Bible Reading Plan

Micah prophesied judgement upon Israel and Judah because they sinned against God and worshiped other gods in the high places. They oppressed and preyed upon the weak. They did not obey God’s Word but turned to the ways of man. The Lord proclaimed judgement on the rulers and the prophets. The rulers despised their people and used them for personal gain. The prophets spoke to please the people and did not proclaim the Word of the Lord. God sent word that they should mourn over the coming judgement. He warned they would be taken to Babylon, but the Lord would rescue them. Micah prophesied a day would come when God’s people would be at peace and would worship Him.

God told Jonah, a Hebrew, to speak against Nineveh for their sin. Jonah rebelled and attempted to travel across the sea away from his home and from the place he was called. The sea became rough, and the men found that it was because of Jonah’s rebellion. They threw him from the boat and the sea calmed. A great fish swallowed Jonah. He was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights. Jonah prayed to God with thanksgiving and the Lord caused the fish to vomit him out on dry land. Jonah traveled to Nineveh and proclaimed God’s Word and the people repented. God chose not to destroy them which made Jonah angry. God used an illustration (a plant) to explain His love and mercy toward the people in Nineveh.

The prophesies of Obadiah have been realized. Paul appears to quote from Obadiah in 1 Corinthians 1:19. Obadiah prophesied of the judgement of God’s people and judgement on those who celebrated the misfortunes of others. God’s people became comfortable in their wealth and provisions. The prophesies identified the gloating of the fortunate in the face of those who were in need.

God gave Amos a vision and warned that Jeroboam would die by the sword and Israel would be taken into exile from its land. Amaziah told Amos to go to Judah to escape being killed because of his prophesies. Amos explained God’s calling, and the Lord condemned Amaziah and his family. God’s people were warned of their coming judgement, and they would mourn because of a removal of God’s blessings. They would seek God and not hear from Him. Those who lived in sin would not be able to escape His judgement. The Lord promised He would rescue a remnant of His people and restore Israel to make it a blessed nation once again. His people would be great, and they would never be uprooted again.

Israel oppressed the poor and did not learn from God’s correction. They continued in their sinful ways and worshiped other gods. Israel was warned of coming judgement against them, and God warned that their neighboring nations would not be able to assist them in their time of need. They were encouraged to turn to the Lord and live. God’s people became comfortable with unfaithfulness and sin. God declared judgement and oppression on the house of Israel.

Amos prophesied in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and Jeroboam king of Israel. His message from God was a warning to the neighbors of Israel for their sins against God and His people. Each neighbor is named with their sins and their punishment. Judah and Israel were warned they would receive judgement. God reminded Israel what He had done in their presence. He rescued them and provided for their needs, but they turned from Him and worshiped their possessions and created gods. He declared Judgement on Israel. They knew God and His good deeds toward them, and understood they deserved judgement for their sin against God.

Joel prophesied judgement on God’s people, the need for repentance, and God’s forgiveness and blessings on His people. The exact dates of Joel’s writings are not known with certainty. Paul and Peter both quoted the writings of Joel, which confirms its authority. God’s people turned from Him, and they would face judgement and condemnation. Joel wrote a plea to God’s people to repent and turn back to Him. Their enemies would seek their destruction, and God’s people would be dispersed throughout the land. He wrote that God’s people would turn to God, and He would bless them, and all who called on the name of the Lord shall be saved. God would save them from their enemies. The Lord would bring His people together again.

God’s people were driven by every change of the wind. Israel and Judah were reminded of their history and God’s hand on them. They were reminded how they turned from God to other gods and other nations. They were easily swayed from God. He knew their sins and they were warned they would be judged according to their deeds. They would be punished by God according to His Word. A plea went out to God’s people to turn from the idols they made and turn to Him, and they would be blessed. His ways are right, and the righteous walk in them.

Israel would face judgement and punishment for their sin against God. They would turn to Assyria and Egypt for help, but they would not find peace, and they would not escape punishment. God sought this people to be His own, but as He blessed them, they turned further from Him. The idols and kings they worshiped would be destroyed, and their priests would be put to shame because they worshiped false gods. God declared his people would turn back to Him and He would restore them to their land. His mercy and love will be forever.

Israel and Judah were rebuked for worshiping other gods and not repenting for their sins. The priests were condemned for not holding to the Law of God and not leading people to turn back to the Lord. Hosea pleaded with Israel to turn to the Lord and receive forgiveness. The Lord sought obedience from His people, but they continued to sin. They provided sacrifices without repenting. They turned to other nations for help instead of turning to the Lord. Punishment would come because of their pride. They would be disciplined and would not prosper.