In this commentary, Thomas Renz reads Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah as three carefully crafted writings of enduring relevance, each of which makes a vital contribution to the biblical canon. Discussing the historical settings, Renz takes up both long-standing issues, such as the relationship of Zephaniah to Josiah’s reforms, and the socioeconomic conditions of the time suggested by recent archaeological research. The place of these writings within the Book of the Twelve is given fresh consideration, including the question of what one should make of the alleged redaction history of Nahum and Habakkuk.

The author’s careful translation of the text comes with detailed textual notes, illuminating some of the Bible’s most outstanding poetry (Nahum) and one of the biblical chapters that is among the most difficult to translate (Habakkuk 3). The thorough verse-by-verse commentary is followed by stimulating theological reflection, opening up avenues for teaching and preaching from these prophetic writings. No matter their previous familiarity with these and other Minor Prophets, scholars, pastors, and lay readers alike will find needed guidance in working through these difficult but important books of the Bible.

Reviews

“With a lifetime of investment in studying the main critical issues, Renz has produced a learned and judicious commentary on three prophetic books. He is aware of more recent efforts to think of the Twelve as a whole, and the contribution of these three books in that same context, though he is cautious about preserving their individual character. This is a commentary with technical expertise and pastoral sensitivity. An impressive contribution to the well-regarded NICOT series.” — Christopher Seitz, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto

“I can highly recommend this carefully researched, well-rounded, and comprehensive commentary. Its close attention to text-historical, text-critical, and literary issues makes this a very valuable addition to the scholarly library. Renz interprets the three books as distinct literary units which address matters of import for Judah living in the shadow of the Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian empires, yet he also explores their significance when read within the Book of the Twelve, the wider Protestant Canon, and later Christian reception.” — Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer, Örebro School of Theology, Sweden

“Thomas Renz has written an outstanding commentary on Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah. Scholarly yet pastoral, thorough yet accessible; students and preachers of these books alike will be helped enormously. Renz doesn’t smother the text under a weight of detail but lets it live, explaining it lucidly and helping us see its trajectories for Christian thinking and application.” — Paul A. Barker, Old Testament lecturer and Assistant Anglican Bishop, Melbourne, Australia

“Renz’s commentary on Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah is amazingly meticulous and encyclopedic in its detailed attention to essential aspects of interpretation: text and translation, vocabulary and intertextual connections, poetic form and diction, compositional structure, reception-historical highlights, and profound reflection on theological implications that often extends into the New Testament—all of it clearly argued and exhaustively documented. This will become a standard reference work, especially for scholars, and also for pastors, theology students, and studious lay persons who seek to interpret the text from a perspective of faith.” — Michael H. Floyd, former president of the Anglican Association of Biblical Scholars

“This is a well-written, and (for scholarship prior to the 2010s) exhaustively researched volume, as well as a user-friendly one, with ample indices. It deserves a place on the shelf of anyone chasing these three short, intriguing books of prophecy.” — Review of Biblical Literature

Thomas Renz is the rector of Monken Hadley, a parish within the Church of England. Previously, he taught Old Testament and Hebrew at Oak Hill Theological College, a seminary in North London.

History and prophecy are closely connected when it comes to God’s chosen people. The books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah make this explicit in the eyes of O. Palmer Robertson, who, in showing the historical context of these books in the New International Commentary: Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah, presents the compelling argument that Biblical history actually forms and acts as prophecy. Sadly, the events surrounding these three Minor Prophets spoke of great tragedies to come. But these tragedies are not nearly the totality of God’s plan for Israel.

Robertson has the gifted mind of a scholar and the caring heart of a pastor. Knowing full well the nature of our time, Robertson not only provides an expert critical explanation of the text and an invaluable historical context, but also challenges us to face our need for repentance and obedience, just as Israel had to face that need thousands of years ago.

New International Commentary on the Old Testament - Series Editor: Robert L. Hubbard Jr.

Maneuvering through Levitical laws, bloodshed in Joshua, or Daniel's apocalyptic visions, sincere readers often wonder what the Old Testament means and how it can be the Word of God. For several decades the New International Commentary on the Old Testament has helped countless people traverse this difficult literary terrain.

All the NICOT volumes combine superior scholarship, an evangelical view of Scripture as the Word of God, and concern for the life of faith today. Each volume features an extensive introduction treating the biblical book's authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology. The author's own translation of the original Hebrew and verse-by-verse commentary follow. The commentary itself carefully balances coverage of technical matters with exposition of the biblical text's theology and implications.

David and Goliath, the call of Samuel, the witch of Endor, David and Bathsheba—these stories and people are familiar, even to some with no Biblical background. But the books of 1 and 2 Samuel are among the most difficult books in the Bible. The Hebrew text presents serious issues to translators and scholars alike. The social and religious customs depart in some ways from Moses’ tradition and don’t all make sense in a context of Judaism. But in the New International Commentary: 1 Samuel, David Toshio Tsumura provides a great deal of illumination on 1 Samuel’s cultural context, paying close attention to Philistine and Canaanite practices, as he clarifies the complicated Hebrew text.

New International Commentary on the Old Testament - Series Editor: Robert L. Hubbard Jr.

Maneuvering through Levitical laws, bloodshed in Joshua, or Daniel's apocalyptic visions, sincere readers often wonder what the Old Testament means and how it can be the Word of God. For several decades the New International Commentary on the Old Testament has helped countless people traverse this difficult literary terrain.

All the NICOT volumes combine superior scholarship, an evangelical view of Scripture as the Word of God, and concern for the life of faith today. Each volume features an extensive introduction treating the biblical book's authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology. The author's own translation of the original Hebrew and verse-by-verse commentary follow. The commentary itself carefully balances coverage of technical matters with exposition of the biblical text's theology and implications.

Second Samuel includes some of the most well-known and theologically layered episodes in the Old Testament, such as the Lord’s establishment of an eternal covenant with David, David’s sin with Bathsheba, and the subsequent account of Absalom’s rebellion. In this second part of an ambitious two-volume commentary on the books of Samuel, David Toshio Tsumura elucidates the rich text of 2 Samuel with special attention to literary and textual issues. Tsumura interprets the book in light of the meaning of the original composition, and he provides a fresh new translation based on careful analysis of the Hebrew text.

David Toshio Tsumura is professor of Old Testament at Japan Bible Seminary, Tokyo, chairman of the Tokyo Museum of Biblical Archaeology, author of The First Book of Samuel (NICOT), and editor of Exegetica: Studies in Biblical Exegesis. He was also the chairman of the Translation Committee for the New Japanese Bible, Shinkaiyaku 2017.

New International Commentary on the Old Testament - Series Editor: Robert L. Hubbard Jr.

Maneuvering through Levitical laws, bloodshed in Joshua, or Daniel's apocalyptic visions, sincere readers often wonder what the Old Testament means and how it can be the Word of God. For several decades the New International Commentary on the Old Testament has helped countless people traverse this difficult literary terrain.

All the NICOT volumes combine superior scholarship, an evangelical view of Scripture as the Word of God, and concern for the life of faith today. Each volume features an extensive introduction treating the biblical book's authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology. The author's own translation of the original Hebrew and verse-by-verse commentary follow. The commentary itself carefully balances coverage of technical matters with exposition of the biblical text's theology and implications.

Reviews

Reviews

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In this new authoritative volume of the New Testament Library series, Joel B. Green presents the writer of James as a sort of practical theologian, directly addressing the lived experiences of Jewish Christ followers beset by Roman social conventions and sensibilities contrary to the divine command to love God and love neighbor.

The book of James is nothing if not pragmatic. Its core arguments rest on urging its audience to take concrete action to develop faithful life patterns in a world that is often set against those who seek to follow Jesus Christ as Lord. Joel B. Green shows how the practical wisdom of James can continue to speak prophetically to a range of issues that plague our contemporary experience—the entrenched and growing gap between the wealthy and impoverished foremost among them. But readers who might be tempted to formulate a simple to-do list from James’s precepts are encouraged instead to enter into the world of the text as fully and as humanly as possible by asking questions like: How would the letter’s first audience (and then how might we) hear, and internalize, the writer’s words about perfection, moral purity, humans made in God’s likeness, and prayer for the sick and disabled? How might their lives (and then how might ours) be shaped by James’s central concern with the double love of love of God and love of neighbor?

James: A Commentary examines the Letter of James from a variety of angles—its social and cultural contexts, its relationship to Israel’s Scriptures and to the teaching of Jesus, the development of its message, and its significance theologically. As with other volumes in the New Testament Library series, this commentary strives to come to terms with the literary and historical aspects of James: its arguments, its appeals, its perspectives; its interpretation of Jesus’ message and Israel’s Scriptures; its grasp of contemporary Jewish and Greco-Roman thought. But it most deeply aims to show how James points readers toward envisaging the world as God does and acting accordingly—personally and communally.

The New Testament Library series offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, providing fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, careful attention to their literary design, and a theologically perceptive exposition of the biblical text. The contributors are scholars of international standing. The editorial board consists of John T. Carroll, Union Presbyterian Seminary; Susan E. Hylen, Candler School of Theology, Emory University; and Emerson B. Powery, Messiah University.

Reviews

"With his characteristic clarity and literary insight, Joel Green helps us attune our ears to the Letter of James and its message concerning the embodied life of faith. Not only is Green's commentary a welcome addition to the renowned New Testament Library series, but it also provides an indispensable guide to the wisdom of the practical theologian known as James." — Brittany E. Wilson, Associate Professor of New Testament, Duke University Divinity School

"In this thoroughly engaging and deeply insightful commentary on the Epistle of James, Joel B. Green masterfully explores the first-century contexts of the epistle and illuminates modern contexts. James emerges as a practical theologian who speaks powerfully to two of the troubling issues of our time—growing poverty amid scandalous wealth and incendiary rhetoric in public discourse. A must-read for pastors and academics who care about these issues." — Raj Nadella, Samuel A. Cartledge Associate Professor of New Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary

"Professor Green has crafted a coherent and carefully argued ethical reading of what can appear to be disjointed exhortations in a Jewish Christian writing of little interest to twenty-first-century believers. Providing a user-friendly translation, helpful charts, and careful attention to the resources James drew on from the Old Testament and Jesus tradition, Green finds contemporary challenges for readers to act according to God’s vision of the world. In today's media environment, the detailed presentation of a Christian 'speech ethic' and the significance of metaphors for strengthening communal bonds is particularly illuminating." — Pheme Perkins, Professor of New Testament and Joseph Professor of Catholic Spirituality, Boston College

Joel B. Green is Senior Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Fuller Theological Seminary. He has authored or edited more than sixty books, including Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology. He served as a general editor of Connections: A Lectionary Commentary for Preaching and Worship and Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, is editor of the New International Commentary on the New Testament series, and was the founding editor of the Journal of Theological Interpretation. Green has been elected to membership in both Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas and the International Society for Science and Religion.

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In this new critical commentary for the New Testament Library series, R. Alan Culpepper sets the Gospel of Matthew in the context of the competing Jewish and early Christian voices of the first century, bringing greater clarity to Matthew’s own proclamation of the gospel and inviting readers to give up perhaps long-held assumptions about the book.

In Culpepper’s treatment, Matthew emerges as a Gospel for a Jewish community, distinguishing itself from the Pharisees on one side and other early Christian traditions and leaders, especially Paul and his followers, on the other side. In this framework, Matthew calls his community to faithful observance of the law, a law-observant mission to both Jews and Gentiles, and repentance and the practice of forgiving in preparation for the coming judgment. Accordingly, Matthew takes readers back to an early period, before the separation of Jewish Christians from the synagogues. By taking seriously Matthew’s Jewishness, this volume also enables readers to hear the historical Jesus more clearly. Excursuses on Matthew’s social setting include Jesus as healer, Sabbath observance, Roman taxation, the Pharisees, the tithes, ancient weddings, and the Sanhedrin, as well as many shorter units on Second Temple Judaism, synagogues, and first-century Galilean society.

The New Testament Library series offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, providing fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, careful attention to their literary design, and a theologically perceptive exposition of the biblical text. The contributors are scholars of international standing. The editorial board consists of C. Clifton Black, Princeton Theological Seminary; John T. Carroll, Union Presbyterian Seminary; and Susan E. Hylen, Candler School of Theology, Emory University.

R. Alan Culpepper is Dean Emeritus of the McAfee School of Theology, Mercy University, in Atlanta, Georgia. Previously, he was Professor of Religion at Baylor University. He has written numerous books, articles, curricula, and book reviews.

Review

In this new contribution to the New Testament Library, renowned New Testament scholar Beverly Roberts Gaventa offers a fresh account of Paul's Letter to the Romans as an event, both in the sense that it reflects a particular historical moment in Paul's labors and in the sense that it reflects the event God brings about in the gospel Paul represents.

Attention to that dual sense of event means that Gaventa attends to the literary, historical, and theological features of the letter.

Throughout the commentary, Gaventa keeps in view central questions of what Paul hoped the letter might accomplish among its listeners in Rome and how his auditors might have heard it when read by Phoebe. In posing potential answers to these questions, Gaventa touches on vital themes such as the intrusion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that prompts Paul to write in the first place, what that event reveals about the situation of all creation, how it relates to both Israel and the Gentiles, and what its implications are for life in faith.

The New Testament Library series offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, providing fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, careful attention to their literary design, and a theologically perceptive exposition of the biblical text. The contributors are scholars of international standing. The editorial board consists of C. Clifton Black, Princeton Theological Seminary; John T. Carroll, Union Presbyterian Seminary; and Susan E. Hylen, Candler School of Theology, Emory University.

Reviews

"In this superb commentary, Beverly Gaventa skillfully cuts her own path through the thicket of scholarly debates about Romans, offering many fresh readings of the letter in a clear and uncluttered style. Her deep resonance with Paul and her many theological insights provide a compelling interpretation of Romans, presented in an accessible form that will be highly welcome to scholars, students, and church leaders alike." — John M.G. Barclay, Lightfoot Professor of Divinity, Durham University

"This commentary offers significant understandings of the literary, historical, and theological dimensions of Paul's letter to the Romans. Romans is an occasional letter, but what does it look like to read Romans in light of the ultimate occasion of the correspondence—God’s decisive liberating action in the Christ event? In this volume, Beverly Gaventa demonstrates well what such an interpretive posture looks like. An impressive tour de force, this commentary is an invaluable contribution to Pauline studies." — Lisa M. Bowens, Associate Professor of New Testament, Princeton Theological Seminary

"The fruit of a life shaped by conversation with Paul and his interpreters, Beverly Gaventa's magisterial commentary on Romans constantly surprises the reader with new insights into a letter that never gets old. With her characteristic clarity and close attention to the text, Gaventa ushers her readers into a thoroughgoing apocalyptic reading of Romans marked by theological passion and pastoral acumen. This is a must-read for every serious student of Paul and Paul's gospel." — Susan Eastman, Associate Research Professor Emerita of New Testament, Duke Divinity School

"This is a landmark of contemporary biblical exegesis. Written with great economy and even greater understanding, Gaventa's commentary sparkles with insight, argument, and instruction. Here serious scholarship serves a singular purpose, namely, that we might hear again what Paul’s Roman auditors heard in his words and so confront afresh the truly urgent occasion of the apostle's letter: the advent of the redeeming power of God in the gospel of Christ Jesus. Gaventa's achievement as an interpreter of Paul places her firmly among those 'sisters of Phoebe' to whom the book is dedicated." — Philip G. Ziegler, Professor of Christian Dogmatics, University of Aberdeen

"This commentary on Romans is more than a resource; it is a reading born of a sustained relationship. Beverly Gaventa's lifetime of engagement with Paul's letter results in something other than a record of possible interpretations. This is an encounter: an encounter with Romans, and also, by way of Gaventa's patient and deep historical and theological interpretation, an encounter with what Paul calls 'the power of God' that, through Romans, encounters us in the gospel of Jesus Christ." — Jonathan Linebaugh, Professor of New Testament, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

Beverly Roberts Gaventa is Helen H. P. Manson Professor of New Testament Literature and Exegesis at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey. She has published a number of books including Mary: Glimpses of the Mother of Jesus, one of the few books written about Mary by a Protestant woman.

The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible® (POSB) is a practical and comprehensive commentary set that gives the pastor or teacher everything they need to preach or teach God’s Word. Covering every book of the Bible, POSB is the perfect resource for expository or topical teaching.

With over a million copies sold in print, POSB is unlike any other commentary you will encounter. Each volume gives you detailed, verse-by-verse exposition for every Bible passage. Along with the biblical commentary, POSB includes extensive outlines with sub-points, thoughts on practical application, deeper studies on key biblical topics and themes, and full cross references.

You will quickly see the added value and ease of use that comes with having this commentary in your Olive Tree library. The Olive Tree edition separates the outlines and commentary to make POSB even easier to use. Instead of scrolling back and forth (or flipping pages), you can see the commentary and outlines side-by-side as you study or prepare your sermon. POSB is also fully functional with the Resource Guide and is configured to help you get to the information you need quickly. You can both drill down to the verse you want to study and easily find all the introductory material on each book of the Bible.

The Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible makes it easy to create life-changing sermons and lessons. Everything you need to understand any passage of the Bible is right at your fingertips. And this resource is not just for preachers and teachers; it’s perfect for any Christian who wants to know God’s Word better.

POSB features include:

• Detailed outlines for every book of the Bible
• Well researched and easy to read commentary
• Practical application for godly living
• Deeper studies to dive into key topics and themes
• Full text cross references (no need to look them up)

Numbers is one of the "lost" books of the Bible--lost because it is neglected by many Christians.

Named for its two "numberings," or censuses, of Israel--the generation that left Egypt and the generation that entered the land of promise--Numbers frames a fascinating account of the pilgrim people Israel learning to trust God.

Readers are frequently puzzled by the dazzling variety of literature that makes up this book and wonder how to make sense of the whole. But in this thorough exposition of Numbers, Raymond Brown discloses the careful design and message of Numbers. He shows how God provides for the basic needs of the ideal life: to be loved, to be free, to be certain. Further, Brown highlights the rich theological themes of Numbers, untangles its meaning for today's readers and shows its enduring relevance for God's people.

About the Bible Speaks Today (BST) Series:

Edited by J.A. Motyer and the late John R. W. Stott, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are characterized by what Stott called a "threefold ideal . . . to expound the biblical text with accuracy, to relate it to contemporary life and to be readable." As such, each contributor in this series is both a noted scholar and a working pastor.

The BST series, now complete, covers all sixty-six books of the bible (Old and New Testaments) in fifty-five volumes. If you preach or teach from Scripture, the Bible Speaks Today series will help you apply the timeless biblical message to the everyday experiences of your listeners. And if you study the Bible on your own, these volumes will be a helpful resource focusing on the significance of God's Word for your own life and work.

Obadiah, Nahum and Zephaniah are probably among the least-read books of the Bible, and rarely preached. However, Gordon Bridger encourages us to study and apply these three Old Testament prophets for several compelling reasons.

As part of Scripture, endorsed by Jesus, they claim to bring a message from God, and teach us some major truths: the importance of focusing on God, who is personal, sovereign, righteous and loving; of facing up to sin and judgment; of responding in repentance and faith; and of the hope of future salvation and restoration. They also relate to the real world, in touch with the social and political issues of their day (the seventh century BC), as well as spiritual and moral issues: sleaze amongst political leaders, unfaithfulness of religious leaders, national and personal pride, crimes against humanity and persecution of God's people.

Hence, these challenging books tackle themes and issues, expounded here with clarity and conviction, which are especially relevant to today's church and world.

About the Bible Speaks Today (BST) Series:

Edited by J.A. Motyer and the late John R. W. Stott, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are characterized by what Stott called a "threefold ideal . . . to expound the biblical text with accuracy, to relate it to contemporary life and to be readable." As such, each contributor in this series is both a noted scholar and a working pastor.

The BST series, now complete, covers all sixty-six books of the bible (Old and New Testaments) in fifty-five volumes. If you preach or teach from Scripture, the Bible Speaks Today series will help you apply the timeless biblical message to the everyday experiences of your listeners. And if you study the Bible on your own, these volumes will be a helpful resource focusing on the significance of God's Word for your own life and work.

Reviews of the Old Testament Library Series

Reviews

Reviews of the Old Testament Library Series

Reviews of the Old Testament Library Series