The answer is: Obadiah

The order of the minor prophets is always difficult to remember. The index in the front of your Bible should help.

When diving into the intriguing world of the minor prophets, it’s easy to feel like you’ve just stepped into a whirlwind of names and messages that can fluster even seasoned Bible readers. Obadiah precedes Jonah, and this short but impactful book requires just one chapter to deliver a powerful message regarding the downfall of Edom. Notably, Obadiah’s focus on justice and how nations interact, or even clash, sets the stage for the dramatic events that unfold in Jonah.

Speaking of Jonah, this book raises tons of eyebrow-raising questions around compassion, obedience, and the expansive love that reaches beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries. Jonah is perhaps best known for his three-day “vacation” in the belly of a fish, imagining being trapped in this bizarre scenario sparks endless conversations—how does one hear a call to deliver restorative truth while wrestling their own prejudices?

In Jewish tradition, Jonah is read during Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, symbolizing themes of forgiveness. Fun fact: the nickname for God in Jonah is “The God of Second Chances”—completely fitting for a story filled with opportunities for redemption and reflection.

So, next time you flip open to Obadiah or Jonah, remember they not only share a chronological space but also common threads of destiny, divine communication, and richly layered lessons, nudging readers to examine their own hearts and actions.