Jonah, Micah, Nahum, and Habakkuk

In this lesson, we examine Jonah Chapters 1 and 2. Jonah’s disobedience leads to a dangerous storm, his being cast into the sea, and his miraculous preservation in the belly of a great fish. From the fish’s belly, Jonah prays to God, acknowledging His deliverance. These chapters emphasize God’s power, mercy, and Jonah’s path from rebellion to repentance.

In Jonah chapters 3 and 4, we see the remarkable mercy of God extended not only toward the great city of Nineveh but also toward Jonah himself. After being delivered from the belly of the fish, Jonah receives a second commission to preach to Nineveh. The people of Nineveh, from the greatest to the least, respond with genuine repentance. Chapter 4 shifts the focus to Jonah's displeasure at God’s mercy, revealing the prophet's inner struggle with divine compassion and justice. These chapters highlight themes of obedience, repentance, mercy, and the heart of God toward all people.

In Jonah chapters 3 and 4, we see the remarkable mercy of God extended not only toward the great city of Nineveh but also toward Jonah himself. After being delivered from the belly of the fish, Jonah receives a second commission to preach to Nineveh. The people of Nineveh, from the greatest to the least, respond with genuine repentance. Chapter 4 shifts the focus to Jonah's displeasure at God’s mercy, revealing the prophet's inner struggle with divine compassion and justice. These chapters highlight themes of obedience, repentance, mercy, and the heart of God toward all people.

The book of Micah is a prophetic work attributed to the prophet Micah, who prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. He was a contemporary of Isaiah, and his messages were directed to both Samaria (the capital of Israel) and Jerusalem (the capital of Judah). Micah's name means "Who is like unto the LORD?", and his ministry focused on proclaiming God's judgment against sin, especially the social injustices and idolatry of the people. However, he also spoke of future restoration, the coming of the Messiah, and the ultimate peace that God would bring to His people. The tone of the book alternates between stern warnings of judgment and hopeful promises of mercy and restoration.

Micah chapters 5 through 7 conclude the book with a prophetic focus on the coming of the Messiah, judgment upon the ungodly, and a final message of hope and restoration for Israel. These chapters reveal both the judgment due to Israel's sin and the merciful plan of God to redeem His people through the promised ruler from Bethlehem. The text oscillates between judgment and mercy, lament and hope, showing the full character of God's justice and lovingkindness.

Micah chapters 5 through 7 conclude the book with a prophetic focus on the coming of the Messiah, judgment upon the ungodly, and a final message of hope and restoration for Israel. These chapters reveal both the judgment due to Israel's sin and the merciful plan of God to redeem His people through the promised ruler from Bethlehem. The text oscillates between judgment and mercy, lament and hope, showing the full character of God's justice and lovingkindness.

Introduction to the Book and Lesson: The book of Nahum is a short but powerful prophetic declaration of God's judgment upon the city of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Though Jonah had earlier preached repentance to Nineveh, leading to a temporary turning to God, the people returned to their wickedness. Nahum's prophecy, delivered about a century later, serves as a solemn warning that God will not always withhold judgment from unrepentant sin. This three-chapter book reveals the holiness, justice, and power of God as He brings down a nation that had once terrorized many others.

The book of Nahum is a short but powerful prophetic declaration of God's judgment upon the city of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Though Jonah had earlier preached repentance to Nineveh, leading to a temporary turning to God, the people returned to their wickedness. Nahum's prophecy, delivered about a century later, serves as a solemn warning that God will not always withhold judgment from unrepentant sin. This three-chapter book reveals the holiness, justice, and power of God as He brings down a nation that had once terrorized many others.

The Book of Habakkuk is a dialogue between the prophet Habakkuk and the Lord, written during a time of increasing wickedness and impending judgment. Unlike many prophetic books where the prophet speaks to the people on behalf of God, Habakkuk speaks to God on behalf of the people, asking hard questions about justice and the triumph of evil. This short yet powerful book unfolds in three chapters, beginning with the prophet’s complaints, continuing with the Lord’s responses, and ending with a prayer of faith and trust. Habakkuk teaches that even in the midst of troubling times and divine judgment, the just shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4).

The Book of Habakkuk is a dialogue between the prophet Habakkuk and the Lord, written during a time of increasing wickedness and impending judgment. Unlike many prophetic books where the prophet speaks to the people on behalf of God, Habakkuk speaks to God on behalf of the people, asking hard questions about justice and the triumph of evil. This short yet powerful book unfolds in three chapters, beginning with the prophet’s complaints, continuing with the Lord’s responses, and ending with a prayer of faith and trust. Habakkuk teaches that even in the midst of troubling times and divine judgment, the just shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4).