One of the big themes of the prophets is hearing and obeying the word of the Lord. As meditation literature, the Old Testament is best read through daily reading, absorbing, pondering as we think about God’s future King (Jesus) and how to live as his people (Covenant).
Given this, to help you get the most out of this series, we encourage you to spend time listening to God’s voice in his word to prepare yourself before each Sunday’s teaching by doing two things:
- Watching the Bible Project overview of each prophet (See below for links).
- Reading the whole of the prophets words.
| Jonah | Aug 31 – Sep 6 | Read Online Here |
| Zephaniah | Sep 7 – Sep 13 | Read Online Here |
| Joel | Sep 14 – Sep 20 | Read Online Here |
| Haggai | Sep 21 – Sep 27 | Read Online Here |
| Malachi | Sep 28 – Oct 4 | Read Online Here |
TIMELINE
JONAH
Israel & Judah in the land.
- Date: 760BC
- Dominant Empire: Assyria
- Main Focus: Mercy
ZEPHANIAH
Israel exiled. Judah still in the land. Exile approaching.
- Date: 630BC
- Dominant Empire: Babylon
- Main Focus: Justice and love
JOEL
Likely pre-exile.
- Date: Uncertain.
- Dominant Empire: Unknown
- Main Focus: Renewal
HAGGAI
Returned from exile, united, and rebuilding the temple.
- Date: 520BC
- Dominant Empire: Persia
- Main Focus: Priorities & Holiness
MALACHI
Returned from exile and in need spiritual renewal.
- Date: 440BC
- Dominant Empire: Persia
- Main Focus: Unrepentant Sin
NAMES & PLACES
At this time period, the Northern Kingdom goes by two names: Israel and Ephraim. The South is always known as Judah. Surrounding both are a few small nations and tribes who the prophets sometimes refer to. Where’s Nineveh? About 800km to the east. Tarsish is 800km to the west.
