The book of the twelve
Let us speak of the book of the twelve,
of the men who were called to proclaim
a message of both judgement and hope
from God, whose covenant they contain.
Hosea tells of a faithless wife and love that will not give up
So too will God continue to love, although His people have gone astray.
Joel warns of the power of a God ,who will always have His way
As locust can devastate all the land, His judgement is on its way.
Amos speaks of injustice in the treatment of the poor and weak.
This should not be the Lord declares, you really do it unto me.
For Obadiah the guilt is clear, the people of Edom should not jeer,
their kinsmen who suffer should instead receive aid and their love and care.
Jonah is loathe to do the God of Israel's will , and so he runs away
but the Lord will not be thwarted; and Ninevah repents and turns to His way.
Micah tells of justice and mercy to follow the judgements of God,
he speaks of one to be a 'light to the gentiles' who ultimately will come.
Nahum expresses how justice will be seen in punishment of all,
ill treatment of others will result in the oppressors fall.
Habakkuk pleads ' Lord how long must I wait ? ' for justice to be done.
His answer comes; you must live by faith, for 'the day of the Lord' will come.
Zephaniah declares that all nations, including God's people, will be judged.
'The day of the Lord' will be followed by an offer of salvation to all who remain.
Haggai reminds of the Messianic promise, as they return to the Holy Place.
Give God his rightful place he pleads, and He will reward your faith.
Zechariah also speaks of a Messianic hope and calls for a need to repent.
For him this is clearly a future event; after judgement,will come salvation for all.
Finally Malachi the last 'messenger ' of the twelve warns of the need to take care.
He speaks of one who calls out 'repent' , for 'he will prepare the way of the Lord.'
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