Encountering the Old Testament, 3rd Edition
A Christian Survey
series: Encountering Biblical Studies
Chapter
33. Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah: God's Plan for the Nations
Chapter Intro Video
Chapter Objectives
- Summarize the basic content of the books of Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah
- Identify the major focus and themes of each book
Chapter Summary
- The prophet Obadiah focused on Edom’s judgment because of its violence against Judah.
- The book of Jonah describes how Jonah initially resisted God’s call to go to Nineveh, but how through a storm and a fish, God convinced him to go.
- The book of Jonah’s conclusion speaks of God’s deep care for people and his desire to extend grace to people everywhere who repent of their sin.
- Micah’s prophecy centered on the themes of social injustice, true worship, and false security.
- Micah prophesied that God’s King would be born in Bethlehem.
- Nahum includes three cycles that describe vengeance on Nineveh and compassion toward Judah.
- The book of Habakkuk reveals little about Habakkuk’s person or background.
- Habakkuk questioned God’s ways but determined to have faith no matter what.
- Zephaniah prophesied judgment against Judah and the nations but also predicted future blessing for the nations.
Study Questions
- What is the major theme of Obadiah? What had Edom done that the prophet considered so terrible?
- Summarize the story of Jonah. Identify the important spiritual lessons Jonah learned.
- Describe Micah’s background. How does his message parallel that of the prophet Amos? What did Micah have to say about the coming Messiah?
- Identify Nahum’s historical setting. What is the major theme of his book?
- Summarize Habakkuk’s dialogue with God in fifty words or less. What was Habakkuk’s basic complaint? How did he respond (at first and finally) to God’s answer?
- How did the apostle Paul use Habakkuk 2:4 in his letter to the Romans?
- Identify the key issues surrounding Zephaniah’s background. How did the prophet affirm God’s sovereignty over all nations?