One of the reasons why people find the Old Testament prophets difficult to understand is the nature of the ancient language. Plus, the modern versions of Aramaic and Hebrew would differ substantially from the ancient versions. Apart from this, It requires interpretation styles that are outside the scope of modern scientific, deterministic, and utilitarian lenses. Putting it another way, we do not read the prophets like a science textbook, a problem-solving manual, or a practical DIY brochure. Apart from the symbolism and images, we also need to pay attention to the rhetorical emphases, the literary forms, and the contextual background. Once we establish a correct understanding of the theological intent of the authors, we could then build a bridge toward contemporary awareness and application. We cannot reverse it. Understanding comes before application. These series of commentaries focus on doing just that. There are four major prophets and twelve minor prophets. This commentary covers the first six minor prophets according to the conventional canonical divisions. As again, the labels 'major' and 'minor' do not reflect the level of importance. It refers to the length of the book concerned. It can also be understood as 'long' and 'short' books respectively. In this commentary, author and professor John Goldingay attempts to guide us through Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah with a few personal touches. He makes a translation of the earlier texts. He consults mainly with lexica, concordances, grammar, with minimal references to other secondary works. He also supplements his research with early Jewish and Christian interpretations of these texts, including Reformation authors, modern, and post-modern scholars from a selection of global perspectives.

The introduction to the six prophets is an essential read. In it, Goldingay shows us the "family album" with each of the minor prophets presenting a "snapshot" of this family. Hosea, Amos, and Micah were prophets to the eighth-century kings. These three prophets are explicitly dated in the Bible while Joel, Obadiah, and Jonah were undated. He shows us the political scene which reeks of assassinations, invasions, and constant wars. The religious and societal contexts show us the reality of spiritual warfare, with the Israelites having to face multiple gods to pledge their allegiances to. Goldingay also shows us the four-step process the prophets use to communicate their messages from God: 1) Oral Proclamation; 2) Words written down; 3) Message Affirmation; and 4) Putting the affirmed messages into a scroll.

Following the general introduction to all six minor prophets, the focus shifts to the individual books where Goldingay frames the commentary into the following:

1) Introduction to the book
2) Origin and Background
3) Poetry and Rhetoric
4) Theological Message
5) Structure and Outline
6) Commentary (Overview; Interpretation; and Theological Reflection)

Three Thoughts
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In one volume, readers get to learn of six of these minor prophets. I like the commentary for the methodical approach. From beginning to end, readers would appreciate the gentle guide through explanation of the contexts and essential background information. With well marked titles and reference verses, Goldingay makes the reading format easy for modern readers. Instead of the conventional "Old Testament" use, he chooses "First Testament" because the former is "antiquated and out of date." This change might be a little unfamiliar to some of us who are used to the traditional usage. For me, while I understand the intent of Goldingay, I think it takes a tsunami in order to change people's mindset. Readers just need to be aware of this without being dogmatic. Goldingay does not jump straight into the commentary itself, choosing to take time to describe some of the general themes of each book. This is crucial especially in an age of "Just Gimme the Facts" type of impatience. This has two benefits. Firstly, it equips us with some background knowledge of the cultural and religious environment. Like wearing 3D goggles before we watch a 3D movie, the poetry, rhetoric, ancient contexts, and the theological message will help us comprehend the biblical text that is to come. Secondly, clothed with the contextual armour, we do not have to jump back and forth to ask about certain symbols, historical contexts, and other unfamiliar words in the text. This makes for a much smoother flow as well as a deeper appreciation as we join in the thoughts of the biblical writer.

Second, I find it helpful that Goldingay provides a parallel between the First Testament and the Second Testament. This affirms the way we read the Bible, that the two testaments are one and the same Word of God. This manner of parallel comparison also extends to the way Goldingay bridges the ancient contexts with contemporary application. I find the "theological reflection" deeply challenging. Even though the minor prophets were writing to audiences of an ancient era, the theological theme remains vivid and relevant. This gives readers an important resource to teach the minor prophets with reverent faithfulness to the message and relevance to the masses.

Finally, for those who are afraid about teaching through the minor prophets, this book encourages us not to hesitate. It equips us and shows us the way to frame the discussion, to provide the background information, and to guide members toward a theological reflection that perhaps would generate more active discussion. The prophets are not just proclamations of doomsday messages. They show us the human side of the prophets. They show us God's heart of tenderness. They also warn us that we too are not immune to the ills of ancient Israel. Comprehensive and informative, this commentary is a must have for anyone who teaches or preaches the Old Testament prophets.

John Goldingay (PhD, University of Nottingham) is senior professor of Old Testament and David Allan Hubbard Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is an ordained priest in the Church of England and is the author of numerous books, including a three-volume Old Testament Theology as well as major commentaries on Daniel, the Psalms, and Isaiah 40-66. Goldingay lives in Oxford, England.

Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.

conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Academic and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.