Lesson 12

Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah



Complete assignment 4 and any two of the other assignments:

1.   Hosea. Hosea Called the Children of Israel to Return unto the Lord

Read about “Hosea” in the Bible Dictionary (p. 705). Write a paragraph about Hosea using the following questions as an outline:

  • Where did Hosea live?
  • What is unique about him?
  • When did he live?

Read Hosea 1 and the institute student manual commentary for Hosea 1–14, “The Manner of Prophesying among the Jews” (p. 103), and Hosea 1:2–3, “How Are We to Understand God’s Commanding Hosea to Marry a Harlot?” (p. 104). Explain in writing who Hosea represents, who Gomer represents, and what is the message of Hosea 1.


Read Hosea 6:1–3, 6; 10:12; 11:8–9; 12:6; 13:4, 9–14; 14:1–9 and the student manual commentary for Hosea 10:12, “How Can Israel or Any Child of God Obtain Mercy?” (p. 109). Write a paragraph explaining the major theme of these verses. Which of these verses stand out the most to you and why?


2.   Joel. “The Day of the Lord Cometh”

Read Joel 2:1–11 and make a list of phrases that describe “the day of the Lord.” From your list, what time period is the “day of the Lord”? For more information about when this is, read the student manual commentary for Joel 1:1, “Who Was Joel and When Did He Live?” (p. 83) and the commentary for Joel 2:2–11, “The Day of the Lord Is Great and Very Terrible” (pp. 84–85) and the Bible Dictionary chronology chart (p. 638). Read Joel 1:14 and list four ways you can prepare for the Second Coming.

Compare Joel 2:10–11 and Doctrine and Covenants 133:41–52. The Second Coming of the Lord will be accompanied by great devastation. What comforting assurances do you gain from Joel 2:11–27 as you put this great event into perspective with the purposes of the Lord? For whom will the Second Coming of Jesus Christ be great, and for whom will it be terrible?

Read Joel 2:28–32; Joseph Smith—History 1:41; Acts 2:16–21 and the student manual commentary for Joel 2:28–32, “I Will Pour Out My Spirit upon All Flesh” (pp. 85–86). Write a statement detailing what these references have in common. What evidences do we have in the Restoration of the gospel that confirm Joel 2:28–30?

Read Joel 3:1–16 and write a paragraph that describes the war that will precede the Second Coming.

3.   Amos. Destruction Will Come to the Wicked

Read Amos 1 and the student manual commentary for Amos 1–2, “Why Were These Nations to Be Punished?” (pp. 90–91). Then list all the nations involved and what will happen to each of them.

Read Amos 2:4–8; 4:1; 5:11–12; 8:4; Mormon 8:35–39; Doctrine and Covenants 56:16–17 and the student manual commentary for Amos 5:4–27, “Hate Evil and Love the Good” (p. 92). Identify in writing Judah’s and Israel’s transgressions. Write a paragraph about how the sins of Israel in the days of Amos compare with those in the world today. How could you avoid those kinds of sins in your own life?

Read Amos 2:11–16; Doctrine and Covenants 1:11–16 and explain in writing what the Lord said would happen to those who refuse to listen and obey the prophets.

Read Amos 3:7; Mosiah 8:13–18; Hebrews 1:1; Numbers 12:6–8; Proverbs 29:18; Luke 1:70. Imagine having a nonmember friend who asks you why we need prophets today. Write a paragraph that uses these verses to explain how God has always used prophets and why we need prophets today.

In Amos 4:6–11 the Lord explained what He had done to call Israel to repentance.

  • Make a list of what the Lord had done for Israel.
  • Read Alma 32:6, 13–16; Helaman 12:2–6 and explain how you think the Lord’s judgment could influence Israel to return to Him.

Read Amos 8:11–12 and the student manual commentary for Amos 8:11–12, “A Famine in the Land” (p. 94). Describe in writing how this is a good description of a general apostasy on the earth. According to what you read, what are the results of people living in apostasy?

4.   Obadiah. Saviors “up on Mount Zion”

Read Obadiah 1:17, 21; Doctrine and Covenants 128:5, 15; student manual Points to Ponder, “Saviors on Mount Zion” (p. 259); Bible Dictionary, “Obadiah” (p. 739). Explain in a paragraph or two what is taught in these references. In what ways does the temple deliver the faithful? How does the temple represent holiness?