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Minor Prophets : Historical Background
The prophets in the Old Testament were without question some of the most radical men for God.
Much of the OT is comprised of the writings of these men who we call prophets. The writings that are longer we call
major prophets and writings that are shorter we call minor prophets.
The definition of a ‘prophet’ according to the Hebrew term :
- Roeh - used 11 times, meaning ‘to see’ also called seer
- Chozeh - used 22 times, man with a vision from God
- Nabi - used over 300 times, meaning to announce or one who speaks for God.
A prophet was a person who spoke (and / or wrote) the words of God to the people. They were called men of God.
They spoke mostly to the needs of their own people, strongly renouncing sin.
Sometimes their messages carried predictive elements like the coming of the Messiah.
Sometimes their messages were conveyed through symbolic language.
By the time that the minor prophets wrote, the history of the Israelite had brought them through some very great
times, but also some very bad times.
After the Israelites had come to the promised land, the land was divided among various tribes. Then they went
through about 400 years of being ruled by judges.
Following this period, Saul, David and Solomon ruled as Kings for a period of 120 years (40 years each).
Immediately after the death of Solomon, the Kingdom divided into two rival kingdoms. It was during this period
that the minor prophets wrote, which was around 900BC - 400BC.
During this period Israel (Northern) and Judah (Southern) regions went through political instability and national
disgrace. Each minor prophet wrote concerning that time and the issues of that country.
Other Historical Nations Of That Time
1. Egypt
At the time of the establishment of the Jewish nation, Israel (1500BC), the world power was Egypt. They remained
powerful for hundreds of years.
2. Assyria
At the time of the division of the Jewish nation, Assyria was the world power. It was this nation which took Israel
(northern kingdom) into captivity in about 722 BC. Many of the minor prophets like Obadiah, Joel, Jonah, Hosea,
Amos, Micah, Nahum and Zephaniah did their preaching and writing during this time (Although Joel and Obadiah
are more difficult to date).
3. Babylon
The nation of Babylon conquered the Assyrians and became the next dominant world power. Habakkuk was written
during this period. The Babylonians conquered Judah (southern kingdom) and destroyed the temple around 586 BC.
4. Persia
The final nation which dominated the time of the OT was the nation of Persia. It was during this period that Haggai,
Zechariah and Malachi prophesied. During this time the Jewish captives were to return to their land, rebuild the
temple and prepare themselves for the next stage of God’s work among men - the coming of the Messiah 400 years
later.
God used these minor prophets to prepare the nation for the ultimate point in history through which we too are being
blessed!
Approximate Dates Of Minor Prophets
Assyrian Period
Obadiah ----- 850 BC
Joel ----- 830 BC
Jonah ----- 780 BC
Amos ----- 760 BC
Hosea ----- 750 BC
Micah ----- 730 BC
Babylonian Period
Zephaniah ----- 630 BC
Nahum ----- 620 BC
Habakkuk ----- 610 BC
Persian Period
Haggai ----- 520 BC
Zechariah ----- 520 BC
Malachi ----- 440 BC
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