Reprint of the original, first published in 1881.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1875.

It is infinitely better to commence a study of the prophets with what they themselves have written rather than with the meagre narratives and scattered legends of their deeds and words. In their own writings they have most distinctly and trustworthily laid bare their spirit. Whoever desires to know in their inmost hearts these heroes of divine truth and to admire their genuine greatness, should learn first to understand their words and actions as they themselves have recorded them. It is here that they approach us most closely and confidingly, inviting us most irresistibly to make ourselves acquainted with them. --from the Introduction

Having led an online Bible Study for many years, I began compiling my notes initially as a legacy to leave to my children. As I have continued to refine my notes through the research, it is my desire and prayer that the thoughts compiled help each person deepen their understanding of God’s Love Letter we call the Bible and enrich their individual relationship with our Creator - God the Father.

ECPA Book Award finalist With the Dictionary of the Old Testament: Prophets, IVP's Black Dictionary series completes its coverage of the Old Testament canonical books. A true compendium of recent scholarship, the volume includes 115 articles covering all aspects of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, the twelve "minor prophets" and Daniel. Each book's historical, cultural, religious and literary background is thoroughly covered, alongside articles on interpretation history and critical method. Pastors, scholars and students will find this a deep resource for their Old Testament studies. Reference volumes in the IVP Bible Dictionary Series provide in-depth treatment of biblical and theological topics in an accessible, encyclopedia format, including cross-sectional themes, methods of interpretation, significant historical or cultural background, and each Old and New Testament book as a whole.

Hard Truths and Amazing Grace Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel spoke words of warning, comfort, and punishment to the people of Israel in Judah and during the Babylonian Captivity. Though they faced incredible loss and persecution as they grieved the choices the Israelites made, these major prophets of the Old Testament fulfilled their role as God’s voice to a rebellious people. In this highly respected commentary, Dallas Theological Seminary scholars explore the historical and cultural background of the prophets, the literary devices they used, and what these books teach us about God’s call to us to follow Him today.

God’s Love and Justice on Display What do we know about the date of Joel’s ministry? How do the warnings of Malachi relate to the Book of Revelation? How did Amos’s profession as a rancher influence his prophetic voice? Drawing on the research of internationally known Bible scholars, this detailed commentary looks at each verse of the final books of the Old Testament. The words of the minor prophets draw us closer to God by teaching us about His enduring love, His judgment to the unfaithful and mercy to the repentant, and His call to restoration for people who have suffered. Covering every book from Hosea through Malachi, this commentary shows the meaning behind these powerful prophecies while reminding us how ordinary people spoke extraordinary truth on behalf of a loving and just God.

The Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries provide compact, critical commentaries on the books of the Old Testament for the use of theological students and pastors. The commentaries are also useful for upper-level college or university students and for those responsible for teaching in congregational settings. In addition to providing basic information and insights into the Old Testament writings, these commentaries exemplify the tasks and procedures of careful interpretation to assist students of the Old Testament in coming to an informed and critical engagement with the biblical texts themselves. The prophetic books gathered together in the book of the Twelve are sometimes called the "minor" prophets because of their relatively small size when compared with Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. They are often neglected, at least partly because their words of judgment make the reader uncomfortable. Yet they have considerable theological and ethical value--for their call for social justice (especially Amos and Micah), their insights about the passionate love of God (in Hosea), God's grace and forgiveness (Jonah, Hosea, and elsewhere), and the finality of hope, even in the face of terrible catastrophes.

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.