The answer is: 12

{Hosea 12:10} - The Twelve Minor Prophets, including books such as Amos and Micah, convey vital messages of God's judgment and hope. Interestingly, the term "minor" refers to their shorter writings, not their significance. Collectively, they serve as a bridge between the Old Testament Law and the coming Messiah in the New Testament.

The Twelve Minor Prophets pack quite a punch! It's fascinating to think that these shorter books — think on-the-go messages from God — capture the spirits of both judgment and hope. The narratives from prophets like Amos, known for his fierce condemnation of injustices, and Micah, who famously prophesied the birthplace of the Messiah as Bethlehem, reveal profound insights into the human experience.

While their names might drift under the radar compared to the heavyweights like Isaiah and Jeremiah, each minor prophet's messages have been pivotal in retrieval and reflection throughout biblical history. For instance, Zephaniah captures God’s passionate encouragement but gives seriousness to impending doom, illustrating the yin-yang balance that exists in the divine narrative towards a positive future.

Intriguingly, these minor prophetic texts were dynamic in ancient Israel's transformation. Their communal writings often resonated with the people, shared in festivals, or interpreted during gatherings, downplaying a singular author's supremacy. Join that with how there's a shared linguistic style and themes which flow back in echoes, leading sometimes eerily into New Testament realities; you start seeing how they stand as luminaries of truth embedded within Israel's ethos.

So next time you dive into the words of a minor prophet, remember: though their volumes may be brief, the seismic impact of their insights is anything but minor!