These three short prophetic books of the Old Testament each contain a dual message. On one hand are messages of impending judgment for all peoples on the Day of the Lord, for an enemy of Israel, and for Israel herself. On the other hand are messages of great hope of the pouring out of God's Placing judgment and hope together in such a manner may seem paradoxical to a contemporary mindset. But the complete message of these prophets gives a fuller picture of God who despises and rightly judges sin and rebellion, but who also lovingly invites people to return to him so that he might bestow his wonderful grace and blessings. It is a message no less timely today than when these books were first written, and David W. Baker skilfully bridges the centuries in helping believers today understand and apply it.

The eloquent and uncompromising calls for social righteousness by some of the Minor Prophets are familiar to many, yet the writings themselves are probably the least studied and least known texts of the Old Testament. Those who are familiar with these books are also aware of the historical and literary problems that plague their study. Drawing on insights from various perspectives; theological, historical, and literary, this commentary on Joel, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah carefully and imaginatively reconstructs the stage on which the message of these four books was conveyed to their Hebrew hearers and shows what relevance, in turn, they hold for contemporary Christians. For each of the books there is a substantial introduction in which the full range of scholarly opinion is presented and assessed, a select bibliography, the author's own translation of the text, a significant contribution to biblical studies in itself, and an extensive commentary.

The Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.

The implement employed in these two prophets to capture the attention and hearts of God's people is the symbol. In Joel it is the locust, a symbol of impending destruction. In Hosea the prophet himself--and his scorned but constant love--dramatically portrays God's message of grace and his call to repent. With his customary exegetical skill and theological insight, Duane Garrett guides us through these striking works of prophetic literature.