Inspiring Verses of the Last Five OT Books

We have all heard of and studied the first five books of the OT, but what about the last five books of the OT? Until recently I had never studied any of these small minor prophets. I now see that these books are rich in meaning and have much to offer. Below is a list of a few verses from each book to show the rich diversity of these five minor prophets.

1. Habakkuk

(Hab 3:17 KJV) Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: (Hab 3:18 KJV) Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. These verses remind me that I can have joy in my life in the midst of all the tribulations of this world.

2. Zephaniah

(Zep 3:9 KJV) For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent. The Hebrew word that is translated language in the verse above, as it is in Genesis, could also be translated lips. But if it is translated language, then this verse tells me that this poor language and limited vocabulary that I now have will be miraculously changed into the pure primeval language that Adam and Eve used to speak to God so I may more perfectly praise God.

3. Haggai

(Hag 2:7 KJV) And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. This verse comforts me in that Christ is the desire and redeemer of the world and not just of Israel.

4. Zechariah

(Zec 11:12 KJV) And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. This verse tore at my heart the most. For it showed the utter contempt of the leaders of Israel when they paid only the price for a slave killed by your animal, when Christ is worth more than all the treasures of the world.

5. Malachi

(Mal 2:15 KJV) And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.(Mal 2:16 KJV) For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. These verses sum up all the teachings of the entire Bible on the subject of divorce and that we should take them seriously.