Bible Speaks Today

Zechariah is imbued from beginning to end with the same heart cry that Jesus turned into a prayer for the world: "Your kingdom come." In this volume, Barry G. Webb explores the kingdom of God as the prophet Zechariah apprehended it. In oracles and visions Zechariah challenged his hearers to return to the coming kingdom, to cleanse themselves in anticipation of the cleansing fountain of God's grace, and to restore the city of Jerusalem in preparation for its coming glorification. The promises of God in the book of Zechariah are meant to fuel the faithfulness of God's people and prepare the way for the promised Messiah. Part of the beloved Bible Speaks Today series, The Message of Zechariah offers an insightful, readable exposition of the biblical text and thought-provoking discussion of how its meaning relates to contemporary life. Used by students and teachers around the world, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for those studying or preaching the Bible and anyone who wants to delve deeper into the text. This revised edition of a classic volume features lightly updated language, current NIV Scripture quotations, and a new interior design.

The destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 587 BC is the likely setting for the book of Lamentations. This was the most traumatic event in Old Testament history, as Israel faced extreme human suffering, the destruction of the ancient city, national humiliation, and the undermining of all that was thought to be divinely guaranteed, such as the Davidic monarchy, the city of Zion, and the very temple of their God. It is out of such unspeakable pain that Lamentations speaks, through poetry of astonishing beauty and intricacy, although soaked in tears. If we neglect this book of the Bible, says Chris Wright, we miss the challenge and reward of wrestling with the massive theological issues that permeate it. How can suffering be endured alongside faith in an all-loving, good God? If death and destruction stalk the land, can Israel's faith in the covenant God of faithfulness and mercy be sustained? Through this commentary, Wright shows that we must not isolate Lamentations from the rest of the Bible, nor should we read the rest of the Bible without Lamentations. It is a crucial part of the narrative that still has many messages for us to learn from today. Part of the beloved Bible Speaks Today series, The Message of Lamentations offers an insightful, readable exposition of the biblical text and thought-provoking discussion of how its meaning relates to contemporary life. Used by students and teachers around the world, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for those studying or preaching the Bible and anyone who wants to delve deeper into the text. This revised edition of a classic volume features lightly updated language and a new interior design.

The book of Malachi fittingly sits in Christian Bibles as the last book of the Old Testament, which it assumes, summarizes, and applies. Yet it also looks forward to the New Testament with its promises of the coming reign of God. A striking feature of the book is the people of God's inconsistent faithfulness. God's people neither serve God wholeheartedly nor turn entirely away in blatant disobedience. But God persists in speaking to them, showing his grace in close proximity to their sin. Malachi reveals God's unfailing love and reminds God's people to keep this conviction central. Part of the beloved Bible Speaks Today series, The Message of Malachi offers an insightful, readable exposition of the biblical text and thought-provoking discussion of how its meaning relates to contemporary life. Used by students and teachers around the world, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for those studying or preaching the Bible and anyone who wants to delve deeper into the text. This revised edition of a classic volume features lightly updated language, current NIV Scripture quotations, and a new interior design.

They neglected the needy, gained material riches through exploitation, and indulged in inauthentic religious practices. And rather than following God in the pursuit of justice, they drew on the divine name to justify their pretense. This is the social landscape in which the prophet Amos delivers a message from God. With searing clarity and daring hope, Amos calls God's people to repent, turn back toward the ways of God, and take up his will through clear acts of obedience. In this volume Alec Motyer exposes and explains Amos's prophetic call for Israel's repentance, showing the message's astonishing relevance for today. Part of the beloved Bible Speaks Today series, The Message of Amos offers an insightful, readable exposition of the biblical text and thought-provoking discussion of how its meaning relates to contemporary life. Used by students and teachers around the world, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for those studying or preaching the Bible and anyone who wants to delve deeper into the text. This revised edition of a classic volume features lightly updated language, current Scripture quotations, and a new interior design.