Read this if you…
- want to read the shortest book of the OT in a single sitting
- like fierce poetry against a kin-nation (Edom) that watched Jerusalem burn and joined in
- care about prophets cataloguing pride and promising it gets humbled
Skip this if you…
- don't want to read explicitly religious/Christian texts
Depicted in Art
Standing marble figure of the prophet as a vigorous young man, opening an inscribed scroll outward toward the viewer.
Nanni di Bartolo, 1422
Oval painting of the prophet in dramatic baroque drapery, gazing upward with quill or scroll in hand.
Giuseppe Bartolomeo Chiari, 1718
Seated prophet on the cornice of the dome of the Sacristy of Saint Mark, holding a tablet inscribed with his name, paired in the segment above with an angel of the Passion.
Melozzo da Forlì, 1477
Solitary bearded prophet in dark robes against a pale landscape, contemplating the destruction he prophesies.
James Tissot, 1900
Tiny gilded enamel plaque of a seated prophet against a dark blue star-studded ground, holding an inscribed scroll naming him Achapias.
1170
Recommended Editions
King James Version
Oxford University Press · 1611
The most influential and commonly quoted translation in English. The prose rhythm everyone else is responding to, even modern translations.
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Notable Quotes
Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD.
- Matthew Henry, Nonconformist minister & Bible commentator, 1662–1714: "The shortest of all the books of the Old Testament … is stamped with a divine authority."
- Jerome, Church Father & translator of the Vulgate, c. 347–420: It is as difficult as it is brief.
- John Calvin, Protestant Reformer & theologian, 1509–1564: Added to assure afflicted Israelites that, though Edom prospered for a time, it could not escape the hand of God.