The Minor Prophets - by Craig G Bartholomew & Heath A Thomas (Paperback)

About the Book

In this unique introduction to the Minor Prophets, two biblical scholars survey the twelve books and explore the theological themes of each. Filled with helpful exegetical insights, this books is an invaluable guide for students, pastors, and scholars looking for a cohesive exploration of these often-overlooked books of the Hebrew Bible.

Book Synopsis

In this unique introduction to the Minor Prophets, two biblical scholars survey the twelve books and explore the theological themes of each. Filled with helpful exegetical insights, this books is an invaluable guide for students, pastors, and scholars looking for a cohesive exploration of these often-overlooked books of the Hebrew Bible.

Review Quotes

"Bartholomew and Thomas have produced an accessible yet consummate guide to reading the minor prophetic books theologically, ranging from ancient Near Eastern background considerations to New Testament and early Christian interpretation. They help novices and experts alike navigate this collection of small and significant texts with helpful tables (who doesn't appreciate a good table?), thoughtful reflection, and pastoral hearts."

"Bartholomew and Thomas have produced an impressive major resource for the study of the book of the Twelve. Concerned above all to bring the prophets' powerful message to today's church, they write with urgency and empathy about the contemporary world, convinced that this is what motivated the prophets in their own times. Firmly grounded in scholarship on the ancient Hebrew and Greek texts, and their interpretation in the church from the earliest Christian centuries, Bartholomew and Thomas offer sensitive, close readings of each book. At the same time, they attend to complex hermeneutical issues, notably the theological relationship of each book to the Twelve considered as a corpus, and also to the New Testament. This book should become indispensable for serious study of the Prophets."

"Craig Bartholomew and Heath Thomas have written an accessible, thoroughly researched, and theologically insightful introduction to the Minor Prophets. Christians of every stripe will find this volume invaluable as an entry point to these undervalued prophetic books. The authors have provided historical and contextual analysis with contemporary theological application, and they strike a balance between exacting scholarship and accessible writing."

"Showing clarity and theological awareness, Craig Bartholomew and Heath Thomas open up these important books. With close attention to the text, they demonstrate the abiding significance of their message. This book deserves to be read widely and should have a place on any reading list on the Minor Prophets. Highly commended!"

"This new primer on the Minor Prophets provides the kind of orientation that is needed to engage with and embrace the message of these timely Old Testament books. This work is historically accurate and rhetorically sensitive, and yet builds the necessary theological framework for listening anew to these prophetic words in their inscripturated form for our present generation. Prepare to be challenged!"

"This timely theological reading of the Twelve attends to the long impact they have had: in their original context; as practiced by Jesus of Nazareth; as read by New Testament authors; and in light of the concerns of our own time. It is an accessible introduction to the Twelve that adds more-highlighting key texts and themes arising in individual books and pointing out the connections that hint at their preservation as an anthology. Authors Bartholomew and Thomas, like prophets of old, listen for the voice of God. This volume is no mere academic exercise but will shape faithful action in its readers."

About the Author

Heath A. Thomas is president and professor of Old Testament at Oklahoma Baptist University. He is an associate fellow of the Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology in Cambridge, UK. He has written and edited numerous books, including commentaries and monographs on Habakkuk, Lamentations, as well as Holy War in the Bible (edited with Paul Copan and Jeremy Evans). He serves as editor for the Hobbs College Library Series and is an Old Testament editor for the Christian Standard Commentary series.

Craig G. Bartholomew is director of the Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology in Cambridge, UK. He has written and edited numerous books, including Contours of the Kuyperian Tradition, Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics, Beyond the Modern Age (with Bob Goudzwaard), The Drama of Scripture (with Michael Goheen), The Doctrine of Creation (with Bruce Ashford), and The Old Testament and God.