The temple has been rebuilt, but times of prosperity have not come. God's people are suffering drought and famine, and they respond with indifference and spiritual lethargy. Thy have forgotten God and treat him with dishonor. Against such a background Malachi (meaning "my messenger") was written. While Malachi's message is filled with indictments and warnings, be alert to God's passionate love for his people and his desire that they return that love with their whole heart and with obedience.

  Zechariah's prophetic ministry takes place after the exile, when the Jews return to their homeland from Babylonian captivity. His prophecies begin two months after Haggai's first message. To a people discouraged about their task of rebuilding the temple, Zechariah speaks words of encouragement and motivation. Look for the many predictions concerning the coming Messiah, as Zechariah gives his people a vision of God's purposes beyond the restored temple.

  Haggai. along with the prophet Zechariah, encourages the returned exiles to rebuild the temple. The messages of Haggai are given during a four-month period in 520 B.C. Haggai clearly shows the consequences of disobedience and the blessings of obedience as he tells the people they have deprived themselves of God's blessings by forsaking the temple building project. When the people give priority to God and his house, they are blessed. Obedience brings the encouragement and strength of God's Spirit.

  Zephaniah writes to the people of Judah, warning them of judgment and a terrible "day of the Lord" (Zephaniah 1:7) that is to come - a day when God will severely punish the nations. As you read this book, look for the note of hope that God's judgment will pave the way for a new society in which justice prevails and all people worship the Lord.

  Habakkuk prayed and prophesied in a time when the people of God were caught up in a crisis of religious and moral bewilderment. It is into that troubled scene that Habakkuk steps with his expressions of confusion and complaint. As you read this book, notice God's unexpected answer and the hope that Habakkuk finally discovers.

  Nahum (meaning "comfort") prophesies against the cruel nation of Assyria. He reminds the people of Judah that God is in control of history and will not allow evil to prevail forever. Nahum prophesies that the Assyrian city of Nineveh will fall, which does happen in 612 B.C. Kingdoms built on wickedness and tyranny must eventually fall, as Assyria did. As you read this book take comfort that God is the Lord of history and he will have his way.

  The prophet Micah writes to the people of Judah to warn them that God's judgment is near because they have rejected God and his law. His message alternates between oracles of doom and oracles of hope, stressing that God hates idolatry, injustice, rebellion and empty ritualism, but he delights in forgiving those who return to him. As you read this book, take comfort that God offers hope for those who remain faithful to him.

  When God sends Jonah to warn the people of Nineveh to repent, Jonah runs in the opposite direction. But God uses the reluctant prophet as a vehicle of his grace. As you read this book, note God's great compassion for all people and his desire for sincere repentance regardless of what someone has done: Thank him for reaching out to you in love and calling you to tell others about his grace for them.

  Obadiah's prophecy centers around an ancient feud between Edom, the Edomites hold a grudge against Israel because Jacob has cheated their ancestor out of his birthright. Obadiah prophesies judgment against Edom, reminding the people of Edom that God is in control of the world. Edom itself will be destroyed, but Mount Zion and Israel will be delivered, and God's kingdom will triumph.

  Amos, a shepherd from the small town of Tekoa, is sent to announce God's judgment on the northern kingdom of Israel. With strong poetic imagery: Amos speaks passionately about God's concern for the poor and urges a return to righteousness and justice. As you read this book, look for God's perspective on issues of social justice and be prepared to respond with a heart of compassion.

  The prophet Joel urges the people of Judah to turn again to God and warns them that judgment is at hand. As you read the book of Joel, you will see God's intense desire for intimacy with all of his people. God cares for you with a passionate concern, and he desires to fill you with his Spirit and to receive you in his love.

  This book is named after the prophet whose message it preserves. Hosea prophesies just before the northern kingdom of Israel is conquered by the Assyrians. The story of Hosea's family life illustrates a love story that God loves us, even when our sins have broken his heart. Look beyond Hosea's suffering to see a startling example of another's love that will not quit. Take courage in knowing that God's love and healing are available to you today.

  Daniel records events that take place during Israel's captivity and encourages the people to trust in the God who controls all of history. Daniel's visions always show God as triumphant. As you read this book, be encouraged that God still shows his faithfulness and his protection today as he keeps his promise never to desert you. He gives you the strength to stand firm in him as you serve and obey him day by day.

  Ezekiel is among the more than 3,000 Jews exiled to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar in 597 B.C. There among the exiles he receives his call to become a prophet. As a priest-prophet called to minister to the exiles, he uses words, visions and "mini-dramas" to urge the people to renew their commitment to God. Nowhere in the Bible is God's control over all creation expressed more clearly than in Ezekiel. Watch for the message of God's majesty and glory: all this will happen so that "they will know that I am the Lord" (Ezekiel 6:10).

  Lamentations is the only Old Testament book that consists solely of laments. Its author, traditionally thought to be Jeremiah, laments the intense sufferings of God's people and the utter devastation of the temple. Knowing that God is merciful, the author appeals for mercy in prayer. In the middle of the book, Jeremiah affirms God's goodness and faithfulness in the midst of sufferings. Here you find a faith rooted in God's unchanging character - a ringing affirmation of the God whose "compassions never fail" (Lamentation 3:22).

  Jeremiah prophesies in Judah during a period when the doom of entire nations - including Judah itself - is being sealed. Judgment is one of the pervasive themes in Jeremiah's writings, although, like Isaiah, he writes stirring words of hope about Judah's future redemption. Watch for Jeremiah's encouragement - prophecies that are being fulfilled today whenever sinful hearts are transformed by God.

  Isaiah writes about the stormy period marking the expansion of the Assyrian empire and the decline of Israel. Isaiah unveils the full dimensions of God's judgment, warning Judah that her sin would bring captivity at the hands of Babylon. Yet, following round after round of warnings, Isaiah turns to the promise of God's comfort, forgiveness and restoration. The restored earth and the restored people will then conform to the divine ideal, and all will result in the praise and glory of the holy God of Israel.

  In ancient Israel everything human came to expression in words. In Song of Solomon, love finds words - inspired words that disclose love's exquisite charm and beauty as one of God's choice gifts. This book illuminates the spontaneous and exclusive love between a lover and his beloved, demonstrating at the same time the kind of love Christ has for his church. Rejoice in the gift of love as you read this timeless expression of the joy and intimacy of love, the gift of our Creator.

  Ecclesiastes teaches that a life not centered on God is purposeless and meaningless. Without God, nothing can satisfy (2:25). With him, all of life and his good gifts are to be gratefully received and fully used and enjoyed (2:26; 11:8). As you read this book, you will confront honest confessions of doubts and struggles with disillusionment. Think about your own sense of purpose as you seek to cultivate a God-fearing attitude toward life.

  According to the prologue (Proverbs 1:1-7), Proverbs was written to give "prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young" (1:4), and to make the wise wiser (1:5). Acquiring wisdom and knowing how to avoid the pitfalls of folly will lead to health and success. Although Proverbs is a practical book dealing with the art of living, it bases wisdom solidly on the fear of the Lord (1:7). Here you will find wisdom that works and insights that will not wear out.