of GOD. He is
also wrath against all ungodliness, wherever it is found.
~ end of Zephaniah ~
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Post by Admin on Apr 2, 2024 12:01:57 GMT -5
Key to HAGGAI
1. STATISTICS:
Writer, Haggai, one of three post-exilic prophets; time of ministry, following the 70-year exile in
Babylon; key verses, 2:6-9; key word, build; time, 520-518 B.C.
2. THEME:
Haggai returned with the first expedition led by Zerubbabel, along with Ezra the scribe (Ezra
3:8; Haggai 1:1). Work began on the restoration of the temple, only to run into opposition from
former inhabitants of the land. GOD inspired the prophet, who urged the work forward.
3. SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Four messages of Haggai were spoken within a period of only four months.
It is possible that Haggai may have personally seen the glory of the temple of Solomon (2:3).
This would have made him a very old man at the time of his prophetic ministry.
The messages are exceedingly condensed and perhaps were a summary of that which was given
orally.
Each time Haggai's name is mentioned, he is called "the prophet" thus emphasizing his important
ministry.
4. OUTSTANDING TEACHINGS:
Opposition to the work caused the people to leave it and turn to more profitable pursuits. They
rationalized that the time had not come for rebuilding. Adorning their homes, propagating their
flocks and working their fields occupied their interests. Haggai's impassioned plea roused them
again to action.
Haggai's first message was in substance that of Matthew 6:33. In the second he stressed that the
glory of the new temple would be greater than the first. He told them that certain plagues had
come on them due to their neglect of the important task, and the last message was specially to
Zerubbabel promising him that GOD would destroy the enemy and that His people would endure
and prosper.
5. KEY TO UNDERSTANDING:
GOD will not be frustrated nor change in His purposes; He uses men to fulfill His plans.
~ end of Haggai ~
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Post by Admin on Apr 2, 2024 12:02:47 GMT -5
Key to ZECHARIAH
1. STATISTICS:
Writer, Zechariah (1:1) whose name means "GOD is Renown," was of the priestly tribe, possibly
born in Babylon. He returned with the first expedition; called to encourage the builders with a
view of the glorious future; time, 520-518 B.C.; key thought, GOD is in this work; key verse,
14:9.
2. THEME:
The first returning group of exiles was 50,000 strong, but had been hindered and finally stopped
building. GOD spoke through Zechariah (and Haggai) to stir up their hearts and renew their
labors. While Haggai's burden seemed to be the religious life of the people, Zechariah's was to
concentrate on the national and political. His ministry extended over two years and he was used
to bring to completion the restoration of the temple. His main ministry looked far into the future
envisioning both the first coming of the Messiah and His return in power and great glory.
3. SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Book is divided: eight visions (given in a single night) dealing with a large variety of subjects (1-
6); four given directly to a questioning company from Babylon (7:2, 3) answering their
problems; two burdens (chapters 7 and 8) concerning future oppression and eventual triumph (9-
14).
The expression "Thus saith the Lord" is found 89 times; the term "The Lord of hosts" 36
times.
Zechariah contains more specific promises relative to the crucifixion than any other Old
Testament book except Psalms (9:9; 11:12, 13; 13:6, 7).
4. OUTSTANDING TEACHINGS:
In spite of meager circumstances and coming opposition for the chosen people, GOD is still to
triumph and with Him, His people.
A detail to remember is the intermingling of the work of the MESSIAH, first as suffering
SAVIOUR, then as resistless Sovereign.
GOD's watchful interest in other nations is clearly demonstrated both in relation to their sin and
idolatry, and with reference to their treatment of Israel.
A delightful picture of the future is presented in the coming happiness of Zion with streets full of
children (8:3-5) and all nations of the world coming to the Jews to learn of their GOD (8:22, 23).
5. KEY TO UNDERSTANDING:
Life is not concerned with time alone. There is an overruling power which works in time to
prepare for eternity. The Jewish nation is but an example of the great passion of the heart of
GOD for the sons of men.
~ end of Zechariah
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Post by Admin on Apr 2, 2024 12:03:29 GMT -5
Key to MALACHI
1. STATISTICS:
Writer, Malachi (name means "My Messenger") was a contemporary of Nehemiah; he
prophesied against the same abuses Nehemiah described. Time, 435-425 B.C.; key word, a
curse; key thought, the love of GOD in spite of the sins of His people; key verses, 3:16, 17.
Though linked with Haggai and Zechariah as a post-exilic prophet, he ministered about 100
years later.
2. THEME:
Malachi's prophecy was interwoven with Nehemiah's history. Both labored to rebuild moral life
of the people as well as the walls of Jerusalem. When Nehemiah returned to Babylon for a period
of time Malachi ministered to the people concerning their sins and moral abuses. He looked
beyond to the coming day of the LORD.
The last word in the Old Testament is "curse." It remains for the New Testament to bring
blessing.
3. OUTLINE:
Carelessness in things of GOD (1:1-14)
Sinful lives of the priests (2:1-9)
Widespread unfaithfulness to GOD, to others (2:10-16)
Bitter complaint against GOD's dealings (2:17; 3:13-15).
4. SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS:
The great prophecy of John the Baptist is in 3:1, and he actually is the only prophet who is
himself the subject of prophecy.
The sin of offering "diseased animals" to the LORD is soundly condemned in 1:8-10. It is treated
as an insult to GOD.
5. OUTSTANDING TEACHINGS:
Malachi predicts the coming of Elijah (4:5), partially fulfilled in John the Baptist (Matthew
11:14). Since he did not usher in the "great and dreadful day of the LORD" at that time the
prediction has a second fulfillment in the future. Possibly, he may be one of the two witnesses in
Revelation 11.
The matter of withholding tithes and offerings is treated as robbery (3:8-15). The Mosaic Law
pronounced the tithe as "belonging" to the LORD. Here the people were selfishly using it for
other things.
The essential message of Malachi is an epitome of the entire Old Testament. GOD rebukes
corruption and promises deliverance and blessing on obedience. The viewpoint is that of the
authority of the present law, but also of the riches of grace which GOD has in store for the age of
blessing.
6. KEY TO UNDERSTANDING:
Take a broad look at Malachi. It is the same old story of sin and unrighteousness. Mankind has
not changed in all these years. But turn around and look the other way. There is coming a day of
light when the Sun of Righteousness will arise. Thank GOD there is also a New Testament!
~ end of Malachi
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