Book of Zephaniah

Book of Zephaniah

Title As with each of the 12 Minor Prophets, the prophecy bears the name of its author, which is generally thought to mean “the Lord hides” (cf. 2:3). Author and Date Little is known about the author, Zephaniah. Three other OT individuals share his name. He traces his...
Book of Habakkuk

Book of Habakkuk

Title This prophetic book takes its name from its author and possibly means “one who embraces” (1:1; 3:1). By the end of the prophecy, this name becomes appropriate as the prophet clings to God regardless of his confusion about God’s plans for His people. Author and...
Book of Nahum

Book of Nahum

Title The book’s title is taken from the prophet-of-God’s oracle against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. Nahum means “comfort” or “consolation” and is a short form of Nehemiah (“comfort of Yahweh”). Nahum is not quoted in the NT, although there may be an allusion to...
Book of Micah

Book of Micah

Title The name of the book is derived from the prophet who, having received the word of the Lord, was commissioned to proclaim it. Micah, whose name is shared by others in the OT (e.g., Jdg 17:1; 2Ch 13:2; Jer 36:11), is a shortened form of Micaiah (or Michaiah) and...
Book of Jonah

Book of Jonah

Title Following the lead of the Hebrew Masoretic text (MT), the title of the book is derived from the principal character, Jonah (meaning “dove”), the son of Amittai (1:1). Both the Septuagint (LXX) and the Latin Vulgate (Vg.) ascribe the same name. Author and Date...
Book of Obadiah

Book of Obadiah

Title The book is named after the prophet who received the vision (1:1). Obadiah means “servant of the Lord” and occurs 20 times in the OT, referring to many other OT individuals. Obadiah is the shortest book in the OT and is not quoted in the NT. Author and Date...