Hosea
9-14: Israel, the Kingdom to the North, here often called Ephraim because of it's largest tribe continues under indictment. Perhaps the most poignant is chapter 11, when the metaphor of a child is used, and God is described as a parent who nurtures and cares for a child, even when it is unaware. There is a final call to repentance in chapter 14, but Hosea is mostly bleak. The implication here is that Israel's fate is all but sealed.
Micah
Micah is a prophet who likely did most of his work during the last 25 years of the 8th cent. BC. He prophesied especially in the South against Jerusalem, which he called a high-place - that is a place of false worship. He is famous for having prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem.
1-3: Staring with the Northern Kingdom - referring to Samaria - we may think this is an indictment of Israel, however the prophet quickly turns that into a comparison of the two and then an indictment of Judah. For someone in the South a comparison with the North would have been offensive.
4-5: A vision of an ideal Kingdom - the Kingdom of God when there is peace and nations will be at peace. The Messiah, a new David, will arise and establish this Kingdom.
6-7: A further indictment coupled with a call to repentance. God is full of mercy. For Balak and Balaam - reread Numbers 22-24 if you want a refresher.
Nahum
The book of Nahum is an ecstatic gloating over the fall of Assyria, specifically the fall of it's capital Nineveh. The Assyrians had been an oppressive super power in that area of the Mid-East for centuries. It's destruction by the Medes and Chaldeans was celebrated as a just reward for their evil oppression, and the hand of God is seen it that victory. It was the Assyrians who destroyed Samaria and took the people of Israel into exile and removed them from history.
2 Chronicles
33: Manasseh was a bad king. One of the worst. His exile to Assyria and return and later repentance are not recorded in Kings. Amon was as bad or worse than his father.
34: Following David and Solomon, Josiah is considered the greatest King of Judah. He reforms worship, does away with idolatry and worshiping Yahweh outside the temple. He restores the temple and educates the people. He also discovers a book of the law - likely some form of Deuteronomy. Because of his faithfulness, the judgment of Israel (mostly on account of Manasseh and Amon) is postponed during his reign.
Romans
Paul concludes his arguments and sends greeting to many. He is concerned about a visit to Judea and looks forward to visiting Rome on his way to Spain. Notice the women who support him as well as Junia, who is an apostle.
Acts 21-23
There is great consternation about Paul's return to Jerusalem and for good reason. No sooner does he arrive at the Temple than he causes a riot. He asks to address the people and he does, but they riot again and Paul is arrested. When it is discovered that he is a Roman citizen, however, things change, and the Roman authority will have to decide what to do with him.
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