Page 4 - The Minor Prophets - Student textbook

To fully understand the works of the Minor Prophets, it is important first that we get a good grasp of
the history and culture of Israel during the time of their writings. We also need to know about the
major empires or countries which are referenced in these short books and to whom Israel interfaced.
Therefore, to begin, let’s review the political empires of their day, as well as a short history of Israel
during the time these prophets wrote.

How to Read the Bible: The Prophets

Egypt (3150 BCE – 30 BCE)

Ancient Egypt was a nation located east of North Africa along the
coastline of the Nile River. It was composed of two kingdoms; Upper
Egypt and Lower Egypt. The nations were headed by their pharaohs
whose regencies depended on the godly rights of the kings. The concept
of “afterlife” and gods could have started from the early Egyptians, a corruption of the religious
teachings know by Ham, Noah’s son.

The two kingdoms had their own unique languages, separate beliefs and traditions and lived their lives
differently. Even though the people could communicate and understand each other, conflicts between
the two kingdoms arose from time to time.

Eventually, the king of Lower Egypt named Narmer or Menes (north part of Egypt) overpowered the
Upper Kingdom (South) leading to the unification of the two kingdoms. He became the first pharaoh of
the unified kingdoms. He built its capital city, Memphis in an area at the middle of the two old
kingdoms.

As you might know from Biblical history, Joseph, son of Israel, was an important ruler in Egypt. He
became second in authority to Pharaoh Djoser in 1885 BC. Joseph’s possible name in the Egyptian
historical writings was Imhotep who came to Pharaoh Djoser in the 18 year of his reign. Djoser
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