Twelve Minor Prophets Trivia Quiz

Answer:

The Twelve Minor Prophets, also known as the "Twelve Prophets" or simply the "Minor Prophets", are a collection of twelve short prophetic books in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament.

Within the Tanakh, the Twelve Minor Prophets are presented together as a single book known as "The Twelve". This book forms the final section of the Nevi'im, the second of the three major divisions of the Tanakh. In the Christian Old Testament, the prophets appear in twelve separate books: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. In Eastern Orthodox Bibles the order is slightly different.

These prophets gave messages, warnings and prophecies to the people of Israel and Judah during different historical periods. They are thought to have been written between the 8th and 4th centuries BCE. The word "minor" does not imply lesser importance, but refers to the shorter length of these books compared to the longer prophetic books of Daniel, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The term "Minor Prophets" is attributed to St. Augustine, who distinguished the 12 shorter prophetic books and called them "prophetae minores".

However, this should not obscure the wide range of issues they address. One prophet is concerned with social injustice, another with idolatry. Some focus on the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel, others on the two-tribe kingdom of Judah, and still others on the enemies of God's people. Some stress the need for repentance, while others focus on God's promises of blessing. The methods of delivering the message, such as speeches, dialogues with God and visions, as well as the personalities and styles of the prophets, vary. Here's a brief overview:

Hosea focuses on God's enduring love despite Israel's unfaithfulness. He calls Israel to repentance, using his personal life as a metaphor for the nation's disobedience and emphasising the need to restore a faithful relationship with God.

Joel calls Judah to repentance and renewal by interpreting a drought as a sign of impending judgement, the approach of the Day of the Lord and the promise of the Holy Spirit.

Amos condemns social injustice and calls for justice among the people. Through biographical elements and visions, he highlights God's punishment for injustice and formalistic worship while a believing remnant will be blessed.

Obadiah prophesies an unyielding judgement against Edom, vengeance for Israel and the establishment of God's kingdom in Zion.

The story of Jonah is largely biographical. It revolves revolves around his reluctant mission to Nineveh and God's compassion.

Micah is concerned with social issues and advocates justice. He prophesies the future arrival of the Messiah from Bethlehem and God's instruction in "what is good".

Nahum predicts the fall of Nineveh, representing Assyria, and stresses the end of God's patience and the restoration of Israel's glory.

Habakkuk questions God's ways and finds comfort in trusting in His ultimate justice. Habakkuk engages in a dialogue with God, moving from questioning to believing and rejoicing, offering a unique perspective on the prophet's inner journey.

Zephaniah warns of the impending Day of the Lord, which will bring judgement upon the nations, Israel and Judah, focusing on the contrast between the present state of Jerusalem and future blessings.

Haggai admonishes returning Jews to resume work on the temple, offering encouragement through God's help and anticipating a glorious future.

Zechariah presents visions and messages about Jerusalem, God's people and the nations associated with Jerusalem, predicting the rejection of the Messiah by the Jews and the coming of the Messiah to establish the kingdom.

Malachi challenges the spiritual decline of Israel and anticipates the coming of Elijah before the Messiah. The last of the Old Testament prophets, Malachi addresses spiritually sad Jewish returnees through a dialogue with God, portraying the persistent questioning and presence of those who fear God in a difficult time.