David W Baker - Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah (TOTC)

Volume 27

General Editor: Donald J. Wiseman

An Introduction and Commentary

David W. Baker

Additional note:

The aim of this series of Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, as it was in the companion volumes on the New Testament, is to provide the student of the Bible with a handy, up-to-date commentary on each book, with the primary emphasis on exegesis. Major critical questions are discussed in the introductions and additional notes, while undue technicalities have been avoided.

In this series individual authors are, of course, free to make their own distinct contributions and express their own point of view on all debated issues. Within the necessary limits of space they frequently draw attention to interpretations which they themselves do not hold but which represent the stated conclusions of sincere fellow Christians.

The books of Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah cover an important but turbulent epoch in the history of Israel in which prophets warned of coming judgment if Israel refused to turn back to God from her apostasy and to practise effective social justice. This culminated in the fall of Jerusalem in 587 BC and in the exile in Babylon.

In the Old Testament in particular no single English translation is adequate to reflect the original text. The version on which these three commentaries are based is the New International Version, but other translations are frequently referred to as well, and on occasion the author supplies his own. Where necessary, words are transliterated in order to help the reader who is unfamiliar with Hebrew to identify the precise word under discussion.

It is assumed throughout that the reader will have ready access to one or more reliable renderings of the Bible in English.

Interest in the meaning and message of the Old Testament continues undiminished and it is hoped that this series will thus further the systematic study of the revelation of God and his will and ways as seen in these records. It is the prayer of the editor and publisher, as of the authors, that these books will help many to understand, and to respond to, the Word of God today.

D. J. Wiseman

When travelling westwards across the American Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains in the far distance seem relatively minor and insignificant. As one eventually enters them, however, one is confronted at every turn with the power and beauty of these masterpieces of Gods handiwork. The same experience of wonder and majesty is felt in approaching the minor prophets, which are only minor in word count, but are often major in literary quality and theological relevance. As one can only hope to enjoy a fraction of the alpine splendour, so one realizes that much of the potential of the prophets will also lie untapped. In both cases, one hopes at least to have touched on the most meaningful and exciting vistas of Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah.

For the privilege of making this journey I thank Professor D. J. Wiseman. His willingness to let me make the trip and his guidance along the way are much appreciated. For patient editorial leading I thank the Inter-Varsity Press and its staff. My deepest appreciation and love go to Morven for her constant support and encouragement. Little did she realize when she repeated Ruths vow to accompany Naomi what paths God had in store.

David W. Baker