Zephaniah: A prophet who speaks of utter destruction, even, in chapter 1, of the entire world and all living things. He warns both foreign cities and Jerusalem itself in chapter 3 of the Day of the Lord that is coming because of the worship of other gods. It is not, however, without hope. If the people will turn to God they will be saved.
2 Chronicles
35: The story of the great passover held by Josiah the reformer king. Followed very closely on this is the story of the death of Josiah. He goes against the Egyptian, when he shouldn't have. He is killed by archers and is buried in Jerusalem.
Habakkuk: Like Zephaniah can be dated to the seventh century BC, the rise of Babylonian power. He is likely between the time of Josiah's great reign, and the kings that followed in which Babylon and the Chaldeans became a greater threat.
Jeremiah
Jeremiah was likely born at some point in Josiah's reign and prophesied and lived during the end of the Judah's existence as a independent kingdom. He is one of the most important prophets because his book tells the story of those who lived through the Babylonian exile in a way that no other book quite captures. It is also likely that it was composed by Jeremiah and his servant Baruch, though it shows later editing, it is a book that is firmly anchored in the history that swirls around it.
1: Jeremiah receives a call, that, unlike many prophets, is described in some detail. Notice the call is not something nice or gentle. "Do not break down...or I will break you" v. 17.
2: A series of indictments of Israel. They have not been loyal to Yahweh, though he has been loyal to him. They have not done justice or followed the covenant. God therefore pronounces his judgment on them.
3: Like the previous chapter Jeremiah recalls the adulterous ways of the children of God. Again we see him refer to Israel to the north, that has fallen completely, being under Assyrian rule and having lost its identity. Here, however, we hear a chance that the people can return if they will return to God.
4-6: The opponent from the north is described. People wear fine clothes and go about their business, but the destroyer comes with chariots and horses to over throw their world. It should be pointed out that because of the terrain, virtually any conqueror from the east would approach from the north, not the east
7-9: The "Temple Sermon" a call to repentance that the people will not heed (v. 27) but Jeremiah gives it anyway, speaking truth to deaf ears. At this point, the salvation of Jerusalem from destruction is considered impossible.
10: Because of idols, the people are told to prepare to leave.
11: starts a larger section reasserting further that the fate of Judah is sealed
12: Jacob's lament over Israel and God's response, also a lament.
13: Two symbolic acts, involving a loincloth and a jar. Is there time for repentance? Exile is coming v. 13 ff.
14: Another lament over the destruction of Jerusalem and her exile.
Acts 24-28: Paul on trial for the riot that took place earlier. Felix seems a slippery fellow, expecting a bribe for setting Paul free; however he is also apparently disturbed by part of Paul's message. He waits until his replacement Festus comes to office, and leaves the problem to him.
Paul speaks to Festus, who is impressed and invites King Agrippa to hear him as well. Agrippa is also impressed, and had Paul not appealed to the Emperor, says he would be freed. Festus, however breaks out during his description of the resurrection - "Paul you are talking nonsense now!" It is agreed to send Paul to Rome. The voyage is perilous, and they wreck in a storm. Paul lives through a snake bite and makes his way to Rome, waiting to speak with the emperor.
We start the book with a small group of terrified followers in an upper room, and end with one of its greatest leaders waiting to speak to the most powerful man in the world. Quite a story.
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