“MINOR PROPHETS”

(Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habbakuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi)
This is lesson is part of the “What’s in the Bible?” series, starting with “Memories & Stories” on Genesis

For The Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta

By Sally Ulrey

Key verse: Micah 6:8

“He has shown all you people what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? But to act justly and love
mercy and walk humbly with your God.”

Objective:
 To understand the books of the minor prophets in their historical contexts
 To learn in a nutshell what each book was about
 To apply the idea of being a prophet in our places and what that looks like in modern times
The Set up: Minimal
The Plan:
 Hook: Minor League Tic Tac Toe (25 mins)
o Assign a prophet to everyone, and based on their historical information, play a game of human
Tic Tac Toe
 Book: Overview of the Minor Prophets (10 mins)
o Go over the main ideas of each book of the Minor Prophets, and what they would have meant
to the people at that time.
 Look: Prophets Still Speak (15 mins)
o Discuss what the messages of the prophets mean for us today
 Took: Prophets in our own Time (5 mins)
o Looking at several areas of our world that need prophets (us) to speak good news to those who
have been pushed aside
The Supplies: The Preparation:
 Copy of lesson  Print and copy everything
 Print out Prophet Cards  Read Scripture and get familiar with the mini-
 Map of Israel lecture
 Copies of Prophet Scripture Pages  Draw the Map of Israel somewhere
 Copies of Small Group Questions
 Copies of Intercessory Prayer for The Marginalized
 Bibles
 9 chairs

“Minor Prophets”
by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
1
ABOUT THE LESSON: All the minor prophets had messages for the Israelites at different times of upheaval and
uncertainty throughout their history. This lesson will look at the historical contexts of when the prophets
spoke their messages. It will also look at some of the key verses/main themes of each prophetic book. The
bottom line take-away of the books of the Minor Prophets is that God was speaking Good News to the
people when they needed it most and felt like they were forgotten, and our job is to be prophets, and bring
Good News to those who need it most, especially those on the edges of society, who have been forgotten
by society.

Minor League Tic Tac Toe (Hook, 15 mins)

For the opening of the lesson, you’re actually going to have to do a little bit of teaching before you start the
game (which will help reinforce what they’ve just learned). So you’ll spend a little bit of time talking about the
history of Israel, and what major event was going on during which the prophets preached, and whether they
preached to Israel or Judah. Once you’ve gone over that (briefly), you’ll give assign everyone to be one of the
minor prophets and hand them a “Prophet Card” about their prophet. Using this info, they’ll play a game of
Human Tic Tac Toe, but instead of calling numbers, you’ll call something about prophets. The prophets who fit
that description will fight to get on the Tic Tac Toe board for their team. This will just help reinforce the
historical context each prophet ministered in.

 Preparation: Put the Summary Chart on the Board before youth arrive

“Minor Prophets”
by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
2
Part 1—Mini-Lecture on Historical Context (5 mins):
Go over the following information.

The Minor Prophets were only called that because their books were shorter (not because their message was
any less important). There are 12 minor prophets, and they all spoke at times of upheaval and uncertainty in
Israel’s history.

At the time when the Prophets spoke, Israel was divided into two kingdoms: The Kingdom of Israel in the
North, and the Kingdom of Judah in the south (see map). Meanwhile, some other nations were coming to
power, and threatening the Israelites.

Assyrian threat. First was Assyria in 700s BC. They threatened Israel in the north first, and conquered them,
then they kept marching south and threatened Judah, but didn’t overcome them. This was a time of
uncertainty and upheaval so God sent messengers to help guide them through it.
 Hosea, Amos, and Jonah brought messages to ISRAEL during the Assyrian threat (actually Jonah was a
bit before the Assyrian threat, but his book has to do with Assyria, so we’ll keep him in that category)
 Meanwhile, Micah and Nahum brought messages to JUDAH during the Assyrian threat.

Babylonian threat. Next, Babylonia was a threat. The kingdom of Israel had already been destroyed, never
really to be heard from again, so the next group of prophets during the Babylonian threat only prophesied to
the KINGDOM OF JUDAH only.
 The ones who were Prophets to Judah during the Babylonian Threat were: Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and
Obadiah
 The Babylonians did conquer the kingdom of Judah and the people were led into exile in Babylon, but
they had the prophets to help walk them through that.

Return from Exile. Once the Israelites were allowed to come back from their exile in Babylon, they weren’t
really sure exactly what to do to start rebuilding. Again, only those from the KINGDOM OF JUDAH returned
from exile, so these prophets preached to them.
 Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi were there to help them rebuild their city of Jerusalem, and especially
the temple, and start worshipping God again in Jerusalem.

Then there’s also Joel, but we really don’t know when or where he prophesied. So we’re just going to put him
on the “Prophet to Israel during the Assyrian Threat” Team to make them even for the game (they will see).

Summary Chart
Israel Judah Other Related Books
Assyria Hosea, Amos, Jonah (Joel) Micah, Nahum Isaiah
Babylon ------ Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Obadiah Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezekiel
Post Exile ------ Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi Ezra, Nehemiah

Bonus info (as time permits): Isaiah preached to Judah during the Assyrian threat. Jeremiah preached to Judah during
the Babylonian threat. Daniel was one of the first deported to Babylon during the exile, and preached to the Jews in the
royal court. Ezekiel was in the second deportation to Babylon and preached to Jews. Ezra and Nehemiah aren’t books
of prophecy, but their books describe what was happening post-exile when the Jews came back from Babylon at the
time when Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi were preaching.
“Minor Prophets”
by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
3
Part 2—Minor League Tic Tac Toe (20 mins)
 Pass out the Prophet Cards, and allow them some time to remember which kingdom their prophet
preached to, and during which period their prophet preached.
 Explain that there are 9 chairs, just like a Tic Tac Toe board.
 Put them in teams of X’s or O’s according to the chart below

X’s O’s
Hosea Amos
Jonah Joel
Micah Nahum
Habakkuk Zephaniah
Obadiah Haggai
Zechariah Malachi

 When a characteristic they have is called (example: prophet to ISRAEL), then they will try to sit in a
chair and make their team sign (an “X” or an “O” using their arms above their head
 The first team to make 3 in a row wins!

Call the following things, and let them figure out (using their cards if they need it) who is supposed to go for
the chairs. Go several rounds, because some of these categories overlap; each round will need up to 9 people
called:
 Prophet to Israel, not a “J” name (Hosea, Amos)
 Prophet to Israel, “J” name (Jonah, Joel)
 Prophet to Judah during Assyrian threat (Micah, Nahum)
 Prophets during the Babylonian Threat (Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Obadiah)

 Prophets after the exile (Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi)

 Prophets during the Assyrian Threat (Hosea, Amos, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Joel(?))

 Prophets to Judah (Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Obadiah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi)
 Prophets to Israel (Hosea, Amos, Jonah, Joel (?))

 Prophets we’re not sure when they prophesied (Joel)

Transition: Now hopefully that helped you keep track of which prophets were sent where during which time
period. Now that you know a little bit about the historical context of when the prophets preached, let’s take a
look at some of their actual messages…

“Minor Prophets”
by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
4
Overview of the Minor Prophets (Book, 15 mins)
In this section, you’ll look at some of the messages from each of the books of the Minor Prophets, and help
youth explore what those messages would have meant to the people who heard them in that time (next will
have them discuss what they mean for us today).
 LEADER TIP: You will want to look over the Scripture passages and Mini-Lecture in advance to be
familiar with what all is in the Minor Prophets.

Instructions:
 Put the youth into groups of 2-4.
 Pass out the Minor Prophets Scripture Pages (end of lesson)
 Instruct them to read the Scriptures and answer the questions about what those messages would have
meant to the people living through those times of upheaval and uncertainty.
 Give them about 10 mins to explore the Scriptures and answer the questions.
 Give them about 5 mins to share with the large group the main ideas/themes of each book
 Do a quick summary:
Themes of the minor prophets include:
o God’s faithfulness even when they were not
o God’s ability to save them
o God’s justice and that one day everything would be made right
o God’s mercy, compassion, tenderness, and restoration
o The priority of worshipping God from the heart

Transitional Statement: Just at the time when they needed it the most, God sent messages to the people, to
let them know what was happening, to let them know what they needed to do (usually, repent), and to
encourage them that hardship would end, and God would bring restoration.

Those same messages are true for us today. In our times of uncertainty and upheaval, these messages from
the prophets are still true… Let’s unpack that idea a little…

“Minor Prophets”
by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
5
Prophets Still Speak (Look, 10 mins)
In this part, students will be reminded that God still speaks to us, often using Scripture written by the
Prophets, to bring us messages of guidance and encouragement during our times of upheaval and uncertainty.
Small groups will explore the meaning of those messages for their own lives.

Instructions:
 Put students in groups of 3-5 (it would be cool if every group had one person who worked on each
different Scripture page, so each group has someone who has looked into each book of the minor
prophets)
 Give them about 10 mins to answer the following questions in their small groups

Small Group Discussion Questions (10 mins)

1. What Scripture most stuck out to you? Why?
2. What times of uncertainty and upheaval are you facing (or have you recently faced) in your life?
3. Which messages of the prophets do you relate to/appreciate the most? Why?
4. If you had to pick a favorite Minor Prophet, which would it be and why?
5. Who else do you know that might really need to hear the messages of some of these minor prophets?

Transitional Statement
The messages God sent through the Prophets are still relevant to us today. We often face times of uncertainty
and upheaval, and we need to be reminded that God is still working to bring good, that we still need to
respond to God and check our hearts, and that we have the encouragement that God always brings
restoration. The Israelites needed to hear that. We need to hear that. And there are probably lots of people
outside the church walls who need to hear that message as well. We are called to be prophets to them, and to
bring them that message of good news during their times of upheaval and uncertainty.

“Minor Prophets”
by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
6
Prophets in our own Time (Took, 5 mins)
For the closing time, we’ll invite students to lift up those who are facing struggles and times of upheaval and
uncertainty, those they know, and those they may not personally know, because they have been pushed to
the edges of society.

Instructions:
 Pass out or project the Intercessory Prayers for The Marginalized: http://www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-
activities/prayers/intercessory-prayers-the-marginalized.cfm
 Explain that we are called to be prophets in our own time, and bring the messages of good news to those
who are at the edges of society, on the margins, facing the most upheaval and uncertainty
 Challenge them to take the Good News of God’s encouragement to those they know and those they don’t
 Spend some time brainstorming how to bring that news to those on the margins (pay particular attention
to resources in your own area; if you support a food bank, maybe you can make cards with some of these
Scriptures to be passed out to clients. Maybe you can send cards to prisoners, particularly if there’s a
prison ministry near you)

Close in prayer, leading them in the Intercessory Prayers for the Marginalized. AMEN!

“Minor Prophets”
by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
7
Map of Israel

https://www.thebiblejourney.org//biblejourney2/39-isaiah-predicts-the-fall-of-israel-amp-judah/introduction-to-the-book-of-isaiah/

“Minor Prophets”
by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
8
Prophet Cards (cut out)
HOSEA AMOS
Prophet to: ISRAEL Prophet to: ISRAEL
During: ASSYRIAN THREAT During: ASSYRIAN THREAT
Other Prophets in that Historical Context: Other Prophets in that Historical Context:
Amos, Jonah Hosea, Jonah

JONAH JOEL
Prophet to: ISRAEL Prophet to: Not sure
During: ASSYRIAN THREAT During: Not sure
Other Prophets in that Historical Context: Other Prophets in that Historical Context:
Hosea, Amos Not sure
Notes: message to Assyria, but for Notes: Talked about Locusts
Israel’s benefit

MICAH NAHUM
Prophet to: JUDAH Prophet to: JUDAH
During: ASSYRIAN THREAT During: ASSYRIAN THREAT
Other Prophets in that Historical Context: Other Prophets in that Historical Context:
Nahum, Isaiah Micah, Isaiah
Notes: Message to Nineveh, for Judah’s
benefit

HABAKKUK ZEPHANIAH
Prophet to: JUDAH Prophet to: JUDAH
During: BABYLONIAN THREAT During: BABYLONIAN THREAT
Other Prophets in that Historical Context: Other Prophets in that Historical Context:
Zephaniah, Jeremiah, Obadiah Habakkuk, Jeremiah, Obadiah

OBADIAH HAGGAI
Prophet to: JUDAH Prophet to: JUDAH
During: BABYLONIAN THREAT During: Return from Babylonian Exile
Other Prophets in that Historical Context: Other Prophets in that Historical Context:
Zephaniah, Jeremiah, Habakkuk Zechariah, Malachi
Notes: Message to Edom for Judah’s
benefit

ZECHARIAH MALACHI
Prophet to: JUDAH Prophet to: JUDAH
During: Return from Babylonian Exile During: Return from Babylonian Exile
Other Prophets in that Historical Context: Other Prophets in that Historical Context:
Haggai, Malachi Haggai, Zechariah

“Minor Prophets”
by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
9
Minor Prophets—Hosea, Amos, Jonah, Joel Message to ISRAEL during ASSYRIAN threat
Hosea—At God’s direction, Hosea married a prostitute who was repeatedly unfaithful to him. God used this
as an illustration of God’s faithfulness to Israel, even when they followed idols. Theme: God’s faithfulness.
 6:6—For I desire mercy, not [animal] sacrifices, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt
offerings.
 11:12—[The people] are unruly against God, the faithful Holy One

Joel—We don’t know when Joel was written or to whom, but certainly his words fit a prophet preaching
repentance and turning back to God during the threat of destruction. Theme: God’s salvation.
 2:32—And everyone who calls on the name of the L ORD will be saved;

Amos—Amos held the people of Israel accountable because of their neglect of the poor and injustice
toward those on the margins. Theme: one day God’s justice will prevail.
 5:24—But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!

Jonah—Jonah was actually sent to preach to Nineveh (in Assyria) long BEFORE they decided to invade Israel.
That time, they repented, and God didn’t bring disaster on them. The message Jonah brought to Nineveh
about repentance and restoration was still the same for Israel, though…if they repented, disaster (of the
Assyrian threat) would be averted. Jonah himself did the wrong thing at first, but was given a second
chance. Now there’s a second chance for Israel, if they’ll take it. Theme: Second chances.
 3:9—Who knows? God may yet relent, and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will
not perish

Questions:
Why would these verses be meaningful to Israel, when Assyria was threatening to (and eventually succeeded
in) conquering them?

The prophets repeatedly warned them to repent of idolatry and unjust treatment of the poor, and if they
didn’t, other nations would defeat them and carry them off into exile. Knowing that Assyria eventually DID
defeat them, what did God save them from? If not Assyria, then from what?

According to the prophets, this defeat was something that Israel deserved, a consequence of their sin. How
are these words about God’s faithfulness and compassion comforting for those who hadn’t been faithful,
but maybe were looking for a second chance?

New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®,

NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by
“Minor Prophets”
permission. All rights reserved worldwide. by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
10
Minor Prophets—Micah, Nahum Message to JUDAH during ASSYRIAN threat
Micah—While the northern kingdom of Israel was being threatened by Assyria, Micah told Judah to do
better so that didn’t happen to them. Doing the right, just thing is a theme; God’s mercy is a theme.
 6:8—He has shown all you people what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? But to act
justly and love mercy and walk humbly with your God
 7:18—Who is a God like You, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his
inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.

Nahum—Nahum’s message was actually addressed to Nineveh (in Assyria), just like Jonah did hundreds of
years before. Unlike Jonah’s time, this time Nineveh didn’t repent and disaster was decreed for them. This
was encouraging to Judah as Assyria threatened Israel, that they wouldn’t get away with it, and
encouragement to Judah, that they would be freed from the threat of Assyria. Getting justice is a theme.
 1:7—The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,
 1:3—The LORD is slow to anger but great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.

Questions:
Why would these verses be meaningful to Judah (the southern kingdom), as they watched Assyria threaten
(and eventually conquer) Israel (the northern kingdom), and they were afraid Assyria would come for them
next?

Micah and Nahum include many verses about God bringing justice and punishing the guilty. How is that a
comfort if you are witnessing oppression of someone else (Judah witnessing Israel’s oppression), or if
someone is threatening/oppressing you (Assyria was coming for Judah next)?

Israel had totally turned away from God, and the prophets told them that was why Assyria was oppressing
Israel. Judah was watching this happen. How were these words like a wake-up call to get their own act
together/a second chance to do the right thing?

“Minor Prophets”
New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®,
NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 11
Minor Prophets—Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Obadiah
Message to JUDAH during BABYLONIAN threat
Habakkuk—Explores the question of whether it is just to use an unjust nation (Babylonia) to punish Judah
for their sins, and also reassures Judah that Babylonia will also be punished for their injustice against Judah.
Concludes that when we don’t understand, we still have to trust God. Has a philosophical feel, like Job.
Theme: exploring confusing questions around justice.
 1:12—Lord are you not from everlasting? My God, My Holy One, You will never die. You, Lord, have
chosen them to execute judgment; you, my rock, have appointed them to punish.
 3:19—The Sovereign Lord is my Strength…

Zephaniah—Preached judgment and restoration as Judah was about to go into exile. He may have been of
royal descendent, and was a contemporary of Jeremiah. Theme: restoration after judgment and hardship.
 1:4—I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all who live in Jerusalem. I will destroy every
remnant of Baal worship in this place,
 3:17—The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.

Obadiah—Obadiah’s message was actually to Edom (a nation that helped Babylon oppress Judah), but it
was for Judah’s benefit. The message was that Edom would be punished for oppressing Judah.
Theme: God makes things right and brings justice.
 1:10—For violence against your brother Jacob [the Israelites, including the Kingdom of Judah], Shame
shall cover you, And you shall be cut off forever.
 1:15—For the day of the LORD upon all the nations is near; As you have done, it shall be done to you;
Your reprisal shall return upon your own head.

Questions:
Why would these verses be meaningful to Judah as they went into exile in Babylon?

Haggai wrestles with some theological questions around suffering, how it’s confusing that God is using
Babylon (an idolatrous, sinful nation) to set Judah right for her sins of idolatry, only to be then be punished
for their sins later on. How is the bottom line about trusting God helpful for those in Judah who haven’t
seen the end of the story yet (that they’ll be free and return)?

So many of these verses have to do with justice. Why do you think that is such an important theme for those
in these times?

New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, “Minor Prophets”
NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by
permission. All rights reserved worldwide. by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
12
Minor Prophets—Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi Message to JUDAH after BABYLONIAN exile
Haggai—Focused on helping the Jews rebuild the temple upon their return from exile in Babylon. The
priority of worshipping God above all else is a theme.
 1:4—Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house [the temple]
remains a ruin?
 2:4—But now be strong…and work. For I am with you

Zechariah—Also focused on the priority of worship. While Haggai focused a lot on preparing the temple for
worship, Zechariah focused a lot on preparing their hearts for worship. Worshipping God from the heart is a
theme.
 1:3—Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares
the LORD Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the L ORD Almighty.

Malachi—Also focused on the getting temple worship going again. He called people to repent and renew
their covenant with God after coming back from the exile. Bringing acceptable offerings through
repentance and social justice are themes.
 3:3-4—He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the L ORD will have men who
will bring offerings in righteousness, 4 and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to
the LORD, as in days gone by, as in former years.

Questions:
Why would these verses be meaningful to Judah after they came back from exile in Babylon? (Remember,
they were exiled because they turned away from worshipping God and worshipped idols instead).

Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are focused on the priority of worshipping God, how God desires their
worship, and longs to be close to them through worship. How would the idea that God wants them and
welcomes them back even after they messed up be the message they needed to start doing the right thing?

When the people’s hearts were in the right place in worship, social justice became a priority. What do you
think about that connection?

New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®,

NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by “Minor Prophets”
permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
13
 “Minor Prophets”
by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
14
 The “What’s in the Bible?” Series

Genesis “Memories and Stories” Nov 2017

Exodus “Near” Nov 2017
Leviticus “You Want me to do What Now?” & “Fellowship” May 2017
Numbers “Unfinished” Nov 2017
Deuteronomy “SuperHero Wanted” Nov 2017
Joshua “Never Give Up” Sep 2016
Judges “No Rules” Dec 2017
Ruth “Loyalty” Feb 2017
1&2 Samuel “Who’s on the Throne?” Dec 2017
1&2 Kings “Lights in the Darkness” Dec 2017
Ezra “Read the Book!” Jan 2018
Nehemiah “Build the Wall” Jan 2018
Esther “Courage” Apr 2017
Job “Bad Theology” Feb 2018
Psalms “On the Couch” Feb 2018
Proverbs “Just Sayings” Feb 2018
Ecclesiastes “What’s the Point?” Apr 2018
Song of Songs “Love Being In Love” Apr 2018
Isaiah “Songs of Trust” Sep 2018
Jeremiah “Creative Communication” Oct 2018
Lamentations “Disaster Scene” Oct 2018
Ezekiel “Eyes All Around” Oct 2018
Daniel “Faithfulness” Apr 2017
Minor Prophets “Minor Prophets” Dec 2018

“Minor Prophets”
by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
15