Minor Prophets

 Minor Prophets   

Title: Minor Prophets. Originally it was one book – most likely “Book of Prophets” or “Book of 12” (cp. Acts 7:42-43).

Date of writing: From Hosea (8^th century BC) to Malachi (5^th century BC).

Structure:

Isaiah, the kingdom	Jeremiah, social issues	Ezekiel, Temple
8th century BC	6th century BC	Late 6th – 5th century BC
Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah	Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah	Haggai Zechariah Malachi

 

The books of the first block are daisy chained:

Hosea 14:7 – 1:5,9 Joel 3:16 – 1:2 Amos 9:12 – 1:1 Obadiah 1:19,20 – 1:1 Micah   

                                                                                    `-> – 1:2 Jonah 

Main themes:

Test of suspicious wife/bride – based on Num. 5:11-31. We begin with the marriage between Hosea the prophet and a wife of whoredom as a symbol of unfaithfulness of Israel to her Bridegroom – YHWH. The book of 12 ends with the discussion of marriage and liturgical faithfulness in Malachi.

The Day of the LORD. The term is more than a dozen times just in the Book of the 12.

Reflection in other parts of the Bible:

Triumphant entry to Jerusalem – all Gospel writers build up on the prophesy of Zechariah (9:9).  

Stephen (Steven) uses the abandonment of God by Israel as a pivotal point of his sermon (7:42-43). 

Paul uses the statement from Habakkuk in Romans (1:17), Galatians (3:11), and in Letter to Hebrews (10:38).  

Lutheran teaching:

A part of Jonah’s prayer [2:8] is important in two confessional statements. First it used to reinstitute the idea of justification by grace. Apology V (III):209/330 commenting on the verse says: that is, all confidence is empty, except confidence in mercy. Mercy delivers us; our own merits, our own efforts, do not. Then, second, Luther uses the same verse in his explanation of the Second Commandment in his Large Catechism [LC, I:54]: but the greatest abuse occurs in spiritual matters. They have to do with the conscience, when false preachers rise up and offer their lying vanities as God’s Word.

Zech. 9:10 is an important passage in the discussion on the Person of Christ. Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration VIII brings up the questions of His miracles during earthly life [25] and the power He has after ascension to heaven where He rules not like “any other saint… He rules from sea to sea and to the ends of the earth, as the prophets predict” [27].

Lutheran hymnody:

361 – O Little Town of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)

462 – All the Earth with Joy is Sounding (st. 1 He [Jesus], the greater Jonah)

Relevancy of the Book:

Historical prophesies are important for two reasons at least. First, seeing how they were fulfilled gives us assurance that the Word of God is strong and inerrant. The LORD is going to complete what He decided. The blessings will be bestowed, and discipline will be applied. Second, learning from the saints of the past can give us wisdom and encouragement to be steadfast in the midst of the troubles.

Memory verses:  

Hab. 2:4 – Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him,

                        But the righteous shall live by faith(-fulness).

Zech. 9:9 – Rejoice greatly. O daughter [of] Zion! Shout aloud, o daughter [of] Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; Righteous and having salvation is he, Humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

The Book of Esther

 Esther    

Title: Esther – from Persian sitareh – star. Her Hebrew/Jewish name was Hadassah – myrtle (with a star-like flower). Most likely, she is not an author; she is the protagonist of the book.    

Date of writing: Right after the events of the narrative. There are at least three letters going out within the plot of the book. At the end of the book the commemorating feast is established – Purim. Therefore, in the culture of writings, there is no reason to think that the recording of the events took decades or even centuries, unless one believes it is not a historical book but a fairytale. 

Date of Narrative:  There are some chronological studies done in relation to dating the book. I agree with Dr. James B. Jordan (https://biblicalhorizons.com/biblical-chronology/8_08/)

At least two things to consider:

1. Both Ezra 2:1-2 and Neh. 7:6-7 say that Mordecai was one of the men of Israel who returned to Jerusalem and Israel after the exile. Which makes him quite advanced in years.

2. Neh. 2:6 mentioned the queen – most likely Esther. 20^th year of the king means 8 years after the events of the book of Esther (cp. 3:7).

Therefore, it couldn’t happen/written around 400 BC. The date should be closer to 510s BC.

Structure:

There are basically two stories which are somewhat parallel to each other. In the middle of each story the king remembers something important, and it turns the course of history. NB: “to remember” in the Bible is not simply to bring to memory, it is to notice and act upon it. 

Part 1 (1:1 – 2:18)

A. The Great Feast (1:1-9)

  B. Vashti’s disobedience (1:10-12)

    C. Advice of the wise men (1:13-22)

      D. The king needs a queen (2:1) – the king remembers

    C’. Advice of the wise men (2:2-4)

  B’. Esther’s submissiveness (2:5-17)

A’. Esther’s Accession Feast (2:18)

 

Part 2 (2:19 – 10:3)

A. Mordecai (2:19-23)

  B. The Attack on God’s People (chapters 3-4)

    C. Esther’s First Feast with Haman (5:1-8) – Haman is well fed

      D. At the King’s Gate (5:9-14)

        E. The king has a sleepless night (6:1) – the king remembers

      D’ At the King’s Gate (6:1-14)

    C’ Esther’s Second Feast with Haman (7:1-10) – Haman dies

  B’ The Deliverance of God’s People (chapters 8-9)

A’ Mordecai:

 

Main themes:

* Godly witness

* Supremacy of the king

* God works through people

Main Characters:

Ahasuerus, Vashti, Memucan, Mordecai, Hadassah/Esther, Haman

Reflection in other parts of the Bible: There is a chronological parallel between the Greater Chronicles (esp. Ezra and Nehemiah) and the Book of Esther. The spoil from the defense (9:10, 15, 16) goes to the completion of Temple-Jerusalem project back in Judea. 

Also, notice the parallels between the king Ahasuerus and God. His word is strong (should not be disobeyed and cannot be changed) and nobody can come to his presence unless being called. His throne room resembles the Holy of holies.

Relevancy of the Book: We are saved not by our schemes or even conspiracies, but by the faithful God who single handedly may overturn the schemes and evil plans of those who want to harm the Bride of Christ – the Church.     

Memory verses:  3:15-16 – Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” 

Greater Chronicles

Greater Chronicles   

Title: Greater Chronicles combines 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. Ezra and Nehemiah traditionally were written on a same scroll. 1-2 Chronicles are “attached” to Ezra-Nehemiah through repetition 2 Chr. 36:22-23 and Ez. 1:1-3. 

Structure:

Genealogy, pre-exilic (1 Chr. 1 – 9), Dorsey, p. 146 (improved)

A. 1:1 – 2:2, non-tribe unit: Israel’s past 

 B. 2:3 – 4:43, Royal tribe of Judah and Simeon, cp. Judges 1:1-3

  C. 5. Transjordan tribes: Reuben, Gad, and ½-Manasseh 

   D. 6, Tribe of Levi

  C’. 7, Cisjordan: Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, ½-Manasseh, Ephraim, Asher     
 B’. 8, Royal tribe: Benjamin

A’. 9, non-tribe unit: Israel’s present; Judah (3-6), Benjamin (7-9), Priests (10-13), Levites (14-34).   

Then 9:35-44, genealogy of King Saul to lead to another unit.

 

Jordan’s lectures at BTS (Biblical Theological Seminary, St. Petersburg, Russia):

	A. Apostacy	B. Battling – Wars	C. Cult – Temple
I	1 Chr. 10, Saul	1 Chr. 11 – 29, David	2 Chr. 1 – 9, Solomon
II	2 Chr. 10 – 12, Rehoboam	2 Chr. 13, Abijah	2 Chr. 14 – 16, Asa,  17 – 20, Jehoshaphat
III	2Chr. 21 – 22, Jehoram, Ahaziah, Athaliah	2 Chr. 23, Jehoidah	2 Chr. 24:1-16, Joash
IV	2 Chr. 24:17-27, Joash	2 Chr. 25, Amaziah	2 Chr. 26 – 27, Uzziah, Jotham
V	2 Chr. 28:1-4, Ahaz	2 Chr. 28:5-27, Ahaz	2Chr. 29–32, Hezekiah
VI	2 Chr. 33:1-9, Manasseh	2 Chr. 33:10-20, Manasseh	2 Chr. 33:21 – 35:27, Amon, Josiah
VII	2 Chr. 36:1-21, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, Zedekiah	2 Chr. 36:22 – Ez. 3:13, Cyrus	Ez. 4 – Neh. 12, Darius, Artaxerxes

VIII: Neh. 13 tells the apostacy and spiritual battle in many areas of life. But the chapter ends with final cleansing done by Nehemiah (13:30-31).

Date of writing: Even though 1-2 Chronicles begin with the creation/Adamic genealogy (1 Chr.1:1), it is done to bring a post-exilic hearer “up to date” with the lineage of remnants who came back to Jerusalem/Judea. Therefore, the book should’ve been completed around the time of reconstruction of the Temple and erection of the Walls of Jerusalem. There are some studies of chronology of the period. I agree with the James B. Jordan’s one which puts the end of the book to 489 BC (cp. James B. Jordan, The Handwriting on the Wall, pp. 629-648).          

Reflection in other parts of the Bible:

For the understanding of the Greater Chronicles is important to be familiar with the structure of the sanctuary (Exodus 25–31). Overall, Greater Chronicles put a much heavier accent on the cult/worship. That’s why we have a longer story of the moving of ark of the Covenant under David (cp.  2 Sam. 6 vs. 1 Chr. 13–16).

The author builds up on the familiarity of his listeners and readers with the accounts of the same events from the 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, and other parts of the Bible (cp. 1 Chr. 4 and Judges 1).

The book gives answers to some chronological questions raised by NT narrative (cp. Ez. 6:15-16 vs. John 10:22; 2 Chr. 24:20-21 vs. Matt. 23:34-35).

Lutheran teaching: Two important teachings of the Lutheran church are supported by the passages from the book. First, the idolatry shall be overthrown by God. It is a lesson from the past that carries out into the present and the future. Our God is not going to tolerate anything or anyone who attempts to take His place in the life of the people (LC I:35).

Second, the theology of rest. Dr. Martin Luther in his Large Catechism says: “people must have holidays.” Then he continues, based on Nehemiah 8: “special function of this day of rest should be the ministry of the Word for the young and the mass of common people (LC I:86).   

Memory verses:  

2 Chronicles 7:13-14 – When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 

Overview of the Bible: Daniel

 

Daniel  

Title: Book of Daniel – personal dairy and visions of a single prophet.   

Date of writing and narrative: From 605 BC – first group of Judeans arrived to Babylon – to the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia (10:1). 533 BC (TLBS has 536 BC as the final vision), when the book was completed. Also, cp. Ch. 1:1, 21.

Structure:

A. Hebrew, ch. 1 – sons of the Kingdom

    B. Aramaic, ch. 2-7

            a. Nebuchadnezzar dreams of 4 kingdoms, ch. 2

              b. test of faith – deadly threat: three servants, ch. 3

                c. judgment and conversion of Nebuchadnezzar, ch. 4

                c’. judgement and conversion of Belshazzar, ch. 5

              b’. test of faith – deadly threat: Daniel, ch. 6

            a’. Daniel’s vision of 4 kingdoms, ch. 7    

A’. Hebrew, ch. 8-12 – establishment of the kingdom

            i. vision of 3 kingdoms in animal form, ch. 8  

              ii. prophecy of judgment of “your city” (the capital), ch. 9

            i'. vision of 3 kingdoms in human terms, ch. 10-12

Main themes:

Faithfulness and submission in the foreign land.

Kingdom development.

Main Characters:

Daniel – God has judged – renamed to Belteshazzar (cp. to Belshazzar) 

Hananiah – YHWH is gracious – Shadrach

Mishael – Who is what God is? – Meshach

Azariah – YHWH has helped – Abednego

Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius – Cyrus

Reflection in other parts of the Bible:

Third day (year, period etc.) idea is important to the Book (1:1; 8:1; 10:1). A preliminary judgement and a course on the future restoration. 

Daniel is a faithful disciple of Jeremiah – he followed the LORD’S command through the teacher to settle in Babylon (29:4-7) and waited for completion of 70 exile period (cp. Jer. 29:10 and Dan. 9:1-2).

The Book of Ezekiel refers to Daniel (14:14, 20: 28:3)

Lutheran teaching:

Sermon of Daniel to Nebuchadnezzar (4:24-27) is often used as an argument between the theology of faith and the theology of works. “Faith is required… For Daniel did not mean that the king should only give alms. He includes repentance… He converts the king not only to give alms, but much more, to have faith.” [Ap. V (III): 133/254;140/261].

The discussion on theology of worship [Mass] is heavily based on a proper understanding of Daniel ch. 8, 11, 12 – Ap. XXIV (XII):35-57.

Daniel 7:14 is one of the foundational passages for an understanding of the person of Christ – FC, SD VIII:55.     

Lutheran hymnody:

931 – All You Works of the Lord – Song of Three Young Men (deuterocanonical).  

Relevancy of the Book:

The Book of Daniel is important on two levels: personal/devotional and historical. In the book we can see a single person (or a very small group of people) who can resist the outer pressure of godless powers and authorities. The book gives us page after page examples of faithful ones who were ready to risk their lives presenting the Gospel to the hostile society.

At the same time, we see the global picture of development of God’s kingdom using the power of human empires: Persia, Greece, Rome. And how they – empires – will be replaced by true worshiping kingdom of God.       

Memory verses:  

12:2-3 – Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and to everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever. 

Overview of the Bible: Ezekiel

 

Ezekiel  

video lesson

Title: Ezekiel – God strengthens (makes harder), cp. 3:8-9. The name is used only twice in the book (1:3 and 24:24).  

Date of writing: see the Date of Narrative (looks like he wrote down each vision right after the experience)

Date of Narrative: 592 BC

Structure: Dorsey, p. 257

I. First collection of messages, 1 - 7

II. Second collection of messages, 8 – 13

III. Third collection of messages, 14 – 19

IV. Fourth collection of messages, 20 – 24

V. Oracles against the nations (7 nations), 25 – 32

VI. Messages about Israel’s punishment and restoration, 33 – 39

VII. New Temple and new land, 40 – 48

Main themes:

Sacred presence of God. Apart from mysterious vision of the chariot of fire (cp. 2 Kings 2:1-14) it is important to notice that God moves using only straight lines. When He changes the direction, it takes a 90 degree turn, no curving. It is worthy to compare it with the structure and furniture set up of the Tabernacle and the Temple. Everything is “cubic” except the bronze ocean in the Temple. Ocean, being round and supported by the 12 bulls, symbolizes the gentiles. When Israel is unfaithful (bulls collapse) and the water of judgement is poured over the face of the earth.     

Son of Man. The term is used 94 times in the Old Testament. 93 out of them are in the Book of Ezekiel. Observing what he is charged to do and how he acts toward his deceased wife, it becomes obvious that he is ordained by God (ch. 1-3) to be the High Priest for the Israel in exile. Therefore, when we read that Jesus is called the Son of Man in the Gospels, we need to see him as the one who carries out the [High] priestly ministry.  

Justice (second and 6^th blocks) in the Book of Ezekiel depends on God’s definition of righteousness. It is closely connected with a sense of LORD’S presence. That’s why the theme is brought up in the block that shows God’s glory moving out of the Temple and then in the block of the promises of the future restoration. 

Main Characters: Ezekiel, elders of Judah/Israel, Ezekiel’s wife, Gog and Magog

Reflection in other parts of the Bible:

Chapters 8 – 11 talk about the glory of the LORD leaving the Temple because of the abomination done by the leaders of Israel. This is what creates desolation (cp. 1 Sam. 2 – 4; Dan. 9:22; 11:31; 12:11; Mt. 24:15).   

The relations of YHWH and Israel are presented in a context of marriage symbolism – ch. 16. This continues the train of thought beginning from the Song of Songs (Solomon) through Lamentations to the Revelation 22.

Lutheran teaching:

Ez. 33:11 (see the memory verse) tells that God does not have a pleasure in the death of the wicked, but wants his repentance. This passage is an important part of the discussion of Repentance [Ap. XXIa (V)], but also the eternal foreknowledge of God about those who going to be saved [FC, Epitome XI].

The article in the Formula of Concord on Foreknowledge of God picks up on the heretical idea that Jesus, knowing who is not going to be saved, did not die for the infidels. Along with 33:11, 18:23 is an important reference point from the Book of Ezekiel to reject this idea [FC, Epitome XI:10]. 

Lutheran hymnody:

LSB 583 – God has spoken by His Prophets (stanza 1 – righteous Lord).

Relevancy of the Book:

Reading the Book of Ezekiel helps to see the value of godly worship in connection with the issues of “social justice”. Social justice without orthodoxy will retain the presence of God, but orthodoxy without care for the less fortunate is an hypocrisy that will result in God’s abandonment of the House of the LORD.   

Memory verses:  

33:11 –  As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?

Overview of the Bible: Lamentations

Lamentations

 

video lesson  

Title: The cry of the destroyed Jerusalem by Jeremiah.

Hebrew: Eyha(h) – “How” is taken from the first word of the book.  

Date of writing: 586 BC

Structure:

Five chapters – the best identified structurally book of the Bible. To understand the structure of the book we need to know that the Hebrew alphabet has 22 letters. 

Chapters 1&2 – 22 verses, acrostic based the Hebrew alphabet – from Aleph to Tov.

Chapter 3 – 66 verses = 22*3, acrostic where verses are grouped into the blocks of three 1-2-3 (Aleph), 4-5-6 (Beit), etc. each of the verses begins with the related letter of the Hebrew alphabet.   

Chapter 4 – 22 verses, acrostic based the Hebrew alphabet – from Aleph to Tov.

Chapter 5 – 22 verses, no acrostic…

There are few theories why the book is structured this way.  

Main themes:

Destruction of the City and Temple.

Faithfulness of God in the midst of the total world collapse.

Reflection in other parts of the Bible:

The Book is written as a result of what Jeremiah prophesied about. Therefore, it is important to remember how Jeremiah prophesied about the Temple turned into an idol (Jer. 7:1-20; Ez. 8 – 11).

The destruction of the Temple means the “destruction” of the regular festive times, priestly office, and the connection with the Temple mount (cp. 2:6, 9-10; Ps. 137).

The city (Jerusalem) is presented as a woman who was left/betrayed by her (foreign) lovers. The image is picked up/developed by the Prophet Ezekiel (ch. 16) when he writes about the unfaithful bride of the LORD. Also, theme of uncleanness which begins in Leviticus 12 – 15.  

When Jesus weeps over Jerusalem predicting the fall of great and glorious buildings (Mt. 23:37-39; Lk. 13:31-35), He is presented as a greater Jeremiah.    

Lutheran teaching:

Even though the Lutheran Confessions do not refer to the Book of Lamentations explicitly, two themes of the book are very important for the teaching of the Lutheran Church. First, God’s love is the foundation and the reason for our salvation. The Jews in the days of Jeremiah could not do anything to recover from the disaster of Temple destruction. It was God who carried them through the tunnel of national death and resurrection. Ap. V(III):26; 58-61.

Second, this love is not only should in the act of God’s deliverance but is an aspect of continual mercy for us on daily basis. God is the one who provides for us in our daily needs. Cp. SC II:1. 

Lutheran hymnody:

760 - What God ordained is always good

809 – Great is Thy faithfulness

Relevancy of the Book:

The Book of Lamentations is an important part of the canon. We remember about God’s love and mercy, but along with that we need to understand the reasons for His mercy – the infidelity of His people. As the people of old were punished, we can expect the punishment of the same grandiose magnitude if a nation is not going to submit to Christ’s rule.

At the same time, we can expect that loving Father will carry us through the present-day storms and attacks of Zeit Geist. The world/creation is sustained by His love and great faithfulness. We are but the agents who bring this love and faithfulness into a reality.       

Memory verses:  

3:22-23, The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Overview of the Bible: Book of Jeremiah

Book of Jeremiah   

Title: Jeremiah – whom YHWH has appointed

Date of writing and narrative: From 626 to 586 BC, from Josiah to Zedekiah   

Structure: Dorsey, p. 244

a. 1 – 12, oracles against Judah: coming disaster from the north

  b. 13 – 20, Judah’s exile and suffering predicted

    c. 21 – 29, dated messages of judgement

      d’. 30 – 33, messages of future hope (undated)

    c’. 34 – 35, dated messages of judgement

  b’. 36 – 45, Judah’s fall and exile

a’. 46 – 51, OAN (oracles against the nations): Coming disaster from the north

Main themes:

The judgement begins from the Temple (cp, 7:4). Sanctuary.

Social Justice according to the Law of God (ch. 34). Society.

Oracles Against the Nations (OAN) (chapters 46 – 51). Nations.

Main Characters: Jeremiah, Baruch, Josiah, Jehoiakim, Zedekiah.

Reflection in other parts of the Bible:

Suffering servant – Jeremiah as a first reflection on the Isaiah’s prophesy. We have 5 “confessions” of Jeremiah: 11:18 – 12:6; 15:10-21; 17:14-18; 18:18-23; 20:7-18. Also, he goes to prison (20:2), and hears the death threats (26:7-9). At the end he is vindicated by Nebuchadnezzar (39:11-12).

We need the Book of Deuteronomy to reflect upon the Social Justise theme. Therefore, to pay attention to the chronology, cp. 4 Kg. 22.

Jesus instituting the Sacrament of the Altar (Mt. 26:26-29), refers to it as the New Covenant – new covenant that was promised through Jeremiah, see Memory verse.  

Lutheran teaching: We will begin with the passage from Jeremiah 17:9. The Book of Concord uses it twice: first time in the Augsburg Confession (XXV:8) speaking of enumeration of the sins during Private Confession. The second time it is brought up in the article about Free Will (FC, SD, II:17).  

Time and time again the Book of Concord returns to the Justification by grace through faith. One of the most fundamental Biblical passages to support our justification by the righteousness of Christ is Jer. 23:6 (see memory verse).    

Also, the Lutheran Confessions use 31:33 in the discussion on “Love and Fulfilling of the Law” (Apology, V (III): 2, 97) saying that “we are to keep the Law when we have been justified by faith” (Ap, V (III): 3).

Lutheran hymnody:

LSB 530 – No Temple now, No Gift of Price

LSB 645 – Built on the Rock

Relevancy of the Book:

The Book of Jeremiah teaches us a few important lessons. First, the futility of trust in the objects, even sacred objects like the Temple. If the building is not filled with the Divine worship, it turns into an idol- the one that is not able to deliver through the storm of life.

Second, Jeremiah was a godly prophet, living and preaching in accordance with the Word of God (sometimes even delivering the dictated messages). Regardless of his godly status his message was rejected over and over again – we can not always evaluate the results of the ministry by the numbers of the followers.

Book of Jeremiah points toward the coming of the Messiah and institution of the New Covenant. This Covenant was completed to us in the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus, and now is given to us as a memorial service in the Sacrament of the Altar.       

Memory verses:  

23:5-6: Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’ 

31:31, Behold the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.