The book of Zephaniah is a record of the messages of the prophet Zephaniah. As with most prophets, Zephaniah’s message focuses on current events for the people of Israel, but also has a secondary meaning, anticipating the life of Jesus. Zephaniah focuses the attention of his critical remarks on the political and religious leaders of […]
The book of Haggai is a record of the messages of the prophet Haggai. As with most prophets, Haggai’s message focused on current events for the people of Israel. Haggai was a contemporary of Zechariah, and his prophetic mission was to encourage the reconstruction of the temple by the returning exiles. Haggai focused on the […]
The book of Zechariah is a record of the messages of the prophet Zechariah. As with most prophets, Zechariah’s message focuses on current events for the people of Israel, but also has a secondary meaning, anticipating the life of Jesus. Zechariah was a contemporary of Haggai. The messages of both prophets concern the importance of […]
The book of Malachi is a record of the messages of the prophet Malachi, or “my messenger.” As with most prophets, Malachi’s message focuses on current events for the people of Israel, but also has a secondary meaning, anticipating the life of Jesus. The book of Malachi addresses a people who believed God had forgotten […]
The book of Tobit, sometimes called Tobias, is named after its main character, Tobit (Tobias). Though it’s listed as a historical book, some say the book of Tobit is more appropriately understood as a cross between history and wisdom literature. Regardless, Tobit is an epic story. The book is the account of Tobit, an Israelite […]
The book of Judith is included with the historical books of the Old Testament, but due to apparent historical inconsistencies, it might be more correct to understand it as a work of historical fiction. Nevertheless, Judith stands as an inspiring account of confident faith put into bold action. The book of Judith is a tale […]
Some versions of the Bible include additional text for the book of Esther, which isn’t found in most Protestant versions of the Bible. This additional text rounds out the story and reveals deeper insight into the life of Esther and her guardian, Mordecai. This complete text of Esther includes five additional sections inserted into Esther’s […]
First Maccabees is labeled as an historical book, but it possesses both historical and literary value. It is a book of stoic faith. First Maccabees gives details of the political scene and the military situation in the area of Israel circa the second century BCE. Though the initial focus is on the military leadership and […]
Second Maccabees, another historical book, is not a continuation of 1 Maccabees, but more appropriately a companion piece, as its timeline mostly overlaps First Maccabees and provides additional details. Most importantly, 2 Maccabees offers a different perspective of these events, showcasing signs, wonders, and miracles. It also gives additional insight into what provoked the Maccabean […]
Third Maccabees tells the story of Jewish persecution under King Ptolemy Philopator, likely Ptolemy IV, who lived from 245 to 202 BCE and ruled from 211 to 202 BCE. After Philopator defeats Antiochus, he has a celebration tour. He visits Jerusalem and wants to enter the temple, which Jewish Law prohibits. Though he doesn’t care […]