Surrounded by military and political threats, the people of Israel were led into dangerous alliances and war. Survivors were subjected to steep taxation, exile, intermarriage, and more, and loyalty to God diminished. With the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem by the Babylonians, all faith seemed lost.
Enter the minor prophets, bringers of oracles, parables, and poems named “minor” not for their lack of significance but for the briefness of their texts. Like Jonah in the fish, they confess sin and foresee judgment but emerge from the darkness to tell of forgiveness, restoration, abundant blessings, and salvation. Like the Temple, which was rebuilt, the loyalty of the Lord will grow and prosper.
This title is part of the Liguori Catholic Bible Study. The study is a series of 21 books introducing each and every book of the Bible, providing insight into the Sacred Words of antiquity, and inviting us to discover the living Word and its impact on our daily lives. With narrative, study questions, reflections, keynotes, and prayer, your understanding of Scripture will be deepened with the introduction tot the spiritual practice of lectio divina.
William A. Anderson, DMin, PhD, is a presbyter of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston in West Virginia. This director of retreats and parish missions, professor, catechist, spiritual director, and former pastor has written extensively on pastoral, spiritual, and religious subjects. Father Anderson earned his doctor of ministry degree from St. Mary’s Seminary; University in Baltimore, and his doctorate in sacred theology from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.