A Commentary On The Minor Prophets

In an era of runaway speculation on the subject of Bible prophecy, this volume fills an urgent need - a commentary on the Book of Revelation that is both fascinating and sensible. With its whirl of mysterious signs, symbols, and visions, the Book of Revelation inevitably gives rise to a variety of interpretations. The author combines aspects of these views-futurist, continuous historical, philosophy of history, preterist, and historical background-but favors the latter. The Book has a concrete setting in a definite period of history and deals with very real problems faced by Christians of the period. Symbols indicate powerful moral and spiritual forces involved in a violent clash in which the forces of God are ultimately triumphant. The Saints of that day found encouragement and gained the crown of victory. But the message continues to instruct and encourage God's people today. It reveals the principles of victory through righteousness and truth and the ultimate failure of all that is false. Some of the prophecies are yet to be fulfilled, such as the passing of the current order, the resurrection, the judgment, and the final reward and punishment of the righteous and the wicked. Consequently, some futurist aspects of the book are to be recognized. The first section discusses the title, author, place of writing, symbolism, date, interpretations, theme and purpose of Revelation. The second section on the ROman Empire provides the historical background for the birth and early years of Christianity. The main section of the book offers a complete, passage-by-passage commentary. Although firmly anchored in sound scholarship, it is not heavily footnoted, giving it the broadest possible appeal to serious students of God's Word.

Combining three volumes in one, this affordable edition brings noted evangelical scholars together to offer an authoritative, evangelical treatment of the minor prophets.

This classic commentary series from one of the most creative and articulate expositors of the twentieth century is being reissued for a new generation.

The New International Biblical Commentary (NIBC) offers the best of contemporary scholarship in a format that both general readers and serious students can use with profit. Based on the widely used NIV translation, the NIBC presents careful section-by-section exposition with key terms and phrases highlighted and all Hebrew transliterated. A separate section of notes at the close of each chapter provides additional textual and technical comments. Each commentary also includes a selected bibliography as well as Scripture and subject indexes. Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah are included in this volume.

The Minor Prophets are those dozen Old Testament books that, in the time of Jesus, were usually written on one scroll since they were all fairly brief. The late Elizabeth Achtemeier prepared the New International Biblical Commentary on the first six: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah. This second volume deals with the final six books. John Goldingay writes on Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and Haggai; Pamela Scalise takes on the longest, Zechariah, and the last, Malachi. Like the authors of other volumes in the NIBC, Goldingay and Scalise utilize what is referred to as "believing criticism" when examining the biblical texts. Based on fidelity to critical analysis and sensitivity to the faith of both ancient and contemporary readers, this balanced approach enriches both the academy and the church. Following the series guidelines, the authors clearly explain the texts with additional notes regarding interpretation and "practical" reflection. For example, Goldingay issues a reminder that when the prophets spoke against the arrogance and sins of Assyria and Babylon, the Israelites needed to hear the word of God as a caution against their own pride and wickedness. He goes on to suggest that modern readers must remember, as well, that the same attitudes and actions that led to the downfall of these ancient Middle East empires can fall upon any and all who follow their example. The New International Biblical Commentary offers the best of contemporary scholarship in a format that both general readers and serious students can use with profit. Based on the widely used New International Version translation, the NIBC presents careful section-by-section exposition with key terms and phrases highlighted and all Hebrew transliterated. A separate section of notes at the close of each chapter provides additional textual, linguistic, cultural, and technical comments. Each commentary also includes a selected bibliography as well as Scripture and subject indexes.

This study surveys the structure, message, and theological themes of each of the twelve minor prophets.