Why are these empires made the subject of such a striking prophecy? Because of their connection with the Church of God. Mention a name of Christ in this book. vii. 13. "The Son of man." Mention a striking prophecy of the death of Christ. ix. 24. What period of these do the 70 weeks comprise? To whom did Hosea prophecy? Chiefly to Israel, or the ten tribes. When did he live? He was contemporary with Isaiah. What does his book contain? Reproofs for idolatry; Admonitions to repentance. II. JOEL. BETWEEN B.C. 810-660, When did Joel prophecy? He was contemporary with Hosea. To whom did he prophecy? To Judah. What did he foretell? The Babylonian or Chaldean Invasion. Did he foretell any thing else? The Kingdom of Christ. ii. 28-32. What was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost? A prophecy of this book: compare Joel ii. 28. and Acts ii. 17. By what image are the Chaldeans represented? ii. 1—11. By Locusts. III. AMOS. BETWEEN B.C. 810-785. When did Amos prophecy? He was contemporary with Hosea. To whom did he prophecy? Chiefly to Israel. What does he principally foretell? ix. The captivity and restoration of Israel. Does Amos foretell the conversion of the Gentiles? IV. OBADIAH. BETWEEN B.C. 588-583. When did Obadiah prophecy? At the time of Judah's captivity. What did he foretell? ver. 9. The destruction of the Edomites. What besides? ver. 17. The restoration of Judah. V. JONAH. BETWEEN B.C. 856-784. What is peculiar with regard to Jonah? He is the first of the prophets whose writings we possess. What besides? He here appears as a prophet to the Gentiles. What city was Nineveh, and where? The Capital of Assyria: by the river Tigris. Where is Jonah mentioned in sacred history? 2 Kings xiv. 25. Divide his book. 1. First Mission. i. ii.-2. Second Mission. iii. iv. What do you say of his character? He was disobedient; repining; had great infirmity. Mention a typical circumstance in his life. Compare chap. i. 17, and St. Matt, xii. 40. Quote our Lord's remark on the repentance of the Ninevites. "The men of Nineveh shall rise up in judgment," &c. St. Matt. xii. 41. When did Micah prophecy? He was contemporary with Isaiah. To whom did he prophecy? To Israel and to Judah. i. 1. Of what does the book treat? Of sins, of judgment, of repentance, of mercies. Mention some leading matters in it. 1. The invasions of Shalmaneser and Sennacherib. i. 6 8; 9-16. 2. Christ's Kingdom: the place of His birth. iv. v. Mention the place of Christ's birth. Bethlehem-Ephratah. v. 2. St. Matt. ii. 6. Mention a third point foretold by Micah. The destruction of Assyria. v. 6. Mention a fourth point. The faith and triumph of the Church. vii. 8—20. Between what great events did Nahum prophecy? Between the captivity of Israel and Sennacherib's attempt on Jerusalem. To whom did he prophecy, and for what purpose? To Judah; to comfort them. What does he foretell? i. 9—13. 1. The destruction of Sennacherib's forces. 2. The overthrow of Nineveh and of the Assyrian em pire. ii. iii. Did the Jews need special consolation at this time? Yes: they had seen the captivity of Israel: VIII. HABAKKUK. BETWEEN B.C. 612-598. When did Habakkuk prophecy? Probably with Jeremiah, when Jehoiakim reigned. Who were at this time the chief enemies of the Jews? 1. The Edomites: their ruin is foretold by Obadiah. 2. The Assyrians: their ruin is foretold by Nahum. 3. The Chaldeans: their ruin is foretold by Habakkuk. Repeat a passage quoted thrice by St. Paul. ii. 4. Rom. i. 17 Gal. iii. 11. Heb. x. 38. "But the just shall live by his faith.” What do you say of faith? It is the great principle in religion. Describe the character of Habakkuk, as it is seen in this book. A believer, tender and distressed; enquiring and patient; satisfied and rejoicing. Quote a fine instance of the language of faith. iii. 17, 18. "Although the figtree shall not blossom, &c. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will joy in the God of my IX. ZEPHANIAH. salvation." BETWEEN B.C. 640-609. When did Zephaniah prophecy? In the reign of Josiah: with Jeremiah. To whom did he prophecy? To Judah. Show the subject matter of his book. 1. Denunciation on account of idolatry. i. 2. Exhortation to repentance. ii. 1—3. 3. Prophecies against Judah's enemies. 4-15. 4. Reproof of Judah. iii. 1-7. 5. Punishment of their enemies: prosperity of the Church. 8-20. When did Haggai prophecy? After the return of the Jews from their captivity. To what subject does the book relate? To the building of the second temple. In what way does the prophet speak? In the way of Reproof and of Encouragement. What was the great encouragement? The coming of Christ. ii. 6-9. What is Christ called? "The Desire of all nations." Quote a practical admonition. i. 5. 66 Consider your ways." XI. ZECHARIAH. BETWEEN B.C. 520-518. When did Zechariah begin to prophecy? About two months after Haggai began. What was his object? Ezra vi. 14. To promote the rebuilding of the temple. Is this an easy It is very obscure. Divide it into two parts. 1. Seven Visions. i.-vi. 2. Four Prophetical Discourses. vii.—xiv. Mention the Visions. 1. Horses. i. 8-17. Defence of the Church. |