UDIES MINOR PROPHETS ■H mm mm m mi ■■■'■■ ■■•■■■■ :'/■■' .•■•■•■■.■■:■,•..■ •' :: v: ' ;;: ' ; mm 111 Inductive Studies TWELVE MINOR PROPHETS. WILBERT W. WHITE. I wc y / CHICAGO : Young Men's Era Publishing Company, 1892. 3i S Copyright 1892. Youngr Men's Era Publishing Company. Chicago. CONTENTS. Introductory Statement , ... 4 Caution 6 Scheme for Book Study 7 Scheme for Chapter Study 9 Study by Torres 12 Sample Chapter Study 13 Naming Chapters 15 Charts IT Suggestions to Leaders op Groups for Study 25 Helps to theJStudy of the Minor Prophets 27 Hosea 29 1. Striking features of the book. 2. Facts noted in the chapters. 3. Names of the chapters. 4. Topics for study. 5. Suggestions. 6. Questions. Joel (treated under same headings as Hosea) 42 Amos (treated under same headings as Hosea) 48 Obadiah (treated under same headings as Hosea) ... 59 Jonah (treated under same headings as Hosea) 62 Micah (treated under same headings as Hosea) 67 Nahum (treated under same headings as Hosea) 74 Habakkuk. (treated under same headings as Hosea) 79 Zephaniah (treated under same headings as Hosea) S4 Haggai (treated under same headings as Hosea) B8 Zechariah (treated under same headings as Hosea) Malachi (treated under same headings.as Hosea)p. 107 INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT. This little book is the outcome of two ten day courses of Bible study at the Lake Geneva (Wisconsin) College Student Conferences of the summer of 1892. One hundred and six young men participated in the first course, which was followed immediately by the second, in which sixty-seven young women were en- rolled. The plan of study was as follows: To each member of the class was assigned a chapter to be studied. The results were reported in writ- ten form according to the scheme for chapter study, sample of which may be found on page 13. In addition to the study of a chapter by each to be reported before the class, one or more topics (vid. p. — ff.) were assigned each member. The studentswere advisedto use their Bibles chiefly, although various commentaries and histories were placed within the reach of all. Numerous diagrams and charts were used for the purpose of gaining a clearer view of the historic situation of each prophet studied. * It was found impossible to cover the ground in the time allotted. Before the close of the * Samples of charts are given on p. 19 ff. INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT. young men's conference the idea of gathering the results into book form was suggested. After some consideration this was finally de- cided upon, primarily for the purpose of put- ting into the possession of each student in the conferences the results of the work of all. From the written reports of the students the reports on chapters following have been wrought. A glance at the scheme for chapter study, sample of which appears on page 13, will show that only one feature of the work done at the conference is here introduced, viz: the facts of interest which were noted in the reading and study of the chapters. Among the objects of this publication are the following: 1. To assist students of the Bible in reading with profit these twelve books, thought by many to be void of interest. 2. To stimulate to further study those who already have given some attention to these books. 3. To be of assistance to groups of persons who may wish to pursue a study of the Minor Prophets. CAUTION. Those who desire to profit most by the use of the pages following, will, as soon as they understand the mode of procedure, undertake to read and study each book and chapter and to record the results of their own study before consulting the results here recorded. For ex- ample: After a somewhat careful reading of Joel, and noting of the striking features of the book, let the student compare his results with those found in this book. He should follow the same method in the study of each chapter. To study one of the twelve Minor Prophetic books in this way will be of more real value than to study them all, having in the case of each book and chapter first consulted the re- sult of the study of another. This latter is really not study at all. SCHEME FOR BOOK STUDY. * I. Preliminary. i 1. Purchase a good note-book which you will devote entirely to that book of the Bible which you propose to study. The most desir- able size is that measuring about nine and a half inches, by seven and a half inches. For a small booklikeoneofthe Minor Prophets, anote- book containing fifty to hundred pages will be large enough. For a large book like Jeremiah a note-book containing one hundred and fifty to two hundred and fifty pages should be ob- tained. For several books like Obadiah or Haggai, the same note-book properly indexed will suffice. For the ordinary student a book of two hundred pages will be sufficient for the twelve Minor Prophets. 2. Secure a copy of the Revised Bible which you will not hesitate to mark in any way which will help you to fix a fact in mind. The Min- ion 8 vo. is perhaps the best size. 77. Reading the book. I. Read the book through thoughtfully alone (aloud if possible) without interruption. It will require little more than half an hour * This is meant to be suggestive merely. O THE MINOR PROPHETS. to read the book of Hosea through. It is next to the largest of the Miner Prophets. 2. After reading the book through as sug- gested under I above, record your impression concerning the book as a whole. 3. If possible read the book through several times with pen in hand. Check striking pas- sages, also expressions not understood. It would be best perhaps to use a pencil in this work so that when the difficulty is removed the mark may be erased. Connect by straight lines parallel expressions found on the same page. Note in the margin any desired refer- ence. On a slip of paper make any note which may be too extended for insertion on the mar- gin of the Bible. 4. After this general reading of the book by which it is supposed you will secure a some- what comprehensive grasp of the situation and line of thought, you will be ready for a more detailed examination of the material. A method for this is suggested in the next chapter. SCHEME FOR CHAPTER STUDY. 1. Assuming that you have in hand a suita- ble note-book which has been assigned to the book of Hosea, you will first of all decide where your index shall be. Assign it either to the blank unnumbered page in the front of the book or to the last numbered page at the back of the book. Never use a note-book with pages unnumbered. At the top of the page assigned to index, write the word, INDEX. 2. As the book of Hosea contains fourteen chapters, it will be proper to reserve the first fourteen pages for these, assigning the first page to the first chapter, the second page to the second chapter, etc. 3. It might be well to reserve pages 15- 28 (an extra page for each chapter) for special notes on particular verses, and as a place for indexing any future accumulation of material on the chapters, e. g. A sermon is heard on Hosea i, 7, the outline of which you wish to preserve. On page 15 of your note-book in the space assigned to vs. 7 of chapter i, you can note on what page of the book or in what place the outline as preserved fay you may be found. The proper place for such an outline would be on one of the pages ( follow- 10 THE MINOR PROPHETS. ing the twenty-eighth) of this same note-book assigned to Hosea. 4. The pages following the twenty-eighth (so many as may be necessary) should be assigned to topics such as the following: (1) Authorship, (2) Date, (3) Historical situation, (4) Lan- guage and style of composition, (5) Religious condition of the times, (6) Character of the prophet, (7) The Messianic element in the book, (8) Outline, (9) Special features of the book, (10) Lessons from the book, (11) Helps, (a) examined, (b) to be examined. It might be well also to assign a page to each of the prominent persons mentioned in the book. The book may be studied from a theological standpoint using such topics as (1) God, (2) Man, (3) Sin, (4) Punishment, etc. To each one of these topics may be assigned space ac- cording to the judgment of the student. 5. Turning now to page 1 of your note- book (this being the page assigned to Chapter i , on the first line on the margin* at the left write, Name;| on the second line just below write, Text; beneath this word write, Literary Characteristics. Let the headings found be- low appear on the margin of each chapter page. Space each page as your judgment may dictate. The greatest amount of space will be required for 4 and 5; 1, 2, and 3 will not as a rule require more than one line each. 1. Name. (This should be of your own * Kuy a note-book with a marginal line if possible. If your note- book does not contain such a line you should draw one. t For suggestions concerning naming chapters see page 16. SCHEME FOR CHAPTER STUDY. 11 choosing, suggested by your own study and should be suggestive to you of the contents of the chapter. (On naming the chapters see page is-) 2. Text. (The text chosen should be marked in a special way in your Bible. It should be the one which you would choose were you allowed to retain but one verse from the chapter as your possession. 3. Literary Characteristics. ( Here write observations concerning the chapter as a piece of literature. Note two or three of the most striking figures of speech.) 4. Facts. (Five facts relating to the chap- ter should be here noted and numbered on the right side of the marginal line.) 5. Condensation. (Here write the thought of the chapter in your own language in the fewest words possible.) 6. Difficulties. (Let space be reserved at the right for answers.) 7. Remarks. (Here note anything about the chapter which may not properly belong under any of the other heads.) Remark. The bracketed words above are ex- planatory and of course should not appear in your note-book. 12 THE MINOR PROPHETS. STUDY BY TOPICS. While studying the chapters, various topics such as suggested under Scheme for Chapter Study, p. 10, may be kept in mind and the mate- rial classified as you proceed. It might be well to have sheets of paper for the first rough collection of material which you make. This may be revised and transferred to the note book. The aim should be (i) to collect all the material which a book furnishes on any given topic, and (2) to arrange the material. But as far as possible arrange material while collect- ing it. If you prefer to postpone the collection of material on topics until after your study of the book by chapters, you can then gather and classify on all the topics at once, or you can go through the book with one topic in mind each time. Determine for yourself which method you will follow. As a rule it is best to note a fact when it comes to you. In your chapter study, topics will suggest themselves. For each a sheet of paper may be taken and on it the material for each collected. SAMPLE CHAPTER STUDY. Amos I. Name. The Foreign Chapter. (Contrast with this the last chapter of the book which may be called the Davidic chapter.) Text. V. 2. "The Lord shall roar from Zion and utter His voice from Jerusalem." Literary Characteristics. This chapter is highly figurative. Note the fol- lowing: "The Lord shall roar," v. 2; "threshing," v. 3; "fire, "vs. 4, 7, 10, 12, 14. Striking Facts. 1. The statement in v. i, that the vision of A. was concerning Israel while the entire chapter is taken up with prophecies against foreign nations. 2. The first part of v. 2, which is the same as Joel iii 16, and is apparently used by A. as a text. N. B. Mention of roaring from Zion by A. who from the South. 3. The recurrence of the rhetorical expression, "Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions and for four." It is found five times in the chapter. 4. The specification of a particular sin in each of the charges against the nations. 5. The recurrence of the expressions (each being 14 THE MINOR PROPHETS. found five times): "send a fire ," and % Ht shall devoiTr the palaces thereof" Condensation. The words of Amos from the Lord concerning Israel: The Lord will appear and judge nations. O Israel, Syria, your enemy, will be destroyed for her sins. O Israel, Philistia, your enemy, will be destroyed for her sins. O Israel, Tyre, your enemy, will be destroyed for her sins O Israel, Edom, your enemy, will be destroyed for her sins. O Israel, Ammon, your enemy, will be destroyed for her sins. Difficulties. i. The meaning of v. 2. 2. Is the expression, "For three transgressions, yea for four," literal or figurative? 3. What is the reference in, 'brotherly cov- enant," v. 9? Remarks. 1. The expression, "I will not turn away the punishment thereof" suggests that punishment is the legitimate result of sin. 2. God is represented in this chapter as having control of nations. 4. There is an apparent climax in the order. Three nations not related by blood to Israel are first mentioned, then two which were related are men- tioned. NAMING CHAPTERS. * Some may regard this as novel and possibly puerile, but it. has been very helpful to some students in the way of securing a grasp of the content of the chapters. The process through which one passes in securing a name is the thing of greatest value. One, in order to con- clude upon a satisfactory name, must examine the chapter with considerable care. The aim should be to secure a name as concrete and specific as possible. There is objection to such names as, " The Judgment Chapter," "The Hopeless Chapter," and the like, inasmuch as they are too general and may be applied with equal appropriateness to many chapters. The object of a name should be kept clearly in mind. It is to enable one by the name to recall the content of the chapter. Oftentimes the name of a person or place or animal will sug- gest the verse in which it is found, which will suggest the paragraph, which in time will sug- gest the chapter, e. g. Gomer, Hosea i. ; * There has lately fallen into the hands of the writer a leaflet by the noted e^angelis* C H. Yatman entitled, "Chapters of Pure Gold." On it he gives names of one hundred or more chapters selected from the Bit^e as a whole, e. g. The Backsliders Chap- ter. Jer. iii ; Wife's Chapter, Prov. xxxi ; Shepherds Chapter, John x., etc. This leaflet may be secured by addressing Young Men's Era Publishing Co., 85 Fifth Ave., Chicago. 16 THE MINOR PROPHETS. Jacob, Hosea xii.; Gourd, Jonah iv.; Lion, Amos iii. Observe Caution page 6, in naming of chap- ters. As an illustration of the above suggestions, the names by which the writer is enabled to re- call the order and substance of the twelve chapters of Daniel are given as follows: I. The Pulse chapter. II. The Colossus chapter. III. The Image chapter. IV. The Tree chapter. V. The Feast chapter VI. The Den chapter. VII. The Four Beasts chapter. VIII. The Two Beasts chapter. IX. The Prayer chapter. X. The Apocalypse chapter. XI. The Antiochus Epiphanes chapter. XII. The Resurrection chapter. CHARTS. Below will be found samples of charts used at the Lake Geneva Conferences. Persons who were present will observe that a modified plan has been introduced in some of the diagrams. The old charts now in the hands of the students may be easily adapted to the new plan. It ap- pears to the writer at present that no scheme bet- ter than the semi-ellipse, with the perpendicular from the middle point of the diameter repre- senting the time of Christ, can be used for gain- ing a general view of history by comparison of dates. Each student should select a certain size of paper on which to make charts, and keeping a supply near him, should often seek to aid the mind through the eye in securing a grasp of the relations of times and events. A good size of paper for chart making is that se- cured by cutting a half sheet of note-paper twice transversely, making three slips of equal size. For those who wish as teachers to prepare charts for their classes it is suggested that large sheets of paper fastened together with narrow strips at one edge be used. Black cray- on may be secured at any art supply store and 18 THE MINOR PROPHETS. paper may be found at any printing office. Common wrapping sheets such as are used in a clothing store will serve the purpose. It is urged that students and teachers of the Bible seek to aid the mind by a legitimate appeal to the eye. SAMPLE CHARTS. CHART I. ' Abraham and MibHAriov . An £ MCA 4Htl iMfitlAAATfdfC^ 2000 * c. CHART II. CHARTS. 19 CHART III. / X* f \ CHART IV. CHART V. 20 THE M1NOK PROPHETS. CHART VI. ' S °oU c 10M CHART VII. *#£" CHARTS. 21 CHART VIII. " _.__- ^ S ^''"' \c § ^-'"^ ^ ^^y. | ^ ***. \* .-^£5 ^^^ ^^ N3. dlTAft CHART IX. 22 THE MINOR PROPHETS. CHART X. CHART XI. CHART XII. 97S PfiOPrt HOi£ A JttoaoAm ftOiHIA Saul HinoaoAM H£Z(#/AH Zt£>£M/AH togs \ ' 721 4s$y/t/AN C apt/ wry V 588 dAByLOH'AN (APnv/rfi CHAETS. 23 97S CHART XIII. S8b 70 y/fS. (APT/VtTy 6ot> 536 CHART XIV. /6/pr mnw 24 THE MINOR PROPHETS. CHART XVI. \\ Oaz^ * QkMAUt/S (See Amos i., and ii.) SUGGESTIONS TO LEADERS OF GROUPS. 1. Select one of the books on which to be- gin study. Perhaps Amos would be best, all things considered. 2, Have a preliminary meeting and a. Call attention to the following: (i) The schemes for book and chapter study. (2) Caution. (3) Charts. (4) Helps. b. Ask each member to read the book through as suggested in Scheme for Book Study. c. Assign to each member a chapter for study on which he will be asked to report according to Scheme for Chapter Study. Vid. Sample Chapter Report. (An ideal group would have nine members with a leader. In the study of Amos each member of such a group would have one chapter.) d. Assign to each member a topic for study. (See topics on Amos, page 55.) e. Announce plan for next meeting. It might be well to have part of the hour devoted to hearing chapter reports, and part to hearing reports on topics. Insist on reports being written, brief, and to the point. You will likely 26 THE MINOR PROPHETS. wish to spend about a month on the book of Amos. 3. General suggestions. a. Begin and close meetings on time. Do not on any account permit yourself to disregard this suggestion. Avoid much discussion. Be occupied with facts. Assign difficulties to members of the class for further study. c. Each group should have a secretary who should keep the roll, note assignments of work, etc. d. Have a definite plan for each meeting, and endeavor to work according to such plan. e. Tf you have not a full group and desire to secure one, ask your members each to invite another to the first regular meeting. In this way you may induce some to join you. f. Remember that the interest and profit of the first meeting, as well as of succeeding ones, will depend very largely upon your effort. " My observation has been that leaders make or break the classes," says one of the college secretaries. g. Give yourself to a season of special pray- er for assistance. Pray as though all depended on God; work as though all depended on your- self. HELPS IN THE STUDY OF THE MINOR PROPHETS. The student of the Bible will remember that his principal work should first be to gain fam- ilarity with the facts which the books them- selves contain. Commentaries are intended to aid one to an understanding of what is meant by what is said. One should first know what is said. Do not overuse helps. The follow- ing suggestions are offered on Helps in the Study of the Minor Prophets. The object is to suggest those most easily accessible. i. The best help of all is the Revised Ver- sion of the Bible. 2. Bible Dictionaries contain a vast amount of information in a condensed form. Smith's Bible Dictionary is standard. Consult also cyclopedias. 3. Each student should possess a concord- ance. The one bound up in your Bible will probably serve you sufficiently well. 4. The books of Kings and Chronicles should be studied for the history of the times in which the prophets lived. 5. Consult Old Testament histories for a knowledge of prophetic times. Rawlinson's Kings of Judah and Israel (in the Men of Bible 28 THE MINOR PROPHETS. series) is a good book to read. Geikie's Hours with the Bible is very good. Vol. iv. gives a good description of the times of Joel, Amos, Hosea, Micah, etc. One says : "If a student have the historical setting he has little need of a commentary. " 6. Any commentary on the Minor Prophets which may be at hand will be helpful. Among those which may be consulted with profit are Keil, Bible (Speaker's) Com., Cambridge Bible, Pusey, Lange, Henderson. 7. Any introduction to the books of the Old Testament may be consulted. There may be named Harman's, Davidson's, Driver's, Stearns', Price's. * * The Introductions by Price and Stearns are small and inexpen- sive. Evi ry student would do well to purchase both. That by Price is published by the Missouri S. S. Association, 27 Laclede Bldg., St. Louis, Mo., and costs 25 cents. That by Stearns is published by Silver, Burdett & Co. , 50 Bromfield street, Boston, and will cost about one dollar. In Steam's book a list of helps is sug- gested in connection with each of the books of the Old Testa- ment. HOSEA. Striki?ig Features: See Caution Page 6. 1. The connection between the message of the prophet and his domestic experience. 2. The figurative character of the language. Note especially the different figures by which Israel is characterized. 3. The condensed, broken character of the composition, and consequent difficulty of at- tempting to outline the thought. 4. The prominence given to Ephraim in the book. 5. The emphasis of the love of God in the book. 6. The proportion of the book given to de- scribing the moral condition of Israel. chapter 1. Striking Facts: See Caution Page 6. 1. That in v. 1 the names of four Kings of Judah occur which are mentioned in Isaiah i. I. Cf. also Mic. i. 1. 2. The strange command of God to the prophet, v. 2. 30 THE MINOR PROPHETS. 3. The significance of the names of the children, vs. 4, 6, 9. Cf. Isa. vii. 3; viii. 3, 16-18. 4. The fact that each name was given by God's direction, vs. 4, 6, 9. Accepting this chapter as a record of fact, the communications to Hosea extended over a considerable period of time. 5. The contrast between the statement in v. 6 (concerning Israel as over against Judah) and that in vs. 10 and 11; also the contrast in the two uses of the word Jezreel, the one in v. 4; and the other in v. 11. (cf. ii. 22.) CHAPTER 11. Striking Facts: See Caution Page 6. 1. The unity of the chapter, the figure of marriage running through it. 2. The sudden change of scene and address in v. 2. 3. The renewal of marriage relations be- tween the outraged husband and the unfaithful wife represented as to take place. Cf., and read Jer. iii., and Ezek. xvi., xxiii. 4. The relation between suffering and sin, and that between well doing and prosperity as emphasized in vs. 6, 8, 9, 12, 18, 21, 22. 5. The wonderful love of God as here man- ifested toward Israel. HOSEA. 31 CHAPTER III. Striking Facts: See Caution, page 6, 1. The manifest connection between this chapter and chapter i. 2. The difficulty in determining this con- nection. 3. The force of the figure whatever the in- terpretation of the story. 4. The fulfillment of the prophecy in v. 4. 5. The wonderful faithfulness and love of God manifested in the declaration of v. 5. Striking Facts : CHAPTER IV See Caution, page 6\ i» The fearful moral corruption described, vs. 1, 2, 11-19. 2. The rapid changes in person in vs. 4-8, necessitating great care in order to understand the meaning. 3. The suffering of nature with man on ac- count of his sin, v. 3; cf. many passages, espec. Jer. xii. 4; Isa. xxiv. 3-6; also Isa. xi. 6-9, for contrasted condition. 4. The presence of two passages frequently used, one of which is often misquoted and mis- applied, (a) "Like people, like priest," v. 9. (b) "Ephraim is joined to idols; let him alone, ' v. 17. 32 THE MINOR PROPHETS. 5. Advice to Judah to take warning and not follow in the footsteps of Israel, v. 15. CHAPTER V. Striking Facts: See Caution, page 6. 1. The personal arraignment of the priests and princes as the cause of apostacy, v. 1. 2. The contrast between expressions in vs. 3,4. "I know Ephraim;" "They know not the Lord." 3. The power of habit as stated in v. 4. Cf. vii. 2. and Rom. vi. 16. 4. There comes a time when the wicked shall seek God and find Him not, v. 6. 5. The remedial character of the judgments sent as shown in v. 15. CHAPTER VI. Striking Facts: See Caution, page 6. 1. Announcement of speedy restoration and healing, and the strikingly beautiful language in which it is given, vs. 1-3. 2. The ephemeral character of the repent- ance described in beautiful figure, v. 4. 3. The relation between sin and suffering shown in vs. 5, II. Cf. figure of Sowing in New Testament. 4. The spiritual character of the Old Testa- HO^EA. 33 ment ritual emphasized in v. 6. (cf. Isa. i. n-20; Mic. vi. 6-8.) 5. The contrast between God's high require- ments and Israel's conduct, vs. 6-10. CHAPTER VII. Striking Facts: See Caution, page 6. 1. The pity and longsuffering of God mani- fested in his treatment of Israel, vs. I, 10, 13, 2. The connection between sin and suffer- ing, vs. 2, 9, 13, 16. 3. The depth of sin in which the nation had plunged, vs. 2, 3, 4-7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16. 4. The use of the figure of the oven, vs. 4-7. 5. Other figures by which the people char- acterized, v. 8, "cake not turned;" v. 1 1, "silly dove;" v. 16, "deceitful bow." CHAPTER VIII. Striking Facts: See Caution, page 6. 1. The cry of Israel in the time of danger, v. 2. 2. The emphasis given in several places in the chapter of the relation between sin and suffering. 3. The emphatic and specific denunciation of idolatry. 34 THE MINOR PROPHETS. 4. The figures of a castaway vessel and wild ass in vs. 8, 9. 5. The statement that for their sin Israel should return to Egypt, v. 13. Query: Does this announce a literal return, or is the language figurative? cf. chaps, ix. 3,6; xi. 1, 5, 11. CHAPTER IX. Striking Facts: See Caution, page 6. 1. The mention of Egypt with Assyria, v.3, as a country to which the Israelites w T ould go. Query: Were they to go by force, or were they to flee there? cf. v. 6. 2. The reference, v. 9, to the days of Gib- eah. For account of incident alluded to, vid. Judges xix-xxi. 3. The figures, v. 10, by which God described His first love for Israel. 4. The emphasis, vs. 11-16, of the judgment upon the children. Query: Is there any connection between this and the incestuous worship practiced by the people? 5. The prophet identifying himself with God and His cause, vs. 14-17. chapter x. Striking Facts: See Caution, page 6. I. The figure of v. 1, and the emphasis, in HOSEA. 85 connection with its use, of the fact that the more God blessed Israel the more wicked His people became. 2. The striking figures of speech, e. g. vs. 4, 7> ll - 5. The presence in v. 8 of language supposed by many to have been uttered first by the author of the book of Revelation. 4. The second reference by Hosea to Gib- eah. Cf. ix, 9. 5. The striking appeal of v. 12 together with the figure in which it is uttered. CHAPTER XI. S ft iking Facts: See Caution, page 6. 1. Renewed reference (this is the third, cf. ix. io; x. I.) to the early history of Israel and God's former care of the nation. 2. The contrast between the love of God and the ingratitude of the Israelites as brought out in vs. i, 2. 3. The sudden change of person in v.3 (vid. margin of R.V.). "To be accounted for from the fact that the prophet could very easily pass from speaking in the name of God to speaking of God, Himself." Del. 4. The light which v. 5 in connection with v. 1 throws on the other passages of the book; vid. viii. 13; ix. 3, 6, which speak of Israel's return to Egypt. 5. The very striking language of love in vs. 36 THE MINOR PROPHETS. 8, 9, together with the announcement that at last God will call to His people who will return to Him, vs. io, ii. Note in this connection the mixture of figure in the last two verses of the chapter. chapter xii. Striking Facts: See Caution, page 6. 1. The reference, v. i, to and condemnation of treaty making with Assyria and Egypt. 2. The announcement, v. 2, of God's judg- ment upon Judah as well as upon the North country. Cf. other references to Judah in the prophecy of Hosea, the burden of whose mes- sage is concerning Israel. 3. The reference, vs, 3-6, to Jacob prevailing with God in prayer. This was suggested to Israel as an example for imitation. Note the connection between vs. 5 and 6. 4. The contrast between Ephraim and God in vs. 8, 9. Ephraim is represented as claiming all the honor of position and possession. God says He is and has been the source of all power and riches. 5. The reference to Jacob's experience to show Ephraim that he owed all to God, who had raised him from a lowly condition and had all along cared for him and used every means, v. 10, to reclaim him from sin. In spite ot all, Ephraim refused to obey and must conse- quently suffer. HOSE A. 37 CHAPTER XIII. Striking Facts: See Caution, page 6. 1. The reference, v. i, to Ephraim exalting himself and revolting. Vid. foot note page — . 2. The striking expression, "he died,' 1 v. I, i e. he sealed his doom. This suggests Gen. ii. 17; Prov. ix. 18; 1 Tim. v. 6. 3. The ironical description of the strange perversion of Ephraim in worshiping his own workmanship, v. 2,* and the figurative descrip- tion of the consequence, v. 3. 4. The danger of men in prosperity forget- ting God and the result, vs. 6-9. Note here also the figures used. Those of vs. 7, 8, follow that of a flock, v. 6. 5. The source of the language, in v. 14 with that of Isa. xxv, 8, used by Paul in 1 Cor. xv. 55- CHAPTER XIV. Striking Facts: See Caution, page 6. 1. The promising, hopeful character of this chapter as a whole. 2. The mention of Egypt, Assyria and Idolatry as abandoned when the people return to God, v. 3. 3 The never-failing love of God in receiv- *It is not probable that human sacrificing is here referred to. If the reference is to the sacrificing of human beings, the contrast is Tery strong. They slay men and worship calves. 38 THE MINOR PROPHETS. ing back the penitent however wicked he majr have been, v. 4 ff. 4. The beauty of the description of restora- tion in vs. 4-7, in contrast with the descriptions of destruction in former chapters, e. g. v. 12; xiii. 7, 8; xiii. 15. In connection with this description of the future it should be noted that Ephraim means fruitful, cf. xiii. 15, and Gen. xlix. 22-26. 5. The conclusion of the prophecy, v. 9, and the occurrence of the word just for the first time in Hosea. NAMES OF CHAPTERS. See Caution Page 6. I. Gomer chapter. II. Betrothal chapter. III. Separation chapter. IV. Whoredom-wine chapter. V. Withdrawal chapter (vid. vs. 6, 15.) VI. Third day chapter. VII. Oven chapter. VIII. Law chapter. (" My Law" occurs twice.) IX. Gibeah chapter. X. Plow chapter. XL Out of Egypt chapter. * XII. Jacob chapter. XIII. Calf chapter. XIV. Lebanon chapter. * Connect by a straight line the first verse and the last of the eleventh chapter in each of which is found this expression HOSEA. TOPICS FOR STUDY. 89 1. Striking features of the book. 2. Outline. 3. Language and style of Hosea, 4. Figures of speech in Hosea. 5. Hosea's domestic relations. Other proph- ets whose domestic relations figured in connec- tion with their work. 6. Moral and religious condition of Hosea's time. 7. The political situation in the time of Hosea. 8. The relation of Israel (the North) and Judah (the South) as presented by Hosea. 9. The prominence given Ephraim in Hosea. 10. The references to Egypt in Hosea. 11. The relation of sin and punishment as presented by Hosea. 12. The character of God as presented by Hosea. 13. The five best texts in Hosea. 14. The Messianic element in Hosea. 15. The substance of the book in one hundred words. SUGGESTIONS. 1. Collect the figures by which Ephraim is characterized, e. g %y Harlot, iv. 15; Stubborn heifer, iv. 16, etc. 2. Note the references in the book to the sin of foreign alliances. Gather out all the refer- ences to Egypt and Assyria and study them. 40 THE MINOR PROPHETS. 3. Make a list of the passages in I^osea which teach that sin is the cause of suffering; also those which indicate that the kind of suffering is determined by the sin. 4. Connect Go of i. 2, and Go of iii. 1, by a straight line. 5. Connect by a straight line Whoredom and wine, iv. II, and drink and whoredom, iv. 18. 6. Connect my law, viii. 2, and my law viii. 12. 7. Underscore with double lines the verse which you select from each chapter. 8. Connect by straight lines strikingly simi- lar expressions and make brief notes of ex- planation in the margin. QUESTIONS. 1. How many chapters does the book of Hosea contain? 2. What other Minor Prophet has the same number? 3. Why is Hosea found first in order of the Minor Prophets? 4. With what two prophets was Hosea con- temporary? 5. How many times is the name Ephraim found in the book? 6. Account for the frequency of the use of this name. 7. Note the relationship of Joseph, Joshua, and Jeroboam to Ephraim. 8. Name the different figures by which Ephraim is characterized in the book ROSEA. 41 g. Do you know of any literature more florid in style than the book of Hosea? 10. What attribute of God is most promi- nently set forth in the book of Hosea? 42 THE MINOK PKOPHETS. JOEL. Striking Features: 1. The limited amount of information which is given concerning the prophet himself. 2. The graphic style. 3. The pure, classic language. 4. The description of an army in such a man- ner as to cause great difference of opinion as to the interpretation, some maintaining that a real army of men is described, and others claiming that a succession of locust invasions is referred to. 5. The presence of the well known passage concerning the out-pouring of the Spirit which was quoted by Peter on the day of Pentecost. 6. The emphasis given to the salvation of God's own people in contrast with the an- nouncement of sure destruction of all their en- emies. chapter 1. Striking Facts : 1. The brevity of the introduction to the prophetic message, v. 1. 2. The exceptional character of the judgment announced, as indicated by vs. 2-4. JOEL. 43 3. The urgency of the prophet in view of the judgment announced. Vid. vs. 5, 8, 11,13, 14. Note the graphic character of the chapter throughout. 4. The call to worship, v. 14, evidently meant as a means of removal of judgment. 5. The direct appeal of the prophet to God, v. 19, and the nature of the appeal, especially in that the suffering of beasts is mentioned in connection with that of man in consequence of sin, v. 20. CHAPTER II. Striking Facts : 1. The expression " Blow ye the trumpet in Zion," found twice in the chapter, vs. 1, 15, and the difference in the contexts of the two verses. 2. The very graphic description of the on- coming army, vs. 3-1 1. 3. The merciful character of God as pre- sented in vs. 13, 14, and his readiness to remove affliction as soon as the necessary conditions are complied with, as seen in vs. 18-27. Note in connection with this the bearing of v. 25 on the interpretation of the book as a whole. Remark. Probably the best explanation of v. 14 is that the Hebrew phrase does not express doubt, but rather affirmation connected with desire, as if w r e were to say: Surely he will return, etc. 4. The general summons of the people to 44 THE MIJSOR PROPHETS. repentance, v. 16, and the peculiar argument suggested for the intercession, v. 17. This touched the honor of God rather than the pitiful condition of the people. Cf. argument of Moses in his intercession for Israel. 5. The presence of the well-known passage quoted by Peter on the day of Pentecost, vs. 28-32. Note in connection with this passage the connection between God's blessing of His own people and His judgment on His enemies. CHAPTER III. Striki?ig Facts: 1. The reference to the time, v. I, and the description given of the summoning of the nations to judgment, together with the reason assigned, vs. 2-8. 2. Reference to the slave trade, v. 3, and mention of the Grecians, v. 6, together with the relation between the sins mentioned, vs. 2, 3, 5, 6, and the punishment announced, vs. 4, 7, 8. 3. The correspondences between parts of this chapter and certain verses in Amos: a. The presence of the text of Amos, i. 2, in Joel iii. 16. b. The figure in v. 18 corresponding to that in Amos ix. 13. c. The reference to Edom's sin, v. 19, which is found also in Amos i. II. 4. The contrast in the chapter between the judgment on nations which were God's enemies, and the assurance of permanence and prosperity of God's own people, Israel. JOEL. 45 5. The very graphic character of the call to nations to come to the valley of decision, together with the description of the gathering, especially in vs. 9-14. Note in this connection the reversal in v. 10 of the figure found in Isa. ii. 4, and Mic. iv. 3. NAMES OF CHAPTERS. I. The locust-drouth chapter. II. The repentance-blessing chapter. III. The valley of decision chapter. TOPICS FOR STUDY. 1. Striking features ot the book. 2. Outline. 3. Methods of interpretation. 4. Arguments in favorof literal interpretation. 5. Arguments in favor of allegorical inter- pretation. 6. The political situation in Joel's time. 7. The religious situation in Joel's time. 8. Arguments favoring early date of the book. 9. Arguments favoring late date of the book. 10. Language and style of Joel. 11. The imagery of Joel. 12. The drought described. 13. The locust scourge described. 14. The Messianic element in Joel. 15. Joel and other prophetic material. 16. Joel and the book of Revelation. 17. "The day of the Lord" in Joel. 18. "The Northerner." 46 THE MINOR PROPHETS. ig. "The valley of decision. " 20. The thought of the book in the fewest words possible. 21. The most graphic passage in Joel — A select reading. 22. The- verse in Joel which you consider the best — a memorized quotation. SUGGESTIONS. 1. Connect by straight lines in chap. I, the expressions, " Hear this" v. 2, "Tell ye" v. 3, u Awake ye" v. 5, "Lament" v. 8, " Be ashamed" v. 11, " Gird yourselves" v. 13, etc. 2. Read the first chapter and attempt to catch the spirit of urgency which the prophet evidently felt. 3. Connect by line, " Blow the trumpet" found twice in chapter ii. 4. Connect by line, " 0, Lord, to thee do I cry" i. 19, and "Spare thy people, } Lord" ii. 17. 5. Connect by line, "Northern" ii. 20, and " My great army y ii. 25. 6. Connect by lines, " The valley of Jehosha- phat" iii. 2, 12, and " Valley of decision" v. i$i 7. Note the bearing of " My great army" m ii. 25, on the interpretation of the book as a whole. Does this favor allegorical or literal interpretation? 8. In the margin by iii. 15, write, Text of ,Amos, see Amos i. 2. 9. In the margin by iii. 18, write, see Amos ix. 13. JOEL. 47 10. Connect by straight line, Edom, iii. 19, and Edorn, Amos i. II. 11. Write the outline of Joel upon which you may decide, in the space at the opening of the book. 12. Read up on locusts and study the second chapter in the light of your investigation. QUESTIONS. 1. How many chapters in the book? What other books of the Minor Prophets have the same number? 2. What appears to be the sin of the people for which calamity is to come upon them? 3. What are the judgments announced? 4. Do you accept the literal or the alle- gorical interpretation of the book? Why? 5. Who quoted the book of Joel on an im- portant occasion? Give the quotation from memory. 6. What is meant by "the valley of Jehosh- aphat?" 7. In what other places in the Bible is lan- guage very similar to that found in the former part of iii. 10? 8. What is the force of the figure in iii. 18? 9. Why are Egypt and Edom mentioned in iii. 19? 10. What in Joel has been helpful to you practically and in a spiritual way? 48 THE MINOR PROPHETS. AMOS. Strikijig Features: i The artful manner in which the prophe- cies against nations are introduced. 2. The series of visions in chapters vii.-ix. 3. The unity of plan governing the arrange- ment of the book. 4. The concrete, specific character of the prophecies. 5. The announcement in chapter ix. of the restoration of the dilapidated booth of David in contrast with the declarations of destruction of palaces, etc., which pervade the book. 6. The purity of the language, and the classical and refined style of Amos, in general, in view of his occupation and training. chapter 1. Striking Facts: 1. The specific time to which the prophecy is referred, v. I. 2. The apparent use of Joel iii. 16, as a text, V. 2. 3. The statement in v. 1, that the prophecy was concerning Israel, while thirteen of the AMOS. 49 fifteen verses of the chapter relate to foreign nations. Query: Why are these foreign prophecies introduced here? 4. The recurrence of certain expressions: a. "For three transgressions . . . yea, for four" (five times), b. "I will send afire" (five times). c. "It shall devour the palaces" (five times). d. "Saith the Lord'" (eight times). 5. The mention of a specific sin in each charge against the nations, vs. 3, 6, 9, 11, 13. Query: Do not the references to Edom in vs. 6, 9, 11, have an important bearing on the question to the date of the book of Obadiah? CHAPTER 11. Striking Facts: 1 . The continuance of the prophecies against nations (with the recurring expression as found in chapter i.), which conclude with a prophecy concerning Israel, the people to whom Amos was sent. Ronark. These eight nations mentioned ap- pear to be arranged in climacteric order. The first three were strictly foreign; the next three were related by blood; Judah was nearest of all to Israel. 2. The specific character of the prophet's charges, vid. espec. vs. 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12. 3. The reference to God's goodness in the 50 THE MINOR PROPHETS. past, vs. 9, io, ii, in contrast with the present sinfulness of His people. 4. The reflection of the former life of Amos in the figure used in v. 13, together with the force of the figure indicating the longsuffering of God. 5. The impossibility of escape of those who had thus at last compelled God to visit them in judgment, vs. 14-16. CHAPTER III. Striking Facts: 1. The emphasis in v. 1 of the fact that Israel was especially favored by God, con- nected with the announcement in v. 2, that on that very account God would punish them. 2. The difficulty of understanding the mean- ing of vs. 3-8. Query: Are these seven questions parallel and used to emphasize the relation of cause and effect, leading up to vs. 7 and 8, or what is their force? 3. The call to heathen nations, v. 9, to take their stand about Samaria and be astonished at the wickedness found therein, cf. v. 13. 4. The force of the figure in v. 12, indicating the insignificant remnant that would survive the punishment to be visited for sin. 5. The presence of the word palaces or its equivalent in vs. 9, 10, 12, and the expressions, winter house, summer house and houses of ivory. AMOS. 51 v. 15. Cf. references to palaces in chapters i.; and ii. Query: Did Amos have an especial aversion to palaces and luxury? CHAPTER IV. Striki?ig Facts: 1 . The strong figure in v. 1 , sustained through v. 3, and the solemn oath used, v. 2, in declar- ing God's judgment on these wicked women. 2. The formality and magnificence of the worship of the times connected with great moral degradation as indicated by the ironical language of vs. 4 and 5. 3. The longsuffering of God as indicated by His repeated efforts to lead His people back to Him by correction, vs. 6, 7, 9, 10, 11. 4. The incorrigibleness of the people of Israel and the consequent challenge given by God, v. 12, to His enemies to meet Him as He comes in judgment. 5. The character of God as the omnipotent, omniscient Creator, v. 13. chapter v, Striking Facts: 1. The presence in v. 1 of the expression, "Hear ye this word," which stands also at the head of chapters iii. and iv. 2. The recurrence of, "Seek the Lord," or its equivalent, four times, and the result of fol- 52 the mi!nor prophets. lowing this advice as contrasted with seeking after false gods and their worship. 3. The references to a remnant in vs. 3 and 4. The emphasis of the necessity of right living as over against formal worship, cf. v. 14, and vs. 21-24. 5. The definite character of the prediction in v. 27 CHAPTER VI. Striking Facts: 1. The emphasis of the fact that Israel was the chief of the nations, v. I, and the force of the comparison with other nations, v. 2. Query: In what sense was this true? 2. The graphic description of luxury in vs. 4-6. 3. The solemnity of the oath, v. 8. 4. The severity of the coming judgment as indicated by the announcement that extreme and unusual measures would be taken to dis- pose of the dead, v. 10. 5. The force of the figures in v. 12 indicat- ing the impossibility of escaping the legitimate result of sin, together with the specific nature of the prophecy concerning the nature of the coming judgment. Cf. v. 7 and v. 14. CHAPTER VII. Striking Facts: 1. The three visions, in the first two of AMOS. 53 which the prophet is represented as interceding for the people, and God is represented as hear- ing the prophet and repenting of the evil, vs. 1-6. 2. The fact that in the third vision there is no intercession on the part of the prophet, but instead the announcement by God that He will avert judgment no longer, v. 8 b. The visions appear to be in climacteric order. Cf. the vis- ions in chapters viii., ix. 3. The definite prediction concerning the house of Jeroboam II., v. 9. 4. The answer of Amos to Amaziah's con- temptuous order to the prophet to return to his own land and prophecy, vs. '14, 15. 5. The boldness of Amos in prophesying concerning the King, v. 9, and in answering the priest, v. 17, together with the specific char- acter of the word of Amos against Amaziah, v. 17. CHAPTER VIII. Striking Facts: 2. The advance of the vision of summer fruit on that of the plumbline. In that judg- ment was represented as certain; here it is rep- resented as imminent. 2. The rotten spots of the fruit as pointed out in vs. 4-6. 3. The solemn announcement of dire judg- ment on the people for their works, vs. 7-10. 4. The announcement of a cessation of 54 THE MINOR PROPHETS. prophecy, vs. n, 12, on account of the utter rejection of God's word. 5. The hopelessness and helplessness of the coming time of suffering — false gods cannot save, vs. 13, 14. CHAPTER IX. Striking Facts: 1. The appearance of the Lord Himself in this last vision, (cf. Visions of Locusts, Fire, Plumbline, and Basket of Fruit, in chapters vii., viii.) These visions seem to be climacterically arranged. 2. The emphasis given to the fact that God's enemies cannot possibly escape from Him, together with the figures used in setting this forth, vs. 2, 3. 3. The beauty and majesty of the chapter as a whole, especially in view of the fact that it was spoken by Amos, the herdman of Tekoa. 4. The promise, even after such sweeping language as that found in vs. 1-4, that a rem- nant would be saved, and that not a single grain of wheat should be lost in the sifting to which God was about to subject His people among the nations. Query: Is this sifting now going on? 5. The prophecy of blessing through David's house, beginning v. 9, which closes up this book of Amos, whose burden has been punisliment. AMOS. 00 NAMES OF CHAPTERS. I. The foreign chapter. II. The cart chapter. III. The lion chapter. IV. The kine chapter. V. The seek chapter. VI. The oxen chapter. VII. The locust chapter. VIII. The basket chapter. IX. The Davidic chapter. TOPICS FOR STUDY. 1. Striking features of the book. 2. Outline of the book. 3. Language and style of Amos. 4. Personal history of Amos. 5. Character of Amos. 6. Religious and moral condition of the times. 7. The political situation at home. 8. The political situation abroad. 9. "Uzziah, king of Judah." 10. " Jeroboam, the son of Joash." 11. Tekoa. 12. Moab and Ammon. 13. Edom. 14. Relation of the books of Joel and Amos. 15. The foreign prophecies in Amos. Cf. for- eign prophecies in other books. 16. The adaptation of Amos to the work as- signed him. 56 THE MINOR PROPHETS. 1 7. Mention characteristics of Amos worthy of imitation by preachers of today. 18. The Instrument of Israel's punishment in Amos. 19. The "Remnant" in Amos. 20. References in Amos to the Southland. 21. Expressions in the book reflecting occu- pation and education of Amos. 22. Give explanation of chapter iii. 1-8. 23. Give setting of the words, "Prepare to meet thy God, Israel" 24. Vision of locusts. 25. Vision of fire. 26. Vision of plumbline. 27. Vision of basket of fruit. 28. Vision of broken altar. 29. James quoting from the book of Amos (See book of Acts). 30. Story of the priest's interference with Amos. 31. Give the substance of the book in one hundred words; in ten words. 32. Give the five best texts in the book. 33. Quote three verses from the book each of which closes with the expression, "The Lord is his name." (Give chapter, verse, and context.) 34. The Messianic element in Amos. SUGGESTIONS. 1. Make two or three charts with the pur- pose of locating the reign of Jeroboam II. 2. Make a chart showing the relation in time of Jeroboam II. and Uzziah. AMOS. 57 3. Make a chart bringing out the relation in time between Isaiah and Amos. 4. Connect by a straight line the words, " Is- rael" i. I, and ii. 6. 5. Connect the following words in chap, i., ii,: "Damascus" L 3; " Gaza" i. 6; " Tyre" i. 9; "Edom" \.u\ "Amnion" i. 13; " Moab" ii. 1; "Judah" ii. 4; " Israel" ii. 6. * 6. Note the expression in connection with each of the above names. 7. Connect (with a different colored mark if possible) the places where the expression, " de- vour the palaces" occurs in chaps, i., ii. 8. Go through the book and note the fre- quent reference to palaces and great houses and contrast the emphasis of their destruction with the prominence given to the prophecy in chap. ix. concerning the elevation of the tent of David 9. Underscore with a double line the verse in each chapter which, taking all things into ac- count, you consider the best. Heed this sug- gestion in chapters in succeeding books. 10. Connect the expressions, "the Lord shall roar" i. 2; "Will a lion roar" iii. 4; and "The lion hath roared" iii. 8. 11. Connect " Hear ye" found at the opening of three chapters.* 12. Connect the expression "yet have ye not returned" found five times in one of the chap- ters. * When it is de8ired to connect two expressions on different sides of the same leaf, run the line to the edge on the one side, and from the edge on the othe** side. Put arrow points on the ends toward the edge. 58 THE MINOli PROPHETS. 13. Connect the word "seek" found several times in chapter v. 14. Connect the following words in chapters vii., viii., ix.: "locusts" vii. 1; "fire" vii. 4; " plumbli?ie" vii. 7; "basket" viii. 1; "altar" ix. 1. QUESTIONS. 1. What other Minor Prophet refers to the earthquake in Uzziah's reign? 2. In what other (M. P.) book is the former part of i. 2 found? 3. Name in order given, and locate the coun- tries against which Amos spoke (chaps, i., ii.). 4. Show how Amos was specially adapted to the condemnation of the luxury of his times. 5. What is the usual interpretation, given to iii. 3? Is it correct? 6. How may the language of iv. 4, 5, be char- acterized? 7. Is the Assyrian Captivity anywhere re- ferred to in Amos? 8. Name the visions of chaps, vii.-ix. in or- der. 9. Name all the figures of speech found in the book which reflect the education and occu- pation of the prophet. 10. What would you give as a summary of the religious teaching of the book of Amos? OBADIAH. Striki?ig Features: 1. It is the shortest book in the Old Testa- ment. 2. Its prophecy is concerning a foreign na- tion. 3. Its author is unknown. . 4. Its date cannot be definitely determined. 5. Small as is this book it is not without a definite announcement of salvation through and for the Jews. 6. The recurrence of the name Esau, and the expression, " mount of Esau." Note how this contrasts with Mount Zion. Striking Facts: 1. The figures of speech in the chapter, c. g. y eagle, v. 4; thieves and grape gatherers, v. 5; fire, flame, stubble, v. 18. 2. The Edomites were to be utterly destroyed. 3. The causes of the destruction were: a. Pride. b. Violence to brother Jacob. 4. The contrast between the mount of Esau and Mount Zion. The mount of Esau was to be possessed by strangers; Mount Zion was to 60 THE MINOR PROPHETS. be exalted and would become the refuge of God's people. 5. The emphasis of the principle that nations shall reap as they sow, vs. 15, 16. NAME OF THE CHAPTER. I. The Edom chapter. TOPICS FOR STUDZ. 1. Striking features of the book. 2. Obadiah and # other prophetic material, es- pecially, Jer. xlix. 3. Theme and outline of the book. 4. Different invasions to which the prophecy has been referred. 5. Summary of arguments in favor of assign- ing the prophecy to Jehoram's time. 6. Summary of arguments in favor of assign- ing the prophecy to the time of the Chaldean Captivity. 7. Edom — History and relationship to Judah. 8. Recite from memory vs. 3, 4; also v. 21. 9. Give the thought of the book in ten words. 10. The Messianic element in Obadiah. SUGGESTIONS. 1. Read history of Edom in encyclopedia or Bible dictionary. 2. Read history of Esau in Genesis. OBADIAH. 61 3. Locate the land of Edom and learn what you can about its extent and topography. 4. Connect Amos ix. 2, and Obad. 4. 5. Connect the places where Esau and Edom are used in the prophecy. 6. Compare what Amos, Joel and Obadiah say about Edom. 7. Compare Obadiah arfd Psalm cxxxvii. QUESTIONS, 1. What is known of Obadiah? 2. To what different times has the prophecy been assigned? 3. What is the sin for which Edom is con- demned? 4. What was the relationship between Edom and Israel? 5. What two mountains are strikingly con- trasted in this prophecy? 6. What Psalms refer to Edom? 7. In what Minor Prophet is to be found v. 17? 8. Why does Edom figure so prominently in the prophetic literature? 9. What kings of Israel had difficulty with Edom? 10. Give account of Moses' experience with Edom. 62 THE MINOR PROPHETS. JONAH. Striking Features: 1. The seeming excess of narrative in a book classed as prophetic. 2. The absence of figures of speech. 3. The apparent superabundance of the mir- aculous element in the book. 4. The fact that the book presents God in his dealing not with his own people, but with a foreign nation. 5. The fullness of detail in the book so far as it goes, in contrast with the suddenness of its ending which leaves us questioning what became of the prophet. Query: Is what became of Jonah of so much value to us as the character of God as presented in the book? chapter 1. Striking Facts: 1. A prophet was sent by God to cry against a foreign nation. 2. The action of the prophet: a. His fleeing from the presence of the Lord, v. 3- b. His sleeping in the ship, v. 5. c. His frank confession to the sailors, vs. 9, 12. JONAH. 63 > The action of the sailors: a. Their fear and appeal to their gods, v. 5 b. Their casting lots and the result, v. 7. c> Their treatment of Jonah, vs. 8, 11, I3» x 5- d. Their prayer and sacrifice to God, vs. 14, 16. 4. The relationship of the Lord to the wind v. 4, and the fish, v. 17. 5. The indications in the chapter that this is a very summarized account. Vid. vs. 10, 16. chapter 11. -., Striking Facts: 1. The prompt turning of the prophet to God in affliction. 2. The mature Christian character displayed in the prayer. 3. The knowledge of Scripture displayed in the prayer. Many of the petitions are taken from the Psalms. 4. The description of condition of the proph- et in harmony with actual experience as re- corded in the book. 5. The promptness of God in delivering his prophet in answer to his prayer. CHAPTER III. Striking Facts: 1. The repetition of the command of God to Jonah and his readiness in responding. 2. The apparent unconditional character of 64 THE MINOR PROPHETS. the prophecy of Jonah (v. 4), and the subse- quent action of God (v. 10). 3. The recognition of the people of Nineveh that Jonah was from God and their prompt re- pentance. 4. The extravagant manner in which the Ninevites expressed their sorrow for their sins. 5. The action of God in response to the re- pentance and confession of the Ninevites, v. 10. CHAPTER IV. Striking Facts: 1. That Jonah should be displeased at the Lord's mercy toward the Ninevites. 2. That Jonah had anticipated the result of his preaching and on this account had fled. 3. The longsuffering of God in his dealing with Jonah is worthy of note. 4. The mission of the gourd in bringing into view the mercy of man as compared with that of God. 5. The manner of indicating the size of the city Nineveh, v. 1 1. NAMES OF CHAPTERS. I. The storm chapter. II. The prayer chapter. III. The sackcloth chapter. IV. The gourd chapter JONAH TOPICS FOR STUDY. 65 1. Striking features of the book. 2. Outline. 3. Methods of interpretation. 4. Brief statement of contents of book. 5. Jonah's mission. 6. Design of the book. 7. Estimate of character of Jonah. 8. The miraculous element in the book. 9. The cities Joppa, Tarshish, Nineveh. 10. Jonah and Nahum compared and con- trasted, 11. Authorship and date of the book. 12. Jonah's prayer. 13. Conditional prophecy illustrated by Jo- nah's message to Nineveh. Give other illus- trations. 14. God in the book of Jonah. SUGGESTIONS. 1. Examine the books of The Kings for im- portant statement concerning Jonah. 2. Draw a chart showing relation in time of Jonah, Amos, and Isaiah. 3. Study the prayer of Jonah for quotations from the Psalms. 4. Note the instructive contrasts between Jonah and the sailors. 5. Study the books of Jonah and Nahum to- gether. 6. Draw a chart showing relation in time of Jonah and Nahum. 66 THE MINOR PROPHETS. 7. Contrast treatments of Nineveh by God at the times of Jonah and Nahum. QUESTIONS. 1. In what connection is Jonah mentioned in the New Testament? 2. In what sense was Jonah said to be a "sign" to the Ninevites? 3. What part of the book do you regard as an account of that which is strictly miraculous? 4. Did Jonah understand the language of the sailors? Of the Ninevites? 5. Why has the book of Jonah been made the butt of ridicule among unbelievers to a greater extent than any other book of the Bible? 6. How are we to understand the statement that God repented in the light of statements in the Bible to the effect that God does not change? 7. Assign reasons for Jonah's flight. 8. What is the teaching of the book concern- ing God? 9. Is it probable the Ninevites had heard of God before Jonah's visit? Is it likely they knew of Jonah's experience in the sea? 10. What practical teaching does the book furnish to the Christian? MICAH. Striking Fe attires: 1. Resemblance of the book to that of Isaiah in many respects. 2. Specific and important character of its predictions, 3. Colloquial style adopted in latter part of book. 4. Emphasis given to spiritual worship in contrast with mere formal display. 5. The calm confidence of the prophet, in the presence of gross immorality and flagrant injustice, judgment upon which he announced, that the future would disclose a time of right- eousness and peace for God's people. CHAPTER I. Striking Facts: 1. The fact that Micah was contemporary with Isaiah and Hosea, as a comparison of the introductory verses of these books will show. 2. That Micah's vision was concerning both Samaria and Jerusalem. 3. The similarity of the introductory verses of Xahum to Mic. i. 3, 4. 4. The graphic manner in which the prophet describes his feeling when he sees that the 68 THE MINOR PROPHETS. suffering is not to be confined to the North, but will reach Jerusalem also. 5. The presence of the well known expres- sion, " Tell it not in Gath." CHAPTER II. Striking Facts: 1. The denunciation, in v. 1, of the principle that " might makes right." 2. The use of the word devise in v. 3 by God. following the use of it in a different sense in v. 1. 3. The correspondence between the sin and the punishment, vs. 4, 5. 4. The emphasis in vs. 7-10 of the fact that evil is occasioned by wrong doing. (This is in answer to the charge of the false prophets, v. 6. Cf. also v. 11. 5. The bright passage in vs. 12, 13, in con- trast with the preceding Declaration of coming disaster which occasioned the charge against Micah by the false prophets. CHAPTER III. Striking Facts: 1. The prominence given in the chapter to rulers, priests, prophets and judges as the lead- ers in evil doing. 2. The force of the figure (cannibalism) of oppression in vs. 2, 3. 3. The emphasis of the fact that sinners shall MICAH. 69 be punished according to their sins, v. 4, and that gifts perverted shall be withdrawn, vs. 5-7- 4. The declaration by Micah, v. 3 of his mission under God to tell the truth in opposi- tion to the false prophets. 5. The presence of the passage, v. 12 which figured in a very important connection after- ward in the life of Jeremiah. Vid. Jer. xxvi. 18. CHAPTER IV. Striking Facts: 1. The presence of a passage, vs. 1-3 which is found almost word for word in Isa. ii. 2-4, with indications that this is a fuller passage than the one in Isaiah. 2. The generally bright, promising character of the chapter. 3. The recognition that the expected glori- ous time shall come after a period of suffering. 4. The mention of Babylon in v. 10. (For interesting discussion on this vid. Farrar's Mi- nor Prophets, p. 135, 136. Vid. also Shrader's K A. T. on this passage). 5. The difference between God's view of things and the world's view in reference to his people, vs. 11, 12. Note frequent use of word Zion in this chapter. CHAPTER V. Striki?ig Facts. 1. The presence, in v. 2ff., of the remarkable 70 THE MINOR PROPHETS. Messianic passage so often quoted. Cf. Jn. vii., Matt. ii. 2. The presence of this passage with what follows it, in contrast with the statement in v. I that the king of Israel should be smitten on the cheek. 3. The connection of this Messianic passage with the anticipated deliverance from Assyria, v. 5. 4. The things mentioned which would be de- stroyed in the future time, vs. 10-15. These may be summed up under (a) warlike imple- ments, (b) idolatry. 5. The generally hopeful character of the chapter. N. B. The figures dew and lion to characterize the future Israel. CHAPTER VI. Striking Facts: 1 The fact that mountains and hills are ad- dressed in vs. I, 2. Cf. i. 2; Deut. xxxii. 1; Isa. i. 2. The challenge of God to Israel to show cause for their present treatment of Him, vs. 3-5. 3. The emphasis of the plain duties of honest living as over against formal worship even of the most costly type, vs. 6-8. 4. The sin and idolatry of the times as de- scribed in vs. 9-16. 5. The connection between the sin and the impending evil, vs. 13, 16. MICAH. 7J CHAPTER VII Striking Facts: 1. The wail of the prophet (perhaps personi- fying the good of his age) over the very cor- rupt state of affairs, vs. 1-6. 2. The striking similarity between v. 6 and our Lord's words on one occasion (vid. Matt. x. 21, 35, 36; Luke xii. 53; xxi.16). 3. The fact that the good, in the midst of such distress and wickedness, manifest faith in God that He will after judgment save His people. 4. The worldwide view which this chapter takes, vs. 12, 16. 5. The remarkable tribute of praise to God by the prophet as one who forgives sin and puts it away forever, vs. 18, 19. Note. Verses 7-20 of this chapter are re- garded by some critics is one of the sweetest passages in all prophetic literature. NAMES OF THE CHAPTERS. I. The Gath chapter. II. The Bozrah chapter. III. The Zion (plowed) chapter. IV. The Babylon chapter. V. The Bethlehem chapter. VI. The Omri chapter. VII. The Micah chapter. * * The expression, "Who is a God like unto thee?" found in vii. 18, is a free translation of the name Micah. From this pas- sage the contents of the chapter may be easily recalled. 72 THE MINOR PROPHETS. TOPICS FOR STUDY. 1. Striking features of the book. 2. Outline. 3. Language and style of composition. 4. Figures of speech in Micah. 5. Social condition in Judah in Micah's time. 6. Moral and religious condition in Judah in Micah's time. 7. Arrangement of material in Micah. 8. Relation to the other prophets of the Isaianic group. 9. Chief predictions in Micah. 10. The Messianic element in Micah. 11. Reference to Micah in Jeremiah. 12. The finest passage in the book. 13. The thought of the book in one hundred words. SUGGESTIONS. 1. In looking for outline of the book note the expression, " Hear ye" found at or near the opening of three chapters. 2. Read translation of i. 10 ff. in Farrar's Minor Prophets (Men of the Bible series). 3. Study what the book presents concern- ing Micah and false prophets. * 4. Connect by lines the words, rulers, heads, prophets, judges, priests, in c. iii. 5. Compare carefully texts and contexts of Mic. iv. 1-3, and Isa. ii. 2-4. * False Prophets— Biblical material concerning— would be a good subject for investigation. M10AH. 73 6. In the margin by iv. 4, place the following references: 1 K. iv. 25; 2 K. xviii. 31. 7. Be careful to study each passage in Micah in relation to its context. 8. Read Psalm xviii in connection with a study of Micah i. 3, 4. 9. Correct text as suggested by the American Revisers in Appendix to O. T. QUESTIONS. 1. What king's name is omitted from Micah i. i, which appears in Isa. i. 1, and Hosea i. 1? 2. How were Jerusalem and Samaria related politically? 3. In what other place in the Bible may be found the words: " Tell it not in Gatk"f 4. What is the relation of iii. 12 to what fol- lows? 5. What is meant by Zion in iii. 12, and by daughter of Zion in c. iv? 6. What is the relation of the Bethlehem prophecy, (v. 2-4) to that immediately follow- ing concerning the Assyrian? 7. What is the relation of v. 7-9, to v. 10-15? 8. Who was Omri, and why is his name used in vi. 16? 9. What is the propriety in referring to As- syria and Egypt, Bashan and Gilead, in chapter vii. 12-14? 10. What attribute of God is prominently presented in chapter vii? 74 THE M1N0K PKOPHETS. NAHUM. Striking Features: 1. The fact that it relates wholly to the de- struction of Nineveh. 2. The very graphic character of the style. "In grandeur of style, in condensed energy, in elevation of sentiment and rapid transitions, and in certain completeness of narration, Na- hum stands, if not the very first, yet near the very first, of the Hebrew prophets." 3. The minuteness of the descriptions. 4. The absence of any ray of hope for the city Nineveh, together with the completeness of the destruction described which was to be hailed with joy by all nations. 5. The lack of the positive spiritual element which is to be found in such books as Hosea, Micah, and Isaiah. chapter 1. Striking Facts: 1. The fact that the prophet declares con- cerning the destruction of a foreign capital. 2. The sublimity of the style and language in vs. 2-8. 3. The difficulty in determining at times NAHUM. 75 whether Judah or Nineveh is addressed, vs. 9' 11, 12, 13. 4. The prophet's familiarity with and pres- ence in Palestine as indicated in vs. 4, 5, 13, 15. 5. The language of 15a which is strikingly similar to that in Isa. lii. 7. CHAPTER II. Striking Facts : 1. The very graphic description of the siege, capture and sack of the city Nineveh 2. The irony in vs. 1 1, 12, with the forcible figure employed. 3. The connection between the destruction of Nineveh and the expression in v. 13: " Behold I am against thee." 4. The harmony between the free actions of men and the action of God. 5. The high and florid diction of the chap- ter in general. CHAPTER III. Striking Facts: 1. The return of the prophet from a descrip- tion of future judgment to an arraignment of Nineveh as oppressor and corruptor. 2. The exceptionally graphic description in vs. 2, 3. 3. The description of the wickedness of Nineveh, esp. v. 4. This is assigned as the cause of her overthrow, vs. 4, 5. 76 THE MINOR PROPHETS. 4. The citation of Thebes of Egypt as de- stroyed, vs. 8-10, and the suggested importance of acquaintance with history in order to under- stand the Bible to the fullest extent. 5. The completeness and irremediableness of the destruction, together with the evidence of joy on the part of all nations at the fate of Nineveh. N. B. There is not a word of sympathy for Nineveh found in the prophecy. NAMES OF CHAPTERS. I. The Good Tidings chapter. II. The Den of Lions chapter. III. The No-Amon (Thebes) chapter. TOPICS FOR STUDY. 1. Striking features of the book. 2. Theme and outline. 3. Language and style of composition. 4. Date of the prophecy. 5. Teaching of Nahum in brief. 6. Character of Assyrians whose capital was Nineveh. 7. The city Nineveh. 8. The city No-Amon, or Thebes, ch. iii. 8. 9. The Assyrians in the seventh and eighth centuries B. C. 10. Kings of Assyria from 745 B. C, to de- struction of Nineveh. 11. Character of God as presented by Nahum. 12. Compare prophecies of Nahum and Jo- nah. NAHUM. 77 SUGGESTIONS. 1. Underscore with double lines and connect by double lines vs. 7, 15, ch. i. 2. On the margin by i. 2 write, Cf. Jon. iv. 2. 3. Above the heading of the book (i. e. above the name Nahum) write the word consolation, and just below it write the word annihilation. Connect the words cojisolation and Jtidah, i. 15; also annihilation and Nineveh, i. 1. Look up the meaning of the word Nahum. 4. Connect "uncovered" ii. 7, and "discover" iii, 5- 5. Connect "den of lions" ii. II, and "harlot" iii, 4. 6. Connect " Who will bemoan her?" iii. 7, and "All that bear the bruit of thee shall clap the haiids over thee" iii. 19. 7. Note the marginal readings in passages where the meaning does not at once appear. 8. Correct the text as suggested by the American Revisers in Appendix to Old Testa- ment. 9. Just after the last verse of the prophecy write: Read here ZepJi. ii. 13-15 , and Ezek. xxxi. 10. Read all you can of the history of Nine- veh and the Assyrians. 11. Make yourself familiar with the history of Thebes. 12. Compare the prophecies of Jonah and Nahum and seek to locate the prophets in their proper time relation. 78 THE MINOR PROPHETS. QUESTIONS. 1. What is the meaning of the word Nahum? 2. What books of the Bible besides Nahum contain the same number of chapters? 3. In which of the other Minor Prophets is found v. 7 of the first chapter? Where else- where is found language similar to that in i.15? 4. When did Nahum live and produce this prophecy? 5. When was Nineveh destroyed? 6. When was Thebes destroyed? 7. Who destroyed Nineveh? 8. Who found Nineveh in this century? Give brief history of excavations in Assyria. 9. What is the great lesson of the book of Nahum? 10. What is the relation of this prophecy to that of the book of Jonah concerning Nineveh? HABAKKUK. Striking- Features: '*s i. The beautiful style and powerful descrip- tion. "He is the last prophet belonging to the age preceding the destruction of Jerusalem who is master of a beautiful style, of powerful de- scription, and an artistic power that enlivens and orders everything with charming effect." 2. The dramatic character of the book. The whole is a dialogue between Jehovah and the prophet. 3. The emphasis given to the sin of the Chal- deans as a reason for their overthrow. 4. The presence of a five-fold woe. 5. The presence of a beautiful poem. chapter 1. Striking Facts: 1. The lawlessness existing among the Jews in the prophet's time as indicated in vs. 2-4. 2. The answer of God that the nation shall suffer for this, v. 5-ff. 3. The mention by name and graphic des:rip- tion of the invading nation, vs. 6-1 1. 4. The difficulty in the prophet's mind at see- ing the wicked Chaldeans prosper. This should 80 THE MINOR PROPHETS. be noted in connection with his outcry, vs. 2-4, against the wicked in his own land. 5. The craft, cruelty and pride of the Chal- deans as here presented. CHAPTER 11. Striking Facts : 1. The effort on the part of the prophet to know God's will. 2. The direction of the prophet to write the vision making it plain. 3. The presence of the expression, "that he may run thai readeth it" so often misquoted, and usually misunderstood. 4. The contrast between the patient waiting for the fulfillment of God's word on the part ot those trusting Him, and the proud unbelief and avarice of the rejecter of God's truth. 5. The fivefold woe of the chapter, the ref- erence in the whole being probably to the Chaldeans headed by Belshazzar. CHAPTER III. Striking Facts: 1. The presence of the word "Selah"* (three times). * Selah is found only here outside of the book of Psalms, where it occurs seventy times. It is probably a musical term, the mean- ing of which is not known. It may indicate where pauses were made in the singing for interludes by musical instruments. It should be omitted in public reading. HABAKKUK. 81 2. The ascription in this chapter to the chief musician (see close of the chapter), together with the statement of v. i. This appears to be in imitation of the Psalms. 3. The highly poetic character of the chap- ter. "The grandest circumstances are selected: the diction is as splendid as the subject." 4. The historical allusions in the chapter, vs. 3-15, showing that the prophet is describing the wonderful history of God's dealings with his people in bringing them into Canaan. 5. The mingling of trembling and triumph in the prophet in his contemplation of God's deal- ing with his people and nations, see especially vs. 16-19. NAMES OF CHAPTERS. I. The Chaldean chapter. II. The Woe chapter. III. The Selah chapter. TOPICS FOR STUDY. 1. Theme and outline. 2. Language and style. 3. The enemy of Judah as described in Hab. 4. The woes of Habakkuk. 5. The political situation as learned from the book. 6. The religious situation as learned from the book. 82 THE MINOR PROPHETS. 7. Date of the prophecy. 8. The thought of the book in briefest form. 9. God in the book of Habakkuk. 10. "The prayer" of Habakkuk the prophet. 11. "Selah" in the book of Habakkuk and elsewhere. 12. "The Vision" in the book. 13. Figures of speech in Habakkuk. 14. Hebrew poetry — distinguishing features. 15. Habakkuk quoted in the New Testament. SUGGESTIONS. 1. Connect the word Chaldeans, i. 6, with all the pronouns on the page'which clearly refer to these enemies of God's people. 2. Connect the woes of chapter ii. 3. Make yourself familiar with the history of the Chaldeans (Babylonians). 4. In connection with ii. 18-20, read Isaiah xl. 12, 26, and xliv. 9-20. 5. Connect though, iii. 17, and yet, iii. 18. 6. Read any article on Hebrew poetry to which you may have access. 7. Compare Hab. iii. 10-15, and Ps. lxxvii. 16-19. 8. Compare the opening and closing of this prophecy. QUESTIONS. 1. What is the meaning of the name Habak- kuk? HABAKKUK. 83 2. What do we know about the prophet? 3. Concerning what foreign nation does he prophesy? 4. Recite from memory vs. 2 and 3, of ch. ii. 5. Where in the New Testament is the proph- ecy quoted? 6. Name in order the themes of the five woes. 7. What is the relation of ii. 14 to its context? 8. What is the propriety in calling the last chapter " A prayer?" 9. What allusions to Israel's history appear in ch. iii.? 10. What indications are there that the prophet's own views were modified by the mes- sage which he received? 84 THE MINOR PROPHETS ZEPHANIAH. Striking Features: i. The prominence given to the day of the Lord. 2. The contrast, as in so many of the other books, between the existing corruption and the future glory and purity of God's people. 3. The condensation of so much prophetic material into such small space. u If any one wishes all the secret oracles of the prophets to be given in a brief compendium, let him read through this brief Zephaniah." chapter 1. Striking Facts: 1. The specification made in i. 1 concerning the prophet and his time. (Contrast with this the utter lack of knowledge of this character concerning Nahum, Habakkuk, etc.) 2. The dark picture of idolatry given by the prophet together with the announcement of judgment in language resembling that of Jere- miah. Cf. Zeph. i. 2, 3, and Jer. iv. 23-26. 3. The frequent use of the word day in this chapter referring to a future time of judgment. ZEPHANIAH. 85 4. The disregard of God's warnings by men as manifested by the saying that the Lord will not do good neither will He do evil, v. 12. 5. The emphasis of the fact that evil is an- nounced as coming on account of sin. CHAPTER II. Striking Facts : 1. The urgent call of the prophet to his peo- ple to anticipate the day of the Lord and es- cape the evil to come by repenting of their sin, vs. 1-3. 2. The mention in the chapter of five differ- ent nations (prominent as enemies of Israel) that should be engulfed in the coming destruc- tion. 3. Mention of Sodom and Gomorrah in an- nouncement of doom of Moab and Ammon. 4. Mention twice of the remnant of Israel as inheritors of the heathen's possessions. 5. The graphic picture of Nineveh laid waste, vs. 13-15. CHAPTER III. Striking Facts: 1. The charge against princes, judges, proph- ets and priests in vs. 3, 4. 2. The emphasis of the absence of injustice on the part of God, v. 5, in contrast with man's wrong doing. 3. God's hope that his own people would take 86 THE MINOR PROPHETS. warning from his judgments on other nations is disappointed, and He determines to send greater calamity. 4. The assurance that a remnant should be found that would be preserved. 5. The bright future of Israel that is por- trayed. NAMES OF CHAPTERS. I. The Day of the Lord chapter. II. The Nineveh chapter. III. The Remnant chapter TOPICS FOR STUDY. 1. Outline. 2. Date. 3. Author. 4. Language and style. 5. "The day of the Lord" in Zephaniah. 6. "The Remnant" in Zephaniah. 7. The Messianic element in Zephaniah. 8. God in the book of Zephaniah. SUGGESTIONS. 1. Compare the opening and close of the book. 2. By chart make plain relation of Zephaniah to Jeremiah. 3. Underscore the word day in the book and connect by lines. ZEPHANIAH. 87 4. Connect Philistines, Moab, Ammon, Ethiopi- ans, Assyria, in ch. ii. 5. Connect princes, judges, prophets, priests, in ch. iii. 3, 4. 6. Read the prophecy of Nahum in connec- tion with ii. 13-15. 7. Compare Joel and Zephaniah on the ques- tion of "the day of the Lord." 8. Read up history of Josiah and his times. QUESTIONS. 1. How is Zephaniah related to Jeremiah in time? 2. What other Minor Prophet graphically describes the day of the Lord? 3. Cite a parallel to Zephaniah's call to re- pentance, ii. 3, to be found in another of the Minor Prophets. 4. Name the nations mentioned in Zephaniah and state how they were related to Israel. 5. Describe present condition of Nineveh. 6. Does the word city, iii. 1, refer to Jerusalem or Nineveh? Give reasons for answer. 7. What is the meaning of. iii 9, 10? 8. Has the prophecy concerning the remnant, ch. iii., been yet fulfilled? 9. What is a summary of the teaching of the book concerning God? 10. To what does the word captivity, iii. 20, refer? 88 THE MINOR PROPHETS. HAGGAI. Striki?ig Features: i. The recurrence of the expression, "The Lord of Hosts" 2. The prophecy, consisting of four different messages arranged chronologically, belongs to the last four months of the same year (Septem- ber-December, 520 B. C. 3. The occasion of the prophecy (the build- ing of the house of the Lord), and the success attending the prophetic message. 4. The absence of "the imagination and po- etical power possessed by most of the proph- ets." CHAPTER I. Striking Facts: 1. The specification of the time of the proph- ecy with reference to a foreign king's reign. 2. The opinion of the people regarding the buildings of God's house, in contrast with God's idea concerning it. 3. The striking emphasis in vs. 6-1 1 of the connection between neglect of God's house and disaster. Note especially Why? v. 9, and Therefore, v. 10. HAGGAI. 89 4. The prompt response of the rulers and people to the prophet's call, v. 12, and the re- sulting blessing of God, v. 13. 5. The change of feeling of the people and their activity in rebuilding God's house ascribed to the Lord, v. 14. CHAPTER 11. Striking Facts : 1. The message found in vs. 1-9 came to the prophet in the month succeeding the time of his delivery of the one recorded in ch. i. 2. The occasion, v. 3, of the thrice repeated expression, "be stro?ig" v. 4, with the reason given, vs. 4-9. 3. The two messages found in vs. 10-23 came from the Lord to the prophet at different times on the same day, three days after the message recorded in vs. 1-9; 10-20. 4. The colloquial style of v. 12 ff., together with the re-emphasis of the connection (clearly stated in ch. i.) between suffering and neglect of God's house, vs. 15-19. 5. The evident Messianic character of the chapter in its reference twice to the shaking of the heavens and earth; in its mention of the latter glory of the house; and in its address, v. 23, to Zerubbabel, evidently in his official and typical character. NAMES OF CHAPTERS. I. The September chapter. II. The October-December chapter. 90 THE MINOR PROPHETS. TOPICS FOR STUDY. 1. Outline. 2. Date. 3. Purpose. 4. Darius (Hystaspes) the king. 5. Zerubbabel. 6. Joshua the High Priest. 7. The first (Solomon's) temple. 8. The second (Zerubbabel's) temple. 9. The third (Herod's) temple. 10. The Messianic element in Haggai. SUGGESTIONS. 1. In the blank space after the word Haggai in your Bible write, Zechariah, Malachi, and underneath write, Postexilic prophets. 2. Underscore the expression, "the Lord of Hosts" in the book and connect by lines. 3. In the margin by i. 1 write, September, 520 B. C, and connect with sixth month. In the margin by ii. I write, October, 520 B. C, and con- nect with "seventh mo?ith." In the margin by ii. 10 write, December, 520 B. C, and connect with it, "ninth month," and "month" ii. 20. 4. Read the books of Ezra and Nehemiah in connection with a study of Haggai. 5. By charts seek a clear idea of the relation of Haggai to Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, etc. 6. Study Haggai in connection with the first part of Zechariah QUESTIONS. f. To what year do the prophecies of Haggai belong? HAGGAI. 91 2. Name the postexilic prophets. 5. What was the occasion of Haggai's proph- ecy? 4. Who was governor of Jerusalem in Hag- gai's time? 5. Name some striking features of the book. 6. Give in order the substance of Haggai's four prophecies. 7. How long were the people in responding to Haggai's first message? Cf. i. 1, 15. 8. Interpret ii. 7. 9. How long before had the foundation of the temple been laid? Cf. ii. 18. 10. What is the force of the figure found in ii. 23? 92 THE MINOR PROPHETS. ZECHARIAH. Striking Features: i. Frequent occurrence of the expression, "The Lord of Hosts." 2. The striking difference in style between chapters i.-viii., and ix.-xiv., leading many to conclude that the book is the product of at least two authors. 3. The series of visions beginning i. 7, and ending vi. 8. Each vision is explained to the prophet by an angel. 4. The allegorical and dramatic character of the book. 5. Prophecies concerning the Messiah. chapter 1. Striking Facts: *i. That the message came to Zechariah in the same year in which Haggai received his communications, and that the month mentioned here, Zech. i. 1, is the one (November) omitted in Haggai. Cf. Hag. i. 1; ii. 1, 10; and Zech. i. I. 2. The reference to the message of the for- mer prophets and the people advised to learn a lesson from God's dealings with their rebel- lious fathers. ZECHARIAH. 93 3. The vision of the angels and horses among the myrtle trees, in the eleventh month. (Feb- ruary succeeding December of Hag. ii. 10.) 4. The interest which the angel of the Lord is represented as manifesting in the welfare of Jerusalem, v. 12. 5. The assurance given the prophet by the Lord through the angel that Jerusalem and the temple should be rebuilt, v. 16, and the empha- sis of this on the mind of the prophet by the vision of the horns and smiths, vs. 18-21. CHAPTER 11. Striking Facts: 1. That the prophet first addressed the man with the measuring line, v. 1. 2. That the angels are represented as con- versing with each other, v. 3. 3. The communication that Jerusalem would not need walls because Jehovah Himself would be a wall, v. 5. 4. The presence of the expression, "He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye." 5. The prophecy, in connection with the an- nouncement that Jehovah would dwell in Zion, that many nations would then join themselves to the Lord. CHAPTER III. Striking Facts: I. The mention of Satan; his position and purpose. 94 THE MINOR PROPHETS. 2. The filthy garments (representing sin), v. 4, of the High Priest removed, and other rich apparel given him, vs. 3-5. 3. Doing right mentioned as the condition of the High Priest retaining his place, v. 7. 4. The mention of "the Branch" v. 8. 5. The care which Jehovah will exercise over his land and Temple and the accompanying felicity of the people, vs. 9, 10. CHAPTER IV. Striking Facts: 1. That the prophet should need to be aroused as from sleep by the angel, v. I. Cf. Dan. viii. 18, 27. 2. The resemblance of the candlestick seen to that which originally stood in the Taber- nacle. 3. The presence of the verse, " Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts," the setting of which is as little known as the verse itself is well known. 4. The apparent surprise of the angel at the ignorance of the prophet, vs. 5, 13. 5. The assurance that the mountains of diffi- culty would be removed, and that Zerubbabel, who began the building of the temple, would finish it, (see especially vs. 7-9). chapter v. Striking Facts: 1. The fact that the strange flying roll was open. ZEOHARIAil. 95 2. The mention of its apparent dimensions by the prophet. 3. The probable reference to both tables of the law as written on this roll, in the mention of violation of two commandments (the eighth aud the third), one from each table. 4. The strange vision of a woman (personify- ing wickedness) sitting in a measure into which she is crowded down and covered by the angel. 5. The removal of this measure with its con- tents through the air to Shinar by two women with stork-like wings. The truth conveyed by this imagery was that wickedness was to be borne swiftly from the land. CHAPTER VI. Striking Facts: 1. The strangeness of the vision of four chariots each drawn by a pair of horses coming out from between two mountains of brass. These appear to symbolize mighty agencies to execute God's purposes, v. 5. 2. The specification of the different colors of the horses by the prophet, though there does not appear to be any special significance at- tached to the horses. But note: 3. The passing by of the red horses and mention of the black horses as going to the North accompanied by the white ones. 4. The symbolic action — making and placing a crown on Joshua the High priest, and in 96 THE MINOR PROPHETS. connection with this act uttering the striking Messianic prophecy found in vs. 12, 13. a. He is called the Branch. b. He is spoken of in an emphatic manner (the expression being used twice) as the build- er of the Temple of the Lord. c. He is spoken of as occupying the offices of both priest and king. 5. The crown to be hung up in the temple as a pledge of the fulfillment of the prediction, and the faithful assured of a share in the glory to come. CHAPTER VII. Striking Facts: 1. The specification concerning the time of the reception of the message. N. B. This was two years after the date of Haggai's prophecy, and Zech. i.-vi. 2. The question raised about fasting, v. 3, by a deputation from Bethel, and the extent of the answer. The answer extends through ch. viii. 3. The mention of the former prophets twice in the chapter. Cf. i. 4. 4. The re-emphasis of true living, vs. 9, 10, as over against mere formal fasting. This the former prophets had urged. 5. The explanation of evil on forefathers that they had not heeded their prophets, v. 12. ZECHARIAH. 97 CHAPTER VIII. Striking Facts: i. The spirit of promise and encouragement pervading the chapter. All is bright for Jeru- salem and Jews. 2. The emphasis of the presence of God in Jerusalem, v. 3, who will gather and protect and prosper his people so that all will want to be friends to the Jews. (See especially vs. 20-23.) 3. The presence of the verse, "The streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof." 4. Encouragement to the rulers and people to prosecute to completion the temple build- ing. N. B. " Let your hands be strong," vs. 9, 13. 5. The change of mind on the Lord's part, vs. 14, 15; his emphasis of right doing as over against formal fasting, which will result in the fasts becoming feasts. CHAPTER IX. Striking Facts : 1. The announcement of God's judgment up- on (1) the Syrians in the Northeast, (2) the Phoenicians in the Northwest, and the Philis- tines in the Southwest. Note in reference to this: a. The mention of Hadrach,*v. 1, found only here in the Old Testament. The perplexity which long existed concerning this word has been removed by an Assyrian inscription which mentions Hadrach as a city near Damascus. 98 THE MINOR PROPHETS. b. The mention of the four cities of Philistia which are referred to in Zeph. ii. 4. c. The history of the destruction of Tyre by Alexander, and the expression, v. 4, "She shall be devoured with fire." d. The mention of a remnant of Philistines, 2. The protection vouchsafed God's own dwelling, v. 8, in contrast to the judgment an- nounced on his enemies in the preceding verses. 3. The definite and remarkable Messianic passage in vs. 9, 10. Note in reference to this: a. The character of the coming king. b. His methods — they were to be peaceful. Cf. Isa. ix. 4-6. c. The reference to both North (Ephraim) and South (Jerusalem). d. The extent of the Kingdom. 4. The contrast between /zV, v, 11, and stro?ig- hold, v. 13, in God's announcement of faithful- ness to his covenant with his people to deliver and prosper them. 5. The imagery in v. 13 ff., in contrast with that above. The chariot, and horse and battle bow are to be dispensed with, v. 10, and yet Ju- dah is to be bow, and Ephraim arrow, and all a sword, against Greece, v. 13. What is the interpretation of these verses with 14-16 also? chapter x. Striking Facts : I. The prominence, in the chapter as a whole. ZECHARIAH. 99 of the Lord as actor. Read the chapter with this thought in mind. Note "in the Lord" and 4i in his name!' 2. The evident close connection between this chapter and the preceding one. Note the con- tinued description of prosperity. The fact is, ch. ix-xi. constitute one continuous prophecy of which Christ on earth is the central figure. 3. The mixture of figures in vs. 3-5. 4. The distinction between Judah, (Cf. v. 3, "".his flock the house of Judah,") and Ephraim, v. 7, ("house of Joseph," v. 6), together with the extent and degree of blessing promised in vs. 7-12. 5. The mention of Egypt and Assyria (twice) in connection w T ith the restoration, v. 10, and multiplication, vs. 8, 10, of the people, together with the graphic description, v. 11, of God re- moving obstructions to the fulfillment of his promise. CHAPTER XI. Striking Facts: 1. The poetic manner in which the complete desolation of the land of Palestine is described in vs. 1-3. 2. The two commands to the prophet: a. To impersonate a good shepherd, v. 4. b. To impersonate a foolish shepherd, v. 15. 3. The account given of the prophet's obedi- ence to the command to feee 1 the flock and the result, vs. 7-14. Respecting this, note: 100 THE MINOR PROPHETS. a. The selection of two staves instead of one as would naturally be expected. b. The names of the staves. Cf. Bands and brotherhood, v. 14. c. The mutual antipathy arising between the Shepherd and the flock, v. 8. d. His refusal to feed them, and abandon- ment of them, v. 9. e. Mention of the recognition of his true character by some, v. 10. f. His request for his hire and the paltry sum given. g. His contemptuous disposal of it at the command of the Lord. h. His cutting asunder the two staves and the fact symbolized, vs. 10, 14. 4. The presence of the passage about the potter and the thirty pieces of silver to which reference is made in Matt. xvii. 5-10. 5. The heartlessness and violence of the worthless shepherd described, and his punish- ment announced. Remark: Probably the most striking feature of all respecting this chapter for most students will be the difficulty in understanding it. Study it and look for light. CHAPTER XII. Striking Facts: 1. The introduction of a new section as indi- cated by the expression, "The burden of the word of the Lord." Cf. ix. 1. ZECHARIALI. 101 2. The appeal to the creative power of Jeho- vah, v. i, as preliminary to the assertions about to be made. 3. The striking figures used in vs. 2, 3, to in- dicate that those who would injure Jerusalem should suffer in consequence, — " cup of reel- ing," ''burdensome stone." 4. The utter destruction of the enemies of God's people declared. Note the frequent use of the expression, "all the peoples," or its equivalent. 5. The promise of an abundant effusion of blessing upon the Jews in the well known words, "I will pour out * * * the spirit of grace and supplication," to be followed by a recognition of their sin of rejecting their Lord and a widespread and deep mourning. For al- lusion in v. 11, Cf. 2 Kings, xxiii. 29; 2 Chron. XXXV. 22. CHAPTER XIII. Striking Fads: 1. The presence of the verse, " In that day- there shall be a fountain opened * * * for sin and for uncleanness." 2. The zeal to be manifested against idolatry and false prophets, vs. 3-6. 3. The striking apostrophe to the sword, v. 7, Cf. Jer. xlvii. 6. 4. The expression used by our Lord, Matt, xxvi. 31, 36, u Smite the shepherd and the sheep shall be scattered." 5. The purifying of the nation and salvation of a remnant, vs. 8, 9. 102 THE MINOR PROPHETS. CHAPTER XIV' Striking Facts'. 1. The announcement of a terrible siege to befall Jerusalem, vs. i, 2. 2. The appearance of the Lord with his holy ones for the deliverance of his people. 3. The reference, v. 5, to the earthquake in Uzziah's time. Cf. Amos i. 1. Note the differ- ence in time between Amos and Zechariah. 4. The exaltation, enlargement, and pros- perity of Jerusalem, and the recognition of Je- hovah as its occupant and protector who will demand homage of the whole earth. 5. The complete consecration of all things and persons in the city. Remark: This chapter with many other parts of Zechariah, is difficult to understand. It should be carefully read and its statements should be noted, and the mind should be kept open for light. The passage by some is re- garded as figurative; by others as literal and referring to the second coming of Christ and the millennial glory to follow. NAMES OF CHAPTERS. I. The myrtle trees chapter. II. The surveyor chapter. III. The Joshua chapter. IV. The candlestick chapter. V. The flying (roll and women) chapter. VI. The chariot chapter. VII. The fasting chapter. ZECHARIAH. 103 VIII. The feasting chapter. IX. The King of Zion chapter. X. The house of Joseph chapter. XI. The Shepherd chapter. XII. The Hadadrimmon chapter. XIII. The fountain chapter. XIV. The New Jerusalem chapter. TOPICS FOR STUDY. 1. Distinguishing features of the book. 2. Outline. 3. Authorship — question stated. 4. Arguments in favor of unity of authorship. 5. Arguments against unity of authorship. 6. Language and style of chapters i.-viii. 7. Language and style of chapters ix.-xiv. 8. Vision of the angels and the myrtle trees 9. Vision of the horses and smiths. 10. Vision of the surveyor. 11. Vision of the high priest. 12. Vision of the candlestick. 13. Vision of the flying roll. 14. Vision of the woman in the ephah. 15. Vision of the four chariots. 16. Symbolic act with significance. 17. Question concerning fasting and the prophet's disposal of it. 18. "The Lord of Hosts" in Zechariah. 19. The Messianic element in Zechariah. 20. The rejected shepherd in Zechariah. 21. "The house of Judah " and "the house of Joseph " — their relation in Zechariah. 104 THE MINOR PROPHETS. 22. "The inhabitants of Jerusalem " and "Ju- dah" — their relation in chapter xii. 23. Quote five choice passages from the book giving chapter and verse. SUGGESTIONS. 1. Connect expressions as follows: a. " The Lord of Hosts " throughout the book. b. "Myrtle trees" i. 8; "horns" i. 18, and "smiths" i. 20; "A man with a measuring line" (Surveyor, ii. 1); "Joshua the High Priest" iii. 1; "Candlestick" iv. 2; "Flying roll" v. 1; "Woman in ephah," v. 8; "Two women'' v. 9; " Four chariots," V\. 1. c. " My servant the Branch" iii. 8; "Whose name is the Branch" vi. 12; -&vi<\" Priest upon his throne" vi. 13. d. The word "seven" in iii. 9, with the same word found three times in ch. iv. e. The words, "red" "black" "white," "bay," in vi. 2, 3. / " The former prophets" vii. 7, 12, with i. 4. g. ix. 1, and xii. 1. h. "hi that day" chaps, xii., xiii, xiv. i. " Worship the King" xiv, 16, 17. j. "Holy unto the Lord" xiv. 20, 21. 2. Above the word eighth, i. 1, write Novem- ber, and from it draw a line to the margin between Hag. ii. 9, 10, and place an arrowpoint on the end. Note the months in which Haggai received his messages. 3. In the margin by i. 7, write February. 4. By chart seek a clear understanding of the ZECHARIAH. 105 times of Haggai and Zechariah and their rela- tion to each other. 5. Put into your own language an account of each of the visions recorded in chaps, i.-vi. Seek thus to place before the mind a vivid, clear picture of each vision. 6. Study chaps, vii. and viii. together as con- stituting a continuous account relating to the fasts. 7. Note the division of the last six chapters into two parts by the expressions, " The bnrde?i of the zvord of the Lotd!' 8. Read any of the commentaries for sug- gestions on obscure passages, but be on guard against accepting every statement which may be made about interpretation. The Cambridge Bible w 7 ill furnish a good condensed' commen- tary and statement of contents. QUESTIONS. 1. With what prophet was Zechariah associ- ated? 2. What other Minor Prophetic book con- tains the same number of chapters? Which contains half the number? 3. Name the visions of Zechariah in order and give account of each. 4. What is the relation in time, etc., of the Darius of Zechariah and the Darius of Daniel? 5. Give account and significance of Zechari- ah's symbolic act in making the crown? 6. Who inquired concerning fasts and what answer was given? 106 THE MINOR PROPHETS. 7. Against what nations does Zechariah speak particularly in his announcement of judg- ment? 8. Give account of the shepherd rejected. 9. To what mourning is allusion made in xii. 11? 10. Give an account of the New Jerusalem as described by Zechariah. MALACHI. Strikijig Features: 1. The recurrence of the expression, " The Lord of Hosts" 2. The conversational, direct, pointed style. "He adopts a novel literary form." "In place of the rhetorical development of a subject usual with the earlier prophets, there appears in Malachi a dialectic treatment by means of question and answer." 3. The interest evinced in ritual observances, and the grave light in which ritual laxity is viewed. The emphasis of the ritual was not characteristic of the prophets. The singularity of Malachi in this respect is noteworthy. What is the explanation? 4. It is the last book of the Old Testament and ends with the word curse. chapter 1. Striking Facts: 1. The expression, " The burden of the word of the Lord" which on examination is discovered to be peculiar to Malachi and Zechariah ix. 1, and xii. I. 2. The wonder that the Jews of Malachi's age 108 THE MINOR PROPHETS. should have the effrontery to say "Wherein hast thou loved us?" v. 2. 3. The presentation of the contrast between God's treatment of Jacob and Esau in answer to the question above. 4. The profanity of the priests in their man- agement of the service of the temple in offer- ing polluted and blemished sacrifices to God. 5. The reference (three times) to the great- ness of God's name among the Gentiles and their regard for Him in contrast with that ac- corded by his own. CHAPTER 11. Striking Facts: 1. The apparent special effort on the part of the prophet to impress the priests. Note, "This commandment is for you," v. 1; see also v. 4. 2. The wicked conduct of the priests con- trasted with the upright life and excellent ser- vice rendered by Levi, vs. 5-8. The result for the transgressors. 3. The prophet's identification of himself with the people, v. 10. 4. The injunction against foreign alliances and divorcing of wives. 5. The repetition of the warning to take heed, vs. 15, 16. CHAPTER III. Striking Facts: 1. The emphasis, in answer to the objection MALACHI. 109 of ii. 17, of the speedy and thorough judgment of God which will be visited. 2. The delay of judgment and its character due to a very different cause (viz., God's un- changeable character and faithfulness to his covenant, v. 6) from that which had been al- leged, ii. 17. 3. The penuriousness of the worshipers of Malachi's time, and the consequent withhold- ing of prosperity on God's part. 4. The challenge of God to the people to test Him, v. 10. 5. The wicked and impatient murmur of the people that there was no profit in doing right; that the proud and wicked workers were happy, v. 15, together with the answer given in the ac- tion of the righteous, v. 16, and the testimony of God concerning them, v. 17. The time is coming w r hen the difference will be clearly dis- cerned and it will be proved that it is no loss to do right, v. 18. CHAPTER IV. Striking Facts: 1. The proud and wicked workers instead of being built up and escaping, (see iii. 14, 15,) would in fact be destroyed completely. 2. In contrast with the fate of these, the fearers of God's name are to be happy and prosper. 3. The figures: ''Sun of righteousness with 110 ♦ THE MINOR PROPHETS. healing in his wings," and " Gambol as calves of the stall/' 4. The reference to Moses the lawgiver, and Elijah the prophet. 5. The warning to remember the law lest dis- aster should come. This suggests the close of the last book of the New Testament where a warning is given not to add to nor to take from the word of the prophecy. Remark. The Old Testament ends with the promise of the coming of Elijah; the New Test- ament with the promise of the speedy advent of Jesus. NAMES OF THE CHAPTERS. I. The profane offering chapter. IL The divorce chapter. III. The tithe and book of remembrance chapter. IV. The Sun of righteousness chapter, TOPICS FOR STUDY. 1. Distinguishing features of the book. 2. Outline. 3. Language and style. 4. Date and authorship. 5 Malachi in the Revised Version. 6. Figures of speech in Malachi. 7. Lessons from the book. 8. The abuses condemned. 9. God in the book of Malachi. 10. The Messianic element in Malachi. 11. Quote a select verse from the book. MALACHL 111 SUGGESTIONS. 1. Connect "wherei?i" found seven times in the book. 2. Connect the expression, "For my name is great among the Gentiles" found three times in ch. i. 3. Connect "saith the Lord," found twenty-six times. 4. Connect "God of judgment" ii. 17, and "?iear to you to judgment " iii. 5. 5. Connect "proud" and "work wickedness" iii. 15, with same as iv. 1. 6. Connect " They that feared the Lord" iii. 16, with " But unto you that fear my ?iame" iv. 2. 7. Connect "In the day that I do make" iii. 17, with same in iv. 3. 8. Read the passage iii. 13-iv. 3 and note the balancing suggested by 5, 6, 7, above. 9. Study the book with the purpose of dis- covering the condition of God s people in the time of the prophet and compare the result with the times of Ezra and Nehemiah. QUESTIONS. 1. What does the name Malachi mean? 2. State number of chapters in the book. What other book among the Minor Prophets contains the same number? 3. What is the most distinguishing feature respecting the style of Malachi? 112 THE MIJSOR PROPHETS. 4 What evil practices are condemned by the prophet? 5. State the questions in the book beginning with the word " Wherein." 6. In what time did the book of Malachi most likely originate? Give reasons for answer. 7. What is the most striking change made by the Revisers in Malachi? State reasons for change. 8. What historic names appear in the book? Give setting of each. 9. Whom does the New Testament identify as Elijah the prophet? In what connection is the reference made? 10. Compare the closing verses of the Old Testament with the closing verses of the New Testament. MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS ON THE MINOR PROPHETS. i. Give number; names in order; chronological order; account for present order. 2. Mention number of chapters in each book. 3. Which one is the shortest? Which the longest? Which the oldest? Which the latest? 4. What names cluster about Isaiah? What names clus- ter about Jeremiah? 5. What prophets preceded the time of the Isaianic group? 6. What prophets are called post exilic? 7. Which one of the Minor Prophets was your favorite before your present study of them? 8. Which one of the Minor Prophets is your favorite now? 9. With which one of the Minor Prophets were you most familiar before your present study? 10. With which one of the Minor Prophets are you most familiar now? 11. Which of the Minor Prophets is most elevated and classic in style? 12. Which of the Minor Prophets is most florid in style? 13. Which of the Minor Prophets is most tender in tone? 14. Which of the Minor Prophets is most severe in tone? 15. Which of the Minor Prophets contains the most graphic passage? 16. Which of the Minor Prophets contains the greatest historical element? 17. Which of the Minor Prophets contains the greatest allegorical element? 18. Which of the Minor Prophets contains the greatest Messianic element? 19. Which of the Minor Prophets contains the smallest Messianic element? 20. Which of the Minor Prophets have to do exclusively with the same foreign power? 21. Name all the Minor Prophets which relate princi- pally to foreign nations. 114 THE MINOR PROPHETS. 22 Name the Minor Prophets who preached in the North country 23. Name the Minor Prophets who preached in the South country. 24. Which of the Minor Prophets contains much about the Chaldeans? 25. Which of the Miaor Prophets relate to the Temple building? 26. In which of the Minor Prophets is the expression: "Prepare to meet thy God?" 27. In which of the Minor Prophets is the expression: "Tell it not in Gath?" ■28. In which of the Minor Prophets is the expression: "Write the vision and make it plain — that he may run that readeth it?" 29. Which one of the Minor Prophets was quoted by Peter on the day of Pentecost? Give quotation. 30. Which one of the Minor Prophets was referred to by name by our Lord? 31. The word " Se/ak" is found outside of the book of Psalms only in one of the Minor Prophets. In which is the word found? 32. In which of the Minor Prophets is found the v.: " Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts? " 33 In which of the Minor Prophets is found the word "Satan?" 34. In which of the Minor Prophets is found the ex- pression: " Bring ye the whole tithe into the storehouse?" 35. In which of the Minor Prophets is found the ex- pression: " He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good?" 36 Where is found the expression: " Salvation is of the Lord?" 37. Where is found the expression: "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely?" 38. Which of the Minor Prophets uses the expression: "Woe unto him that giveth his neighbor drink?" 39. Which of the Minor Prophets contains a beautiful poem? 40. Mention the fact most prominent in your mind about each of the Minor prophetic books. Leaves from a Worker's Note Book. A Manual for Bible Training Classes. [ Twenty -third Edition. ] By David McConaughy, Jr. An outline series of lessons on all the books of the Bible, with a second part to each lesson answering difficulties of inquirers and Christians with Scripture passages. This Manual has been used with marked success in Bible Classes of Churches, Young Men's Christian Associations, Christian Endeavor Societies, etc. It is among the best Bible helps, of its kind, ever published. Convenient size for the pocket. Price, flexible cloth cover, 25 cents each, $2.00 per dozen. Leather, extra, 50 cents each, $5-00 per dozen. In German, Sctme price. Beginners' Manual for Bible Study. Or, Hints as to What the Bible is, and How to Use it in Personal Work. Compiled by J. V. Read. An admirable outline for Elementary Bible Study. 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