Allen's study of the Books of Joel, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah constitute a volume in The New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Like its companion series on the New Testament, this commentary devotes considerable care to achieving a balance between technical information and homiletic-devotional interpretation.

These three short prophetic books of the Old Testament each contain a dual message. On one hand are messages of impending judgment---for all peoples on the Day of the Lord, for an enemy of Israel, and for Israel herself. On the other hand are messages of great hope---of the pouring out of God's Spirit, of restoration and renewal, and of a coming Messiah. Placing judgment and hope together in such a manner may seem paradoxical to a contemporary mindset. But the complete message of these prophets gives a fuller picture of God---who despises and rightly judges sin and rebellion, but who also lovingly invites people to return to him so that he might bestow his wonderful grace and blessings. It is a message no less timely today than when these books were first written, and David W. Baker skillfully bridges the centuries in helping believers today understand and apply it. Most Bible commentaries take us on a one-way trip from our world to the world of the Bible. But they leave us there, assuming that we can somehow make the return journey on our own. They focus on the original meaning of the passage but don't discuss its contemporary application. The information they offer is valuable---but the job is only half done! The NIV Application Commentary Series helps bring both halves of the interpretive task together. This unique, award-winning series shows readers how to bring an ancient message into our postmodern context. It explains not only what the Bible meant but also how it speaks powerfully today.

In this book you discover the theme of Joel: The day of Yahweh. You will also discover more about who one to whom the day belongs to - Yahweh. The people were facing devastating calamity and Joel calls the society to repent in order that they might escape this judgment and once again enjoy mercy and favour of Yahweh. Obadiah also focuses on the dual aspects of the theme both that there is Judgement and that blessing. Mentor commentaries retain a high view of scripture whilst interacting with other research from differing theological viewpoints.

Although they are often neglected, at least partly because their words of judgement make readers uncomfortable, these prophetic books have considerable theological and ethical value.

As a young man, I faced many adversities while struggling to find myself through a brutal nineteen-year war with drug and alcohol addiction, all the while suffering from anxiety, depression, and PTSD. During that war I was kidnapped, dodged a disturbing death on multiple occasions, suffered a minor stroke due to head trauma, and survived the internal warfare that almost ended with me taking my own life. Tormented by dark spirits and enlightened by the good, I was gifted to another opportunity at living a meaningful life. With God's underserving Grace and incomprehensible Mercy, I share my experience, strength, and hope with you, to prove recovery from addiction is not only 100% possible, but we can in turn, aid and assist our brothers and sisters in our communities. Joel Carroll is an advocate for men, women and children, who battle with drug addiction and suffer from mental illness. In 2013 he transformed his life, from an alcoholic and an addict, to a man who aids and assists others during their times of struggle. He also transformed from a liar and a thief, to an honest and giving man who loves his family dearly. After graduating from the Salvation Army of Tucson's six-month rehabilitation program, Joel has dedicated his life to serving God and the communities he once ravaged.

In Joel and Obadiah, John Barton furnishes a fresh translation of the ancient manuscripts and discusses questions of historical background and literary architecture before providing a theologically sensitive and critically informed interpretation of the text. The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing.

The Old Testament is not just a collection of disparate stories, each with its own meaning and moral lessons. Rather, it’s one cohesive story, tied together by the good news about Israel’s coming Messiah, promised from the beginning. Covering each book in the Old Testament, this volume invites readers to teach the Bible from a Reformed, covenantal, and redemptive-historical perspective. Featuring contributions from twelve respected evangelical scholars, this gospel-centered introduction to the Old Testament will help anyone who teaches or studies Scripture to better see the initial outworking of God’s plan to redeem the world through Jesus Christ.