I’m currently reading Fr. Richard Rohr’s latest book, The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage. In seminary, I took an inductive biblical studies course on the Minor Prophets. Biblical interpretation is a personal endeavor, and there is always more to see and learn. Please don’t take any of these surveys as conclusive, final, or ultimately correct opinions. They simply show a few of my insights in reading these books.

The prophetic books consistently emphasize God’s judgment against idolatry, injustice to the poor, and corruption, while also offering hope of restoration. Themes of repentance, divine justice, and God’s sovereignty appear throughout. Many prophets condemn reliance on political alliances or military power instead of God. The contrast between judgment and mercy is prevalent, with some books focusing solely on destruction (Nahum) and others highlighting God’s compassion (Jonah). Prophets call for covenant faithfulness, denounce social and religious corruption, and stress obedience. Ultimately, they point to a future renewal, whether through restored worship (Haggai) or the coming "Day of the Lord" (Malachi).

  • The Book of Hosea conveys God’s message to Israel, Ephraim, and Judah, urging them to repent and return to Him. While Judah is depicted as an example of faithfulness, Israel/Ephraim is condemned for economic oppression, reliance on political alliances instead of God, and idol worship. The pervasive metaphor of harlotry illustrates their unfaithfulness. However, hope remains—restoration and healing are possible through repentance, leading to renewed relationship with God. Written during the reigns of several kings, the book carries an atmosphere of grief, reflecting God’s anger, love, and longing for His people to truly know and follow Him.

  • The Book of Amos records the prophetic visions and messages of Amos, a herdsman and sycamore grower called by God to prophesy to Israel. Though he was not a prophet by lineage, he spoke against injustice, particularly the mistreatment of the poor. His prophecies were directed at Israel, Judah, and surrounding nations, primarily during the reigns of Uzziah and Jeroboam. The book is largely one of judgment, with little emphasis on repentance. Israel appears indifferent to Amos’s warnings, and God is depicted as prepared to punish them. Promises of restoration appear only at the book’s conclusion.

  • The Book of Jonah is marked by discord, particularly between Jonah’s resistance and God’s compassion. The text does not explicitly state its author, audience, or purpose. Jonah is portrayed as angry and reluctant, obeying God only out of compulsion rather than genuine willingness. A key theme is the contrast between Jonah’s judgmental attitude and God’s mercy, highlighted in comparisons such as Jonah’s prayer and Nineveh’s repentance, as well as the lesson of the plant in chapter 4. The book also contrasts disobedience bringing potential death to many, while obedience brings life, emphasizing God’s expansive compassion.

  • The Book of Nahum is a judgment oracle against Nineveh, declaring its inevitable destruction without any call to repentance or hope for divine mercy. While God once used Assyria to judge Israel, its time of affliction has ended, and Assyria itself will now face judgment. The book contrasts God’s wrath toward His enemies with His goodness toward His people. Nahum demonstrates knowledge of Nineveh’s military and religious structure, drawing comparisons to other fallen nations. The atmosphere is solemn and unyielding, emphasizing the finality of Nineveh’s downfall as divine justice for its oppression, idolatry, and violent conquests.

  • Item The Book of Habakkuk is a dialogue between the prophet and God, where Habakkuk cries out with deep questions about injustice and oppression, particularly regarding the success of the Chaldeans. The book highlights the guilt of relying on military power and idolatry for justice, condemning financial corruption, war-mongering, and false worship. God’s judgment is portrayed as a means of salvation. The text is largely poetic, shifting between Habakkuk’s pleas and God’s responses. The atmosphere is one of judgment, with little focus on restoration, though an assurance of eventual salvation is given through a vision revealed to the prophet.

  • The Book of Haggai emphasizes the importance of time, with precise dates marking prophetic messages and transitions. It calls for the rebuilding of the temple, linking Judah’s hardships to their neglect of God’s house. The prophet delivers messages to the leaders and people, urging obedience. God, repeatedly referred to as the "Lord of Hosts," promises restoration, blessings, and future glory. The book follows a clear timeline and progression, highlighting both fulfilled and future promises. The atmosphere is one of encouragement, as God ends judgment and inspires hope, ensuring that His presence and blessings will return to His people.

  • The Book of Malachi delivers a message of judgment and correction to Israel, particularly addressing the priests and those breaking the covenant. It condemns improper sacrifices, corruption in temple worship, divorce, and arrogance. Using contrasts, interrogations, and cause-and-effect reasoning, the book calls out sin while offering promises of restoration. Themes of sacrificial integrity, tithes, and covenant obedience are central. Though the atmosphere is critical, it also provides hope, emphasizing God’s justice and mercy. The book urges repentance and faithfulness, concluding with a future promise of renewal and the coming "Day of the Lord."

    Malachi: Book survey, detailed analysis of 3:16-4:6, interpretation of 3:16-18