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.

It’s true—keeping track of the minor prophets can feel like trying to remember an old Fisherman’s favorites! Obadiah, the book that comes right before Jonah, is all about pronouncing judgment against Edom and offers some intense verses about ultimately, divine justice. What’s intriguing here is how Jonah starkly contrasts Obadiah’s theme of punishment with its unexpected message of mercy and grace.

While Obadiah is focused and singular in its mission—to address the wrongdoing of Esau’s descendants—Jonah, on the other hand, mischievously runs away from God's command because he fears for his own people and prefers not to see the Ninevites spared. This sets the stage for a story rich in irony and highlighting humanity's uniqueness in reluctant responses to God’s love.

And speaking of trivia, did you know that Jonah is sometimes mentioned in the New Testament? Jesus refers to Jonah's three days in the belly of the fish as a sign for His own resurrection, adding a fascinating layer of connection between the two Testaments.

Additionally, the Surprising mercy both prophets experience stands as a lesson through the ages—the openness about turning from wrongdone and finding forgiveness, a central theme in the human experience. So next time you’re flipping through those mixed-up minor prophets, think of that twist from Obadiah to edged lessons found in Jonah's tale of adventure and divine love!