Comments on Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos

Of these four books, Daniel is the best known, and Daniel's faithfulness stands out. His faithful, devoted character was recognized even by the Gentiles. In this book we get key prophecies that unlock much of what will occur in the future. He wrote from about 600-540 BC.

The personal histories of Hosea and Joel are not given, so the message is the important matter. Hosea presses God's rejection of Israel as an unfaithful wife, yet future restoration by the grace of God. He wrote roughly 750 BC, roughly 200 years before Daniel's time.

Joel uses an invasion of locusts to symbolize a terrible still-future attack by a foreign nation against Israel because of the extreme guilt of that nation, yet adding the promises of the restoration of God's people. He emphasizes the great future 'day of the Lord.'

Amos wrote well before Daniel's time and prophesied especially concerning Israel (vs. Judah). This short books ends with great millennial blessing.