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 wandering through the minor prophets, it’s easy to feel like a lost sheep, especially with so many shorter books packed tightly together. Obadiah, right before Jonah, is a particularly brief yet impactful book. Though only a single chapter long, it packs a punch by focusing on the fate of Edom, addressing themes of pride and divine judgment. Fun fact: Obadiah is one of the only instances in the Bible that takes a deep dive into the rivalry between the Israelites and Edomites, exploring the consequences of their actions toward one another.

Jumping to Jonah brings us an entirely different vibe. Some folks pop into this book comparing it to a flop comedy with a talking whale—or “great fish” if you want technical! Lots of people miss the contrast between Jonah’s reluctance—he is no superhero—against God's compassionate pursuit of a diverse city like Nineveh. Interestingly, Nineveh’s repentance caused a significant upset for Jonah. Who would've thought that forgiveness and grace would bum a prophet out, right?

Jonah's story is packed with echoes throughout scripture. From its ancient wisdom, we learn about the universality of God's mercy and the notion that no one is beyond redemption, specifically calling to mind the inclusive call of God seen through the whole trajectory of biblical narrative, highlighting acceptance and grace that prevails over divisions. So adult digression time—how many times can compassion "swallow" our pride and self-interest? Food for thought as intermingling Banquet lessons often arise from these brimstone tales!