Allen's study of the Books of Joel, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah constitute a volume in The New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Like its companion series on the New Testament, this commentary devotes considerable care to achieving a balance between technical information and homiletic-devotional interpretation.
General editor Lloyd J. Ogilvie brings together a team of skilled and exceptional communicators to blend sound scholarship with life-related illustrations. Following the introduction, which reveals the author's approach and salient background on the book, each chapter of the commentary provides the Scripture to be exposited.
Verhoef's study on the Books of Haggai and Malachi is part of The New International Commentary on the Old Testament, a series which devotes considerable care to achieving a balance between technical information and homiletic-devotional interpretation. The commentary itself is based on the author's own translation of the Hebrew text.
In this commentary, Thomas Renz reads Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah as three carefully crafted writings of enduring relevance, each of which makes a vital contribution to the biblical canon. Discussing the historical settings, Renz takes up both long-standing issues, such as the relationship of Zephaniah to Josiah’s reforms, and the socioeconomic conditions of the time suggested by recent archaeological research. The place of these writings within the Book of the Twelve is given fresh consideration, including the question of what one should make of the alleged redaction history of Nahum and Habakkuk. The author’s careful translation of the text comes with detailed textual notes, illuminating some of the Bible’s most outstanding poetry (Nahum) and one of the biblical chapters that is among the most difficult to translate (Habakkuk 3). The thorough verse-by-verse commentary is followed by stimulating theological reflection, opening up avenues for teaching and preaching from these prophetic writings. No matter their previous familiarity with these and other Minor Prophets, scholars, pastors, and lay readers alike will find needed guidance in working through these difficult but important books of the Bible.
Although they are often neglected, at least partly because their words of judgement make readers uncomfortable, these prophetic books have considerable theological and ethical value.
The books of Joel, Haggai, Obadiah, Nahum, and Malachi are part of the Old Testament in the Bible and are known as prophetic books. Each book addresses different historical contexts and contains messages from the respective prophets. Here's a brief overview of what each book deals with: Joel: The book of Joel focuses on the theme of judgment and restoration. It begins with a description of a devastating locust plague and calls for repentance. Joel sees this plague as a warning of the Day of the Lord, a future time of divine judgment. He urges the people to turn back to God, promising restoration and blessings for those who repent. Haggai: Haggai was a prophet who spoke to the Jewish community in Jerusalem after their return from exile in Babylon. The book of Haggai addresses the people's indifference towards rebuilding the temple. Haggai calls for a renewed focus on rebuilding the house of God, encouraging the people to prioritize their spiritual responsibilities. He promises that God's presence will return to the temple and bring blessings to the people. Obadiah: The book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament and contains a message of judgment against the nation of Edom. Edom was a neighboring nation of Israel that had a history of hostility and aggression towards Israel. Obadiah's prophecy declares that Edom will be brought low and held accountable for its actions. It also includes promises of restoration for Israel in contrast to the fate of Edom. Nahum: Nahum prophesied against the city of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrians were known for their cruelty and oppression, particularly towards the Israelites. Nahum predicts the downfall of Nineveh and the end of Assyrian dominance, bringing comfort to the oppressed. The book highlights God's justice and the eventual deliverance of those who suffer under oppressive powers. Malachi: Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament, and it addresses the spiritual and moral decline among the people of Israel after their return from exile. Malachi rebukes the priests and the people for their corrupt practices, such as offering blemished sacrifices and neglecting their religious duties. The book emphasizes the importance of true worship and genuine repentance, and it concludes with the promise of the coming of the Messiah. These books contain a mix of messages of judgment, restoration, repentance, and promises of future blessings. They provide historical context and spiritual guidance to the people of Israel during different periods in their history.
The church fathers mined the Old Testament throughout for prophetic utterances regarding the Messiah, but few books yielded as much messianic ore as the Twelve Prophets, sometimes known as the Minor Prophets. In this rich and vital ACCS volume you will find excerpts, some translated here into English for the first time, from more than thirty church fathers.
Combining three volumes in one, this affordable edition brings noted evangelical scholars together to offer an authoritative, evangelical treatment of the minor prophets.
Nahum prophecies the destruction of Nineveh. Habakkuk questions the Lord of Israel. Zephaniah warns the last great king of Jerusalem. David W. Baker examines the authorship, composition, structure and historical context of each book and highlights the authors' major themes.
