THE NEW AMERICAN COMMENTARY is for the minister or Bible student who wants to understand and expound the Scriptures. Notable features include:* commentary based on THE NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION;* the NIV text printed in the body of the commentary;* sound scholarly methodology that reflects capable research in the original languages;* interpretation that emphasizes the theological unity of each book and of Scripture as a whole;* readable and applicable exposition.
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.
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.
Robertson's study of the Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah is a contribution to The New International Commentalry on the Old Testament, a commentary which strives to achieve a balance between technical information and homiletic-devotional interpretation. The commentary proper is based on the author's own translation of the Hebrew text.
Where is God in times of disaster? What are God's people to do about moral decay in society? The books of Joel, Micah, and Habakkuk offer special insight on these perennial problems. David Prior's exposition provides careful study and measured application for today's church, and points to a transcendent God who gives hope in uncertainty.
Do you read the books of the Old Testament prophets and have a difficult time understanding what they mean? Do the prophecies of Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah seem too far removed from your everyday life? This commentary is a guide to help you walk devotionally through this complex book of the Bible. The aim is not only to help you understand the messages of victory, justice, renewal and love revealed in the prophecies of Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah, but to help you see their practical application to your life today. Reflect and meditate on God s words He has a message for His people! F. Wayne MacLeod was born in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, and received his education at Ontario Bible College, University of Waterloo, and Ontario Theological Seminary. He was ordained at Hespeler Baptist Church in Cambridge, Ontario in 1991. He and his wife, Diane, served as missionaries with the Africa Evangelical Fellowship on the Islands of Mauritius and Reunion in the Indian Ocean from 1985 to 1993. Wayne is presently involved in a church planting and Bible teaching ministry in Cape Breton.
Micah prophesied at a time when God's people were living in relative prosperity. In fact, they struggled with the materialism of the day and as a result their faith was deteriorating. He spoke to them about days of great blessing ahead, not through their political leaders but through One who would be born in Bethlehem whose origins were from eternity past.Nahum is a prophecy to the nation of Assyria, who at this time was at the height of its power. He prophesied of its downfall and goes into great poetic detail describing the battle that would cost them their nation.Habakkuk watched the Babylonians rise in power and struggled with what they were doing to his nation. In a very human way he questions God about why his people should suffer at the hands of such cruel warriors. God reminds Habakkuk, that despite what he was seeing around him, He had never once relinquished control. In time, God's people would see His purpose. At present it was for them to live by faith in their sovereign God.Often forgotten books of the Bible, these prophecies are as relevant today as they always were. Each chapter is concluded with some points for prayer and some questions to consider to help the reader apply the truth of each section to their present day life.