After Moses led Israel out of Egypt, God made a covenant (serious agreement) with Israel. (The Old Testament books of Exodus and Deuteronomy document the deal.) If the Israelites loved God with everything they had and treated their neighbors justly, God would bless them and make them a light to the nations. If they broke the terms of the covenant and did not change their ways, they would be cursed. (See Deuteronomy 28.)

The Old Testament histories, including Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, detail the choices, actions, golden age (King David and King Solomon), successes, and, mostly, failures to keep the covenant, and the attendant consequences.

The prophets call Israel back to their covenant, indict them for their crimes, warn them of God’s judgment, plead with them to change their ways, and provide hope of God’s future mercy.

The prophetic books are divided into major and minor ones. Major prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel are long works. The Twelve Minor Prophets (e.g., Jonah) are relatively short.

They reveal God’s sovereignty over the nations, His love for humanity and concern for justice, the horrors of idolatry, and God’s salvation plan through His Messiah and King, whom the New Testament identifies as Jesus of Nazareth.

Middle school or high school students who’ve read Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Samuel, Isaiah, and Jeremiah are well-positioned to enjoy and learn from the Minor Prophets. The message and literature move readers to consider what really matters.

For reading, I recommend the New Living Translation or the English Standard Version. For closer study, I recommend the New American Standard Bible (1995).