Minor Prophets II - (Understanding the Bible Commentary) by John Goldingay & Pamela Scalise (Paperback)

About the Book

These accessible volumes break down the barriers between the ancient and modern worlds so that the power and meaning of the biblical texts become transparent to contemporary readers.

Book Synopsis

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.

From the Back Cover

Expert help for understanding the Bible

Each volume in the Understanding the Bible Commentary Series breaks down the barriers between the ancient and modern worlds so that the power and meaning of the biblical texts become transparent to contemporary readers. They present a careful section-by-section exposition of the biblical books with key terms and phrases highlighted and all Hebrew transliterated. Notes at the close of each chapter provide additional textual and technical comments for those who want to dig deeper. A bibliography as well as Scripture and subject indexes are also included. Pastors, students, and Bible teachers will find in this series a commitment to accessibility without sacrificing serious scholarship.

This volume includes commentary on the second six books of the Minor Prophets: Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. With clear writing and technical expertise, the authors skillfully navigate the various interpretive challenges these books present, helping the reader understand and apply these ancient messages from God in today's world.

John Goldingay is David Allan Hubbard Professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is ordained in the Episcopal Church, and his publications include an Old Testament Theology and the "Old Testament for Everyone" series of commentaries.

Pamela Scalise is associate professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. She is coauthor of Jeremiah 26-52 (WBC).

About the Author

John Goldingay (PhD, University of Nottingham) is David Allan Hubbard Professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is an ordained minister and is the author of numerous books and articles, including Isaiah in the NIBCOT and Old Testament Theology, volumes 1-3.

Pamela Scalise (PhD, Yale University) is associate professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary, Seattle Campus. She is the author, with Gerald Keown and Thomas Smothers, of Jeremiah 26-52.