We’re now past halfway in our journey through the Bible that follows a roughly chronological order. This post considers three prophets before the Exile: Hosea, Amos, and Habakkuk.

Previously, we looked at Ezekiel and his message that God’s people would always belong to him, offering hope and reassurance. Similarly, Isaiah spoke of God’s presence and love. Yet, time and again, the covenant people ignored God’s ways, refusing to listen or follow him.

Hosea’s life itself became a message of God’s faithfulness. He married an unfaithful prostitute, symbolising how God’s people strayed, worshipping idols instead of remaining devoted to him. Despite their waywardness, there was still hope. Prophets like Micah and Zephaniah also shared messages of redemption.

Amos, in contrast, delivered a stern warning. Although life seemed good, the people were exploiting one another and had become selfish. Amos urged them to recognise their wrongdoing, as this wasn’t how God intended them to live.

Habakkuk wrestled with difficult questions, asking why God allowed suffering and injustice. Through his struggles, he came to understand that even when circumstances seem unfair, God remains just. He ultimately declared his faith in God’s goodness, as seen in Habakkuk 3:17-18: Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.

The overarching message is clear: regardless of our circumstances, God is always a God of love and grace.

This is one of a series of posts outlining all the books of the Bible. Previous Next