Obadiah relates to an invasion of Judah and harassment of Jerusalem by Edom, the nation east of the Dead Sea from Esau, Jacob's brother. Israel was commanded to respect Edom but they had continuing problems. Edom was condemned because of her: (1) pride in: (a) geographical security; (b) political alliances and military power; (c) commercial wealth and (d) traditional wisdom; (2) her violation of Judah: (a) rejoiced over the fall of Jerusalem; (b) refused to help; (c) active support of enemy; (d) took Judah's property; and (3) rejection of YHWH. Joel contains these main truths: (1) Joel sees the events of his day as a foreshadowing of future events; (2) Joel calls for a day of repentance; (3) If God's people repent God will bring a new day of prosperity both physically and spiritually; (4) God will judge the surrounding nations; (5) this new day of spiritual renewal will affect: (a) men and women; (b) old and young; (3) slave and free; (6) "The Day of the Lord" is a characteristic phrase of Amos, Joel and Zephaniah. How we respond to God now determines if it is a day of blessing or judgment; (7) God's character is described in 2:13; and (8) the pouring out of the Spirit in 2:28-32 reflects the New Covenant Age. Haggai focuses on the rebuilding of the Second Temple which had been neglected several years earlier: (1) Ezra 5:16 (1st year - under Sheshbazzar); (2) Ezra 3:8-13 (2nd year - under Zerubbabel). God's promises of immediate physical blessings and future Messianic blessings are linked to the rebuilding of the Temple (restoration of Mosaic Covenant). The size and majesty of the Temple was not the issue, rather it's presence. God's presence, which it symbolized, was the true glory. Malachi documents the sins of apathy and disillusionment of the returning Jews. This book has several universal statements. God wanted to use Israel to reach the world, 1:5,11,14; 3:12. God's people are impugning His character: (1) 2:17 - God does not act in justice; (2) 3:6 - God's unchanging character is the only reason Israel still exists; and (3) 3:14 - it is vain to serve God. This book has a Messianic hope, 3:1; 4:5. Part of the "You Can Understand the Bible"^TM series. For more of Dr. Utley's Bible study guides, go to www.freebiblecommentary.org.