NIVAC 22: Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah

Most Bible commentaries take us on a one-way trip from the twentieth century
to the first century. But they leave us there, assuming that we can somehow
make the return journey on our own. In other words, they focus on the original
meaning of the passage but don't discuss its contemporary application. The
information they offer is valuable - but the job is only half done! The NIV
Application Commentary Series helps us with both halves of the interpretive
task. This new and unique series shows readers how to bring an ancient message
into modern context. It explains not only what the Bible means but also how it
can speak powerfully today.The prophetic books Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk,
and Zephaniah are brief but powerful. They comfort us with the assurance that,
when nothing in this life makes sense, God is still in control. They toughen
our faith in the face of the world's ugly realities. And they reveal the
complexities of humans in relation to God. Jonah ran from his divine
commission. Habakkuk questioned God concerning his ways. Repenting under
Jonah's message, the city of Ninevah ultimately backslid and reaped the doom
prophesied by Nahum. And Zephaniah's 'remnant' depicts a faith that remains
faithful. We needn't look too hard to find our own world and concerns mirrored
in these books. Exploring the links between the Bible and our own times, James
Bruckner shares perspectives on four of the Minor Prophets that reveal their
enduring relevance for our twenty-first-century lives.'Bruckner does
a nice job getting to the heart of the message of the book and provides
excellent discussions of the continuing relevance of these four prophetic
messages in terms of both their theology and of their practical significance. I
found the discussion of Jonah the most stimulating, though the others are good
as well.' - Tremper LongmanSeries: NIV Application Commentary.