This week's reading has us finishing up the book of Daniel (the last of the major prophets) and reading in three of the minor prophets (Hosea, Joel and Amos). Remember though the designation about major and minor has nothing to do with the substance of their message - and everything to do with the actual size of the book of the Bible.
Here is a bit of background information that I hope will help you in your reading. First with Daniel. The second section to this book (2:4-7:28) deals with the court tales of Daniel and his friends living among the Babylonians and the final section (8:1-12:13) contains Daniel's prophetic visions about Israel's future.
Next we have Hosea. Hosea was a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel before its fall. His ministry as a prophet is talked about in the context of his marriage to an unfaithful wife - a way of demonstrating the nation of Israel's unfaithfulness in their commitment to God.
We then move on to Joel. Joel was a prophet to the southern kingdom of Judah. This book deals with a lament over problems of plague and drought, the promise of future blessings and also a reminder of coming judgment. Part of the book of Joel is quoted by Peter in his sermon in Acts 2.
We wrap us this week with Amos. This prophet was from the southern kingdom but his message was for the northern kingdom of Israel before their exile. The basic message of this book is that God puts his people on the same level as other nations - he expects purity of them all. Israel and Judah will not be exempt from judgment over their sins.
Here is the schedule:
06, Sunday: Daniel 3-6
07, Monday: Daniel 7-10
08, Tuesday: Daniel 11 - Hosea 2
09, Wednesday: Hosea 3-6
10, Thursday: Hosea 7-10
11, Friday: Hosea 11-14
12, Saturday: Joel 1 - Amos 1
May God add His richest blessings to the reading, the hearing, the understanding and most importantly the living out of His holy word. Amen.
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