Insights from the Unappreciated Prophets on God’s Future for Israel

Ken Rathbun

While the Old Testament is rich with insights about God’s plans for Israel, one section is sometimes left overlooked. That portion is what we commonly call the Minor Prophets. However, I have never been happy with that designation, since using that title seems to minimize their significance. Actually, I think the opposite is true: the Unappreciated Prophets are crucial to understanding what God’s plans entail for Israel’s future.[1]

When we think about these prophetic books, one thought usually comes to mind: judgment. It is perfectly true that there is much condemnatory content, and that it is directed against Israel and Judah. However, that is not the whole story. At specific and intentional points, the reader is directed to witness God’s permanent love for His people demonstrated by undeserved kindness, which is another name for grace.

This article will provide evidence from the Unappreciated Prophets that God indeed has loved and will always love His people Israel. God’s ultimate plans include her completed restoration. We will look at Israel’s historical context, then move to select passages that provide evidence for God’s desire to restore to His people the promises He made to them so many years ago, and the reason He did so. First, however, we will examine the value of the Unappreciated Prophets.