Micah and Nahum: Balancing the Books (Welwyn Commentary Series | WCS)

by Michael Bentley

Publisher:

Evangelical Press

, 1994

Overview

The prophecies of Micah and Nahum were delivered to the people of the southern kingdom of Judah, although Nahum's message came about one hundred years after Micah. Both were given under the shadow of the threat of invasion from the mighty Assyrian empire, which had already taken captive Judah's northern neighbor, Israel.

In calling the people to repentance, Micah denounces idolatry and hollow ritualism as well as violence, covetousness, and the exploitation of the poor by the rich. The task of Nahum was to predict that the days of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, were numbered. These were solemn warnings, but with them came messages of hope for God's people as Nahum predicts the final downfall of those who oppress them, while Micah speaks clearly of the coming Messiah who would be born in Bethlehem and who would come to reign in righteousness. Micah proclaims the pardoning God who delights to show mercy.

In this commentary, Michael Bentley shows that these prophecies are still relevant for God's people today. The Lord is still in control over the nations and the lives of individuals and one day he will balance the books as all will have to give an account of themselves to him. Yet for those who trust in him he is still, to use Nahum's words, "a refuge in times of trouble" and the messenger is still "one who brings good news who proclaims peace."

Product Details

• Title: Balancing the Books: Micah and Nahum Simply Explained
• Author: Michael Bentley
• Publisher: Evangelical Press
• Series: Welwyn Commentary Series
• Publication Date: 1994
• Pages: 128

About Michael Bentley

Michael Bentley worked as a bookshop manager and served in the British army before his call to the ministry. He has a diverse background, which includes freelance religious reporting for national and religious radio and television, being a Religious Education teacher, and holding pastorates in Surrey, South East London, and Berkshire. He is also closely involved with his local community as a member of various committees and councils. His hobbies include singing second bass in the Bracknell Choral Society. Now retired, he still preaches regularly and has a ministry of writing, with some thirteen books in print including Opening Up Amos from the Opening Up Commentary Collection (30 Vols.), and Face2face: David, part of the Face2face Collection. He lives in Bracknell with his wife, Jenny, and has five children and eight grandchildren.