The Thematic Unity of the Book of the Twelve :the Call to Return and the Nature of the Minor Prophets

This thesis explores the nature of the Minor Prophets and how the call to return and the imperative uses of:,.iw form a thematic thread unifying the writings of Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi into the Book of the Twelve. Chapter one explores the reasons for reading the Minor Prophets as a unity, in particular the transmission history of the Twelve and the various attempts scholars have made to understand the Twelve as a Book. This chapter concludes with the thesis proposal, which argues that the Twelve's distribution of the verb :mu together with the phrase "Return to me and I will return to you" (Zech 1.3; Mal 3.7; cf. Joel 2.12) provide the keys for reading the unified Twelve. Chapter two outlines the methodology for the project by defining theme as it relates to prophetic studies and by answering the question, "Who controls the theme?" Chapter three compares Isaiah to the Twelve, and explores how the theme of Zion in the book of Isaiah can unify a multi-author book. Chapters four to nine examine every occurrence of :,.iw in the Book of the Twelve and demonstrate how it functions within both the confines of the individual writings, and the broader context of the Twelve. What becomes apparent is that Hosea 14.2-5/Eng 14.1-4, Joel 2.12-14, Zechariah 1.3, and Malachi. 3.7 function as a framework for understanding the nature of Israel's relationship with YHWH, a relationship that is bound to the Twelve's message of repentance. Chapter ten concludes with a summary of the project and offers the Twelve's unifying theme: "As the people struggle to tum (:rnv) from covenant failure toward YHWH in repentance and receive his blessing, YHWH struggles to tum (:rnv) from judgment toward his people in grace.