Best Commentaries on Joel and Amos

A short, reliable, and accessible resource that delves into historical context, theological content, and how to practically apply Joel and Amos.

Prior provides an overview of Joel, seeking to help readers understand the vivid imagery in the book and its theological significance.

A clear and insightful commentary from a well-respected scholar. Longman writes, “He writes not only as a skilled Old Testament scholar but also as someone very in touch with life.”

An indispensable resource for pastors. Mathison notes, “He also takes a minority view on the interpretation of Joel chapter 1, seeing the locust invasion as a figurative description of a human army rather than a literal locust plague. I find his arguments persuasive on this point. Whether you agree or disagree on that point, however, his commentary is always worth consulting on these books. Very highly recommended.”

A clear and insightful resource. The volume offers a deep but accessible study of the text. Garrett’s writing seeks to draw out the prophecies’ canonical ties and theological significance.

An insightful and well-researched work. While this is often a more technical series, Allen’s volume is accessible to a larger portion of readers. He considers various dating approaches to Joel, but ultimately deems it a post-exilic work.

This volume houses Raymond Dillard’s work on Joel and Jeff Niehaus’s writing on Amos. Readers will find an insightful commentary that melds a technical exposition of the Hebrew with informed reflections on the text.

A well-researched and insightful commentary. Longman calls it “a very well-executed historical-critical commentary. . . . Barton refuses to focus on the final form and wants to find the original setting, which will make this commentary less interesting to most, though he is an engaging writer.”

An expertly researched and clearly-written book. While Mathison does not often recommend Hermeneia commentaries, he calls this volume “the only one I would enthusiastically recommend. It is geared toward a more scholarly audience, but it is packed with helpful insight into the meaning of Amos. Very highly recommended.”

A nearly comprehensive resource that looks at the text from various angles, assessing the text historically, literarily, politically, and theologically to name a few. Finley’s writing is clear and insightful.