Series: Eerdmans Classic Biblical Commentaries

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.

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)