Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah (NIV Application Commentary, The) [Hardcover]

James Bruckner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 18, 2004 | Series: NIV Application Commentary, The (Book 13)

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. Most Bible commentaries take us on a one-way trip from our world to the world of the Bible. But they leave us there, assuming that we can somehow make the return journey on our own. 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 bring both halves of the interpretive task together. This unique, award-winning series shows readers how to bring an ancient message into our present-day context. It explains not only what the Bibles meant but also how it speaks powerfully today.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

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.

Most Bible commentaries take us on a one-way trip from our world to the world of the Bible. But they leave us there, assuming that we can somehow make the return journey on our own. 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 bring both halves of the interpretive task together. This unique, award-winning series shows readers how to bring an ancient message into our present-day context. It explains not only what the Bibles meant but also how it speaks powerfully today.

About the Author

James Bruckner (PhD, Luther Seminary) is associate professor of Old Testament at North Park Theological Seminary, and author of Implied Law in the Abraham Narrative: A Literary and Theological Analysis. He teaches a course on wilderness and faith in the boundary waters of Lake Superior.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (May 18, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310206375
• ISBN-13: 978-0310206378
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #146,801 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

James Bruckner (PhD, Luther Seminary) is associate professor of Old Testament at North Park Theological Seminary, and author of Implied Law in the Abraham Narrative: A Literary and Theological Analysis. He teaches a course on wilderness and faith in the boundary waters of Lake Superior.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is insightful and helpful, November 5, 2010

By 

Nicholas (Chicago, Israel) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah (NIV Application Commentary, The) (Hardcover)

Bruckner handles the obscure books of the minor prophets well. The book is written from a Christian perspective, with an eye towards the lay-person in the Church. How can one preach from Nahum? What does Habukkuk have to do with today's church and today's world? This commentary considers the historical context, but also how this text can be applied today. Well written, clear, and to the point, this book is a good read and a great resource for churches and individuals.