The Message of Joel, Micah & Habakkuk

by David Prior

Overview

Where is God in times of disaster? How can God allow suffering? What are God's people to do about moral decay in society? People throughout the ages have pondered these questions, and three of the Bible's minor prophets—Joel, Micah, and Habakkuk—offer special insight on these perennial problems.

David Prior's passage-by-passage exposition of these three books provides careful study and measured application for today's church. The people of Joel's day were devastated by a locust plague, which Joel said warned of the coming Day of the Lord. Micah rebuked a culture of corruption and moral evil. Habakkuk cried out to the Lord on account of a society bent on violence. All three point to a transcendent God who gives hope in times of uncertainty.

Part of the beloved Bible Speaks Today series, The Message of Joel, Micah and Habakkuk offers an insightful, readable exposition of the biblical text and thought-provoking discussion of how its meaning relates to contemporary life. Used by students and teachers around the world, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for those studying or preaching the Bible and anyone who wants to delve deeper into the text. This revised edition of a classic volume features lightly updated language and a new interior design.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781514006474
Publisher:	InterVarsity Press
Publication date:	07/02/2024
Series:	The Bible Speaks Today Series
Edition description:	Revised, Revised Edition
Pages:	312
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.25(h) x 0.81(d)

About the Author

David Prior has pastored churches in Cape Town, South Africa, and Oxford, England, and has served as director of The Centre for Marketplace Theology in London.

Table of Contents

General preface
Author’s preface
Chief abbreviations
Select bibliography

The message of Joel
Introduction
1. Cry to God (1:1-20)
2. Return to God (2:1-17)
3. Rejoice in God (2:18-32)
4. Fear God (3:1-21)

The message of Micah
Introduction
5. Preface (1:1)
The first cycle: pervasive evil and a promised king (1:2–2:13)
6. Micah’s message to the world (1:2-16)
7. The preacher for this people (2:1-13)
The second cycle: ungodly leadership and God’s promised leader (3:1–5:15)
8. Micah’s message to the leadership of the nation (3:1-12)
9. Micah’s message of a future beyond the ruin of Jerusalem (4:1–5:15)
The third cycle: a time of disintegration and desolation (6:1–7:20)
10. A message of gloom and doom (6:1–7:7)
11. A message of light and love (7:8-20)

The message of Habakkuk
Introduction
12. Dialogue with God (1:1-17)
13. A double vision (2:1-20)
14. Habakkuk’s prayer (3:1-19)