The close-knit bond between prophecy and history, according to O. Palmer Robertson, becomes particularly clear through the study of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah. As the historical context of their m
The close-knit bond between prophecy and history, according to O. Palmer Robertson, becomes particularly clear through the study of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah. As the historical context of their messages is explored, it becomes ever more apparent that biblical history—in addition to providing the context for prophecy—actually embodies and functions as prophecy. The events that occurred to Judah and its neighbors spoke in anticipation of world-shaking circumstances that were yet to come.
In this commentary Robertson combines the insights of biblical theology with a keen awareness of the age in which we live. After first dealing with the relevant background issues of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah—redemptive-historical setting, theological perspective, date and authorship, and so on—Robertson applies the care and precision of an exegete and the concern of a pastor to his verse-by-verse exposition of each book. The result is a relevant confrontation with the ancient call to repentance and faith—a confrontation greatly needed in today's world.
“Robertson has produced an outstanding volume that treats three of the lesser-known Old Testament prophecies. He writes in a clear style with an emphasis on the rich theological meaning of these prophets and with a pastor’s insight regarding their relevance to Christians today.”
— Tremper Longman III
“O. Palmer Robertson’s work on Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah is a first-class theological commentary with unique applications to the present day. His conclusions are balanced and well aimed with regard to the particulars of the immediate historical situation as well as with regard to the overall canonical stance of the ongoing drama of revelation. From these three orphan books of the Old Testament Robertson has crafted a most memorable message for the present-day church.”
— Walter C. Kaiser Jr.
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O. Palmer Robertson is an American Old Testament scholar who has taught at several institutions, including the African Bible Colleges of Malawi and Uganda. His other books include The Christ of the Covenants, The Christ of the Prophets, and The Christ of Wisdom.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
I. Redemptive-Historical Setting
II. Theological Perspective
III. Shape of the Prophecies
IV. Date and Authorship
V. Unity and Authenticity
VI. Text
VII. Canon
VIII. Analysis of Contents
IX. Select Bibliography
The Book of Nahum
Superscription (1:1)
I. Public Announcement of Nineveh’s Judgment (1:2–14)
II. Dramatic Depiction of Nineveh’s Judgment (2:1–14)
III. The Survey of Nineveh’s Judgment (3:1–19)
The Book of Habakkuk
Superscription (1:1)
I. The Dialogue of Protest (1:2–17)
II. The Resolution of Wisdom (2:1–20)
III. A Psalm of Submission (3:1–19)
The Book of Zephaniah
Superscription (1:1)
I. Cosmic Covenantal Judgment Comes with Yahweh’s Great Day (1:2–18)
II. The Call to Repentance Sounds Before the Arrival of God’s Great Day (2:1–15)
III. God Reconstitutes His People with the Arrival of That Great Day (3:1–20)
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