Anders Max - Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah

D edicated to
Curtis and Kevin,
sons whose love has infused life with
joy and hope
Trent C. Butler
2005

Today's church hungers for Bible teaching, and Bible teachers hunger for resources to guide them in teaching God's Word. The Holman Old Testament Commentary provides the church with the food to feed the spiritually hungry in an easily digestible format. The result: new spiritual vitality that the church can readily use.

Bible teaching should result in new interest in the Scriptures, expanded Bible knowledge, discovery of specific scriptural principles, relevant applications, and exciting living. The unique format of the Holman Old Testament Commentary includes sections to achieve these results for every Old Testament book.

Opening quotations stimulate thinking and lead to an introductory illustration and discussion that draw individuals and study groups into the Word of God. Verse-by-verse commentary interprets the passage with the aim of equipping them to understand and live God's Word in a contemporary setting. A conclusion draws together the themes identified in the passage under discussion and suggests application for it. A Life Application section provides additional illustrative material. Deeper Discoveries gives the reader a closer look at some of the words, phrases, and background material that illuminate the passage. Issues for Discussion is a tool to enhance learning within the group. Finally, a closing prayer is suggested. Bible teachers and pastors will find the teaching outline helpful as they develop lessons and sermons.

It is the editors' prayer that this new resource for local church Bible teaching will enrich the ministry of group, as well as individual, Bible study and that it will lead God's people truly to be people of the Book, living out what God calls us to be.

This volume was written during one of those life-crisis situations as I faced retirement and then began a new professional opportunity that represented a true God-thing in my life. This placed extreme stress on those who helped and supported me.

Thus I want to say a strong word of thanks to Dr. Steve Bond, my longtime friend and faithful editor, and to George Knight, another friend and colleague who copyedited the manuscript.

Words cannot express my love and gratitude for Mary Martin and Mary Webb, who entertained themselves and offered love and support while Trent was upstairs composing.

Of course, the greatest thanks go to our God, who again and again displayed his glorious presence and affirming love during the writing process.

Twenty volumes designed for Bible study and teaching to enrich the local church and God's people.

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PROPHECY PROFILE

The book is structured around lessons from the prophet's marriage experience (chs. 13) and his preaching (chs. 47). It is the second longest of the minor prophets; only Zechariah is longer. The message comes from the prophet's heart and his experience and centers on divine love for a people who prostituted themselves after other gods. Covenant requirements, as summarized in the Ten Commandments, are God's criteria for judgment. Unfaithful religious leaders bear the brunt of the burden of guilt, not having taught the people correctly. God prefers faithful love and a personal relationship of knowing him rather than religious ritual.

Hosea is referred to by several New Testament writers (Matt. 2:15; 9:13; 12:7; Luke 23:30; Rom. 9:2528; 1 Cor. 15:55; Rev. 6:16). The author is identified in the preface mainly with the kings of Judah, though his ministry was in the Northern Kingdom (Israel).