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We continue through our Generations series, focusing on some additional kings and the messages of four prophets. As we examine our character and our commitment to God, it is important to note God's commitment to those He has chosen. Even when we walk away from our dedication to Him, He remains faithful to us, and will do whatever it takes to bring us back. He loves us that much.
2 Kings
See 2 Kings.
Joel
Author
Joel, the son of Pethuel.
Date
Likely near 800 B.C. or earlier, since Joel is quoted by both Amos (Amos 1:2, Amos 9:13) and Isaiah (Isaiah 13:6).
Theme
God’s Promise
God promises that judgment will come, but there will come a time when all Israel will repent and God will bless the nation and the land.
Additional Info
Joel’s name means “whose God is Jehovah.” Very little else is known about him. He wrote the book after a locust invasion devastated the entire region of Judah and clarified that it was a warning from God. The book focuses on the final days and the events leading up to them. Daniel and Revelation speak of yet future prophesies, but there are gaps. Joel fills in more of those gaps than any other book. In the Hebrew Bible, Joel 2:28 is the first verse of chapter 3.
© Dr. Rick Taylor
Jonah
Author
Jonah, the son of Amittai.
Date
Likely shortly after two plagues and a total eclipse of the sun between 765 and 759 B.C., which would explain why Nineveh was so quick to repent when he spoke to the people there. He prophesied in Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II, which lasted from 782-753 B.C.
Theme
God’s Warning to Assyria
God warns Assyria, through a reluctant prophet, to repent or face immediate judgment; Assyria repents and Jonah grieves.
Additional Info
Jonah’s name means “dove.” He was a contemporary of Amos and Hosea. He reluctantly went to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, and the people repented after hearing his prophecy. Assyria was located in the modern area of Iraq, Turkey, Lebanon and Syria. Nineveh’s location is roughly equivalent to modern day Mosul. In contrast to Israel, the Gentile sailors Jonah spoke to and the city of their archenemy were quick to respond to God and repent; yet Israel was not.
© Dr. Rick Taylor
Amos
Author
Amos, a sheepherder from Tekoa.
Date
Likely between 762 and 758 B.C. because he was sent as a lay prophet to Jeroboam II, which means he must have been prophesying between 767-753 B.C., he probably spoke for a short period of time, and we know from archaeology that there was a major earthquake in the predicted area around 760 B.C.
Theme
God’s Final Judgment
God's final judgment will follow a soon judgment on Israel and other nations, after which He will restore Israel.
Additional Info
Amos’ name means “a burden” or “a burden-bearer.” He was not from the school of the prophets, yet God chose him to be His messenger of His warning to Israel in the north. Amos cried out against the injustices of the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. In 753 B.C., Jeroboam II ended his reign, and Israel fell to and was exiled by Assyria in 722 B.C., just as Amos predicted. Amos is quoted twice in the New Testament (Acts 7:42-43 and Acts 15:16-17).
© Dr. Rick Taylor
Hosea
Author
Hosea, son of Beeri.
Date
Between approx. 755 and 713 B.C., because he spoke during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah and Jeroboam II.
Theme
God’s Living Illustration
Hosea is a living illustration of Israel’s harlotry with foreign nations and gods, of God’s love, of Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s faithfulness.
Additional Info
Hosea’s name means “salvation.” It can also be spelled Hoshea or Joshua. He was called by God to send a message to the nation Israel that they were being unfaithful to their husband, God, and that He was going to deal severely with them through the nation Assyria. In 733 B.C. Assyria took Israel captive, and took away all their independence and power as a nation. In 722 B.C. Israel was devising a revolt when Assyria came and conquered them completely, taking all their viable men into captivity and dispersing them throughout modern day Iraq, Turkey and Iran.
© Dr. Rick Taylor
Resources for 2 Kings, Joel, Jonah, Amos and Hosea
- 2 Kings 11-15:7, Joel, Jonah, Amos and Hosea Life Group Guide
- I am Jonah Sermon Series
- 1 and 2 Kings (Understanding the Bible Commentary Series) by Iain W. Provan
- Joel, Obadiah, Malachi (NIV Application Commentary, The) by David W. Baker
- Joel, Amos, Obadiah: An Exegetical Commentary by Thomas J. Finley
- The Books of Amos, Hosea, Micah (Cambridge Bible Commentaries on the Old Testament) by Henry McKeating
- Jonah (The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries) by Jack M. Sasson