By Rev. Malawin P. Cab-ad
The book of Zephaniah
The prologue of this book actually identifies Zephaniah as the great-great-grandson of Hezekiah. The name means “Yahweh has protected.” He prophesied around 630 B.C. and he used to make fun of the oppressive foreign power, the Assyrians. This can be found in chapter 2:13-14. He also announced that the day of Yahweh means a day of judgment.
The book also gives the believers about a message that a sin of what a person reaps is also what they will sow (chapter 1:14-18).
The prophecies written in this book has three collections. First, it describes the
destruction of Judah and Jerusalem during the day of the Lord. Secondly, it details the calling for repentance and the last collection tells of the promise about God’s restoration as a humble remnant upon his return.The book of Habakkuk
Habakkuk is a term used to point a spicy herb named ‘Basil’ in layman’s term. At the same time that Jeremiah was prophesying, he also prophesied. The content talks about the prophet’s two complaints and how God responded. (Chapter 1:1-2:5). The five woes were also highlighted in chapter 2:6-20. The final chapter of the book speaks about the prayer of Habakkuk by which many scholars believed, it is prayer with somewhat musical notation giving thanks to God and celebrating for his intervention for Israel.
The book of Obadiah
Obadiah means ‘Servant of Yahweh.’ It tells how Obadiah was mad to the Edomites because of the bad treatment of
the tribe to the Judeans even though the two were related. Both Esau, the ancestor of the Edomites and Jacob were brothers. Conflicts were already intensified and Obadiah just thought of the statement- “The one who laughs last laughs the best.” He announced that the recovery of the strength of Judah by God will be the final destruction of Edom.The book of Haggai
The book contains two chapters only which usually talks about poor harvest and the unfinished temple. He says that effortless work or if they put no efforts in helping to build the new temple will not improve one’s life. He proclaimed that if they do not help then whatever the Jews do and whatever they offer, there will be defilement. The book also emphasized the glory and blessings of God after the temple is finished even when there is a risk.
The remaining books of the wiritngs are to be discussed in the net article- The Panoramic View of the Bible- Exilic and Post-Exilic Prophetic Writings 2.
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