Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Nahum to Malachi
Overview
Elizabeth Achtemeier examines the often-neglected Minor Prophets and explains them as they reflect the church at worship and at work. She sets the Minor Prophets in their canonical context emphasizing the relationship between the message of these prophets and the New Testament. Unique in the use of brief quotations from great preachers' sermons on the prophets, Nahum-Malachi is enriched with the vast insightful store of homiletical interpretation available today.
- Detailed introduction
- Bibliography
Top Highlights
“Haggai is saying that all peoples will finally come with their offerings to the Lord of Hosts, just as Paul, using Isaiah 45:23, promised that every knee would bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Phil. 2:10–11). Further, Haggai proclaims that God will establish in Jerusalem his shalom, that is, his abundant life (v. 9; RSV: prosperity) for his people, and indeed for all that universal company that will flow toward Jerusalem (cf. Isa. 2:2–4).” (Page 101)
“The old ones forget that it was not Solomon but God who filled the temple with glory, and so they mourn the past that can never return. Worse still, they obstruct the new glory that is arriving, for as long as God is on the scene his people may confidently expect things which eye has not seen nor ear heard.” (Page 101)
“Three times Haggai says it: ‘Take courage … take courage … take courage … work! (v. 4). In short, be faithful in the present! ‘I am with you … My Spirit abides among you’ (vv. 4, 5). Therefore, be found faithful and at work with all your might when this present God brings in the future yet unknown!” (Page 102)
“The important point, however, is that to a people who think that the covenant relationship and its God are non-existent or merely memories from the past, the Lord of the covenant will himself come. That is a frightening prospect for any age that thinks God to be absent from the world.” (Page 184)
“Haggai prompts those who have known the past with God to realize what it means for the future. When God is with his people they can have great expectations.” (Page 102)
The Interpretation series from Westminster John Knox Press is clearly established as a rich source for teaching and preaching. They have tapped the talents of a varied and esteemed group of contributors, resulting in what is clearly the essential comprehensive commentary series on the Bible.
—W. Eugene March, A.B. Rhodes Professor of Old Testament Emeritus at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
The Interpretation series is an invaluable resource for any leader or scholar interested in interpreting the biblical text to the broader church. Its works are essential for pastors, educators, and church libraries.
—Brian K. Blount, President and Professor of New Testament at Union Theological Seminary
- Title: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Nahum to Malachi
- Author: Elizabeth Achtemeier
- Publisher: John Knox Press
- Publication Date: 1986
- Pages: 201
