Bible Reading Plan

The Lord reminded Israel of His love and His blessings on them. He condemned the priests because they offered sacrifices in vain. They profaned the table of the Lord. They did not honor God by speaking truth, and they did not fear the Lord. The men of Judah were unfaithful to their wives and married women who were not of the household of faith. Their actions led to idolatry. The Lord condemned His people because they robbed from Him in their tithes and contributions. God challenged His people to be faithful and trust Him to provide. Those who would be faithful would become His treasured possession. Malachi finished with a prophesy of the coming Messiah, and of John, the forerunner for Jesus Christ.

Zechariah prophesied concerning the destruction of the Jews. There would be a portion of the Jews who would be spared. He prophesied of the Messiah who would be sold for thirty pieces of silver. He would be pierced by His own people. The Messiah would bring salvation to His people. The enemies of His people would be destroyed. There would be a spirit of grace on the Lord’s people. The Messiah would be with His people, and He would fight against their enemies. The gospel would spread throughout the world, signifying His spiritual reign, and the Lord would bless those who worship Him according to His Word.

The Lord promised to restore and bless the portion of Judah and Israel that remained. He told them they would enjoy a long and peaceful life. He commanded them to love truth and peace. The work of the Lord would be known to all people, and they would seek Him among His people. The judgement on the neighboring enemies of Israel was described. The spiritual shepherds would receive judgement because they led God’s people away from Him. The Lord promised the Messiah, then foretold of His entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. He would become the cornerstone. The Lord would save His people and bring those who were scattered together under His lordship. They would be His people and walk in His name.

Zechariah was given multiple visions from God. The visions described the work of the Lord and the coming Messiah. The kingdom of God would be built and strengthened through the Holy Spirit and not by human hands. The Messiah would build the temple and would rule over God’s kingdom. The Word of the Lord came to Zechariah to remind the Lord’s people that they turned from the Word of the Lord and refused to listen to the His commands. The Lord scattered them and reminded them that He was the Lord.

Zechariah warned God’s people not to be like their fathers, instead to turn to the Lord. Zechariah was given a vision that was a message from God to His people. The Lord promised blessings for His people and judgement for those who harmed them. Those who scattered Judah would be punished. Zechariah was given another vision that described the time when the number of God’s people would be great. The vision depicted the gospel being spread throughout the world. Zechariah saw another vision concerning the high priest, Joshua. The vision was a message for Joshua to walk in the ways of the Lord. The Lord would give charge over His courts to Joshua.

Haggai prophesied to Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the high priest following their captivity in Babylon and their return to Judea. God confronted His people. They built their homes but neglected the temple. He instructed them to build the house of the Lord. They obeyed the Lord and He declared His blessings on His temple and stated that His house would be greater than it was before it was destroyed. He vowed to bless His people because they responded in obedience. Haggai received a prophesy from the Lord to tell Zerubbabel he would become a symbol of the blessings on God’s people.

Zephaniah prophesied in the days of Josiah, king of Judah. He warned of coming judgement against Judah for turning from the Lord and turning to false gods. The Lord would destroy all who He found to be wicked. The Lord would judge the enemies of Judah. Their treasures would be plundered, and the blessings of Judah would be restored. The people of Jerusalem were rebellious and did not listen to correction. The Lord declared His judgement and anger upon Jerusalem because He is a jealous God. The Lord would purify His people and the faithful would remain. The faithful would rejoice in the Lord. His people would be restored, and their name made great among the nations.

Habakkuk complained to the Lord and asked for justice. The Lord gave Habakkuk prophesy concerning the preparation of the Chaldeans who would humble His people. The Lord provided a vision in response to his second complaint. The Lord encouraged patience till the day of justice. He proclaimed the righteous man would live by faith. The enemies of God’s people would plunder, but they would receive judgement. Nations were built through the shedding of much blood, and their enemies worshiped idols made with human hands. Their judgement would come and be known by all people. Habakkuk ended his writing in the manner of David’s psalms. He praised God and pronounced his assurance in the Lord’s faithfulness.

Nahum prophesied judgement on Nineveh because of their sin against God. The people of Judah were commanded to keep their feasts and fulfill their vows. Their enemies would be destroyed. The Lord is the One who possessed power over all created things, and He would determine their end. He described the coming destruction of Nineveh in detail. The rulers of Assyria were warned that their people would be scattered and would not receive relief. Their destruction would be celebrated among their enemies because of their evil deeds.

Micah prophesied of the Messiah who would come from Bethlehem and rule God’s people in strength and in the majesty of the name of the Lord. He would be their peace. The Lord would cast out all idols and images made by human hands. He would execute vengeance on those who did not obey. God required His people to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him. He would destroy the wicked and bless His people. God’s people would wait upon the Lord, and He would rescue them among all people. Their enemies would be put to shame. The Lord is faithful. His love would endure, and He would pardon the sins of His people.