Best Commentaries on Nahum, Habakkuk, & Zephaniah

Prior’s volume will help lay leaders grasp the basic flow of each book and see how the books’ sections contribute to their overall meaning. He explores significant details for understanding each major section of these prophecies.

Snyder’s engaging writing style and his strong emphasis on theology and historical background will serve readers.

Turkington takes readers through the timeless story of Habakkuk. She looks at the original readers’ situation and shows how some of the most powerful chapters of the Bible confront, console, and encourage them to have a lasting hope and gritty faith.

On Nahum, Longman says , the author “has contributed a strongly written, well-thought-out, and well-researched analysis . . . that is sensitive to the important theological themes.” For the teacher and preacher, this is an invaluable volume on these minor prophets. This commentary will help readers understand how each prophet constructed and communicated his message as well as how these books may be taught and preached today.

Previously a part of the NICOT series, Robertson’s commentary offers pastors a clear structure of the text, a thorough treatment of historical and literary details, and healthy connections to the work of Christ in the New Testament. Robertson’s consistent understanding of the prophets in light of Christian theology will help preachers to make relevant applications to daily life. As Longman notes, “Robertson excels in theological analysis and pastoral application.”

Thomas’s excellent commentary provides a historical survey of the interpretation of Habakkuk. And the second half of the book distinctively integrates the theology of Habakkuk with Christian living and spiritual formation, combining good scholarship with application.

Longman says, “Andersen has produced an excellent scholarly reading of the prophet Habakkuk.” He is a clear writer who provides in-depth analyses and chooses topics that “make this commentary better suited for the scholar and [scholarly] minister.”

Longman states, “Berlin is known as an exceptional practitioner of the literary method, and she does not disappoint us in this commentary, which shows great sensitivity to such issues as intertextuality. She also helpfully discusses text, semantics, historical issues, and theological message.”

Tremper Longman III says his contribution on Nahum shows “the relevance of the book for today by explicating the theme of God as a warrior” On Habakkuk, “the erudite [F. F.]Bruce,” who is “[n]ormally identified as a New Testament scholar,” demonstrates a high level of Old Testament competency. Additionally, J. Alec Motyer’s contribution “presents a readable and solid interpretation of Zephaniah.” His is one of the more in-depth analyses in the book.

Originally part of the Wycliffe Exegetical Commentary. Longman comments, “Patterson shows tremendous literary sensitivity to Nahum.” He places the book in its historical context and emphasizes God’s sovereignty in the book’s theology.

Turner’s commentary integrates insights from Habakkuk’s grammar and syntax with Christian doctrine, intertextual comments, and even application for faithful living. His hard work and clear explanation will support pastors and scholars as they study Habakkuk and serve the church.

Roberts, a scholar who is optimistic “about the benefits of historical criticism,” has produced a work that includes “extensive text-critical and philological notes, written in a way that even interested nonspecialists can understand,” writes Longman.