Old Testament Summary

Introduction to Malachi: God Has Always Loved Us Collin Leong. September 9. 2025 A. Historical Summary 1. Author and Background Malachi means “My Messenger” in Hebrew. He is the last of the twelve Minor Prophets (who wrote shorter books). Unlike other prophets, Malachi gives no personal details —no lineage, hometown, or historical markers. His identity remains somewhat mysterious, emphasizing his role as a divine mouthpiece rather than a public figure. His ministry likely occurred around 435 BC , during or shortly after the governorship of Nehemiah , in the Persian period 2 . The temple had been rebuilt (completed in 515 BC), but the spiritual vitality of the people had waned . Worship was corrupt, priests were negligent, and the people were cynical. 2. Audience Malachi addressed the post-exilic Jewish community in Judah , particularly: Priests , who had grown careless in their duties. General population , who were guilty of spiritual apathy, social injustice, and covenant unfai...

Introduction to Zechariah: God Desires Us To Return To Him Collin Leong. September 9, 2025 A. Historical Summary 1. Author and Background Zechariah , whose name means “Yahweh remembers,” was both a prophet and a priest. He was the son of Berechiah and grandson of Iddo , a priest who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel (cf. Nehemiah 12:4,16). Zechariah likely began his ministry as a young man (see Zechariah 2:4), around 520 BC , just 2 months after God first spoke to  Haggai.    He was born in Babylon and returned to Jerusalem during the first wave of exiles under Cyrus the Great . 2. Audience Zechariah spoke to the post-exilic Jewish community in Judah , who had returned from Babylon but were discouraged and spiritually apathetic . The temple reconstruction had stalled due to opposition and internal indifference. The city was still in ruins, and many felt abandoned by God. His audience needed hope , encouragement , and a renewed vision of God’s covenant f...

 Introduction to Haggai: God Wants Us To Rebuild Our Hearts Collin Leong. September 8, 2025 A. Historical Summary 1. Author and His Background Name Meaning: Haggai means “festal” or “my feast,” possibly indicating he was born on a feast day. Identity: Haggai was a prophet of God, active during the post-exilic period. He is one of the few prophets whose messages are precisely dated. Background: Though little is known of his genealogy, Haggai may have been elderly during his ministry—Haggai 2:3 suggests he had seen Solomon’s temple before its destruction in 586 BC. Contemporaries: He ministered alongside Zechariah , another prophet who encouraged the rebuilding of the temple (cf. Ezra 5:1; Zechariah 1:1). Haggai and Zechariah were active during this time, both urging the people to rebuild the temple and renew their covenant with God. 2. Audience Primary Audience: The Jewish remnant who had returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. Leaders Addressed: Zerubbabel , governor...

Introduction to Zephaniah: God Will Save His Remnant Collin Leong. September 8, 2025 A. Historical Summary 1. Author and Background Author : Zephaniah, introduced as “son of Cushi, son of Gedaliah, son of Amariah, son of Hezekiah” (Zeph. 1:1), is one of the few prophets with a detailed genealogy. This lineage possibly links him to King Hezekiah , suggesting royal blood and access to the inner workings of Judah’s leadership. Ethnic Note : His father’s name, Cushi , may indicate Ethiopian heritage, which adds a unique multicultural dimension to his prophetic voice. 2. Audience Zephaniah primarily addresses Judah , the southern kingdom, especially Jerusalem . His message targets corrupt leaders, complacent citizens, idolaters, and the spiritually indifferent. He also speaks to the surrounding nations —Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Cush, and Assyria—emphasizing that God's judgment is global, not just local. 3. Date and Historical Setting Date : Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King ...

 Introduction of Habakkuk: God Welcomes Our Lament Collin Leong. September 7, 2025 A. Historical Summary 1. Author and Background Name Meaning : Habakkuk likely means “embrace” or “wrestler,” fitting his role as one who wrestles with divine justice. Role : Identified explicitly as a prophet (Habakkuk 1:1; 3:1), which is rare in the Twelve Minor Prophets. He may have been part of a prophetic guild or temple singer, given the musical structure of chapter 3. Personal Life : Little is known. Unlike other prophets, Habakkuk doesn’t address the people directly—his book is a dialogue with God, suggesting a deeply personal and contemplative ministry. 2. Audience Primary Audience : God Himself—Habakkuk’s message is framed as a complaint and response, not a public sermon. Secondary Audience : The people of Judah, especially the faithful remnant struggling under injustice and awaiting judgment. Tertiary Audience : Future generations—those who would need to “live by faith” amid chaos (Hab. 2...

Introduction to Nahum: God Is The Refuge For Oppression Collin Leong. September 7, 2025 A. Historical Summary 1. Author and Background Name : Nahum means “comfort” or “consolation.” Origin : Described as “the Elkoshite” (Nahum 1:1). The location of Elkosh is uncertain: Some suggest Al Qosh in northern Iraq (possibly linked to exiled Israelites). Others propose Capernaum ("village of Nahum") in Galilee. A third view places Elkosh in southern Judah , aligning with the book’s Judean audience. Role : A prophet raised to announce the fall of Nineveh, offering comfort to Judah through the promise of divine justice. 2. Audience Primary Audience : The people of Judah , especially those suffering under Assyrian oppression. Secondary Target : The prophecy is directed against Nineveh , capital of Assyria, but not for their repentance—unlike Jonah’s mission. 3. Date of Writing Timeframe : Between 664–612 BC . Nahum references the fall of Thebes (No-Amon) in Egypt (Nahum 3:8–10), which...