The FaithBindsUs Top 8: Minor Prophets, Major Truths (Take the Quiz & See How You DO!)
Eight Voices. Eight Warnings. Eight Invitations to Return to God.
The Minor Prophets aren’t “minor” because their message is small. They are only called “minor” because their books are shorter. Yet their voices still cut through the noise of our modern world, calling us back to justice, mercy, repentance, humility, and faith. Here are eight prophets every believer should know, what they stood for, where they lived, why their messages mattered, and the one simple lesson we can still carry today.
1. Amos — The Voice of Justice
Location: Tekoa in Judah (southern kingdom)
Ministry to: Israel (northern kingdom)
Amos was a shepherd and fig farmer from Judah, sent north to confront Israel’s injustice.
Q: What did Amos confront in Israel?
Lesson: Stand for justice even when alone.
—Click This Link for Your Answer! —-
2. Hosea — The Voice of Relentless Love
Location: Northern Israel (likely near Samaria)
Ministry to: Israel (northern kingdom)
Hosea lived among the very people whose unfaithfulness his marriage symbolized.
Q: How did Hosea’s life illustrate God’s message?
Lesson: Love relentlessly, even when it hurts.
—Click This Link for Your Answer—
3. Joel — The Voice of the Spirit
Location: Jerusalem / Judah
Ministry to: Southern kingdom (Judah)
The book suggests Joel was deeply familiar with temple life, priests, and worship rhythms.
Q: What future event did Joel prophesy about?
Lesson: Expect God to move powerfully today.
—Click This Link for Your Answer—
4. Obadiah — The Voice Against Pride
Location: Judah
Ministry to: Judah, addressing Edom
Obadiah spoke against Edom’s treatment of Judah, showing he likely lived in Judah or Jerusalem.
Q: Why did Obadiah announce judgment on Edom?
Lesson: Pride destroys; humility protects the soul.
—Click This Link for Your Answer—
5. Jonah — The Voice That Ran
Location: Gath-hepher in Galilee (northern Israel)
Ministry to: Israel—but commissioned to Nineveh (Assyria)
Jonah came from a small town near Nazareth but famously ran from God’s mission.
Q: What happened when Jonah finally obeyed God?
Lesson: God pursues us even when we run.
—Click This Link for Your Answer—
6. Nahum — The Voice of Justice & Comfort
Location: Elkosh (location uncertain)
Ministry to: Judah
Nahum’s words reminded Judah that God sees the cruelty of nations and acts in His time.
Q: What message did Nahum bring about Nineveh?
Lesson: God’s justice always comes in time.
—Click This Link for Your Answer—
7. Habakkuk — The Voice That Wrestled
Location: Judah / Jerusalem
Ministry to: Southern kingdom during its decline
Habakkuk is one of the few prophets whose book is a conversation with God Himself.
Q: How did Habakkuk respond when he couldn’t understand God’s ways?
Lesson: Trust God even when you don’t understand.
—Click This Link for Your Answer—
8. Zephaniah — The Voice of Warning & Hope
Location: Jerusalem
Ministry to: Judah during Josiah’s reign
His words expose corruption but also shine with hope: God restores what we break.
Q: What two themes define Zephaniah’s message?
Lesson: Prepare your heart; the Lord restores.
—Click This Link for Your Answer—
Final Reflection
The Minor Prophets call us to major truths.
To justice.
To love.
To humility.
To repentance.
To hope.
To trust.
Their voices echo through time, not to condemn us, but to lead us back to the God who rescues, restores, and redeems.