The Books of Haggai and Malachi (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament | NICOT)

by Pieter A. Verhoef

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 1987

Overview

This commentary by Pieter A. Verhoef offers a thorough exegesis and exposition of Haggai and Malachi—two important books of Scripture that, unfortunately, are not only little studied but have sometimes been maligned by contemporary scholarship—and stresses the relevance of these prophets’ messages in terms of continuity and discontinuity for the Christian church.

Verhoef’s introduction to each book elucidates the questions of authorship, style, text, structure, historical background, and message. Making extensive use of structural analysis, Verhoef argues convincingly for the authenticity, unity, and integrity of both books.

Verhoef also brings his knowledge of the ancient Near East, the Old Testament, and past and current biblical scholarship to bear in the commentary proper, and he displays theological acumen and pastoral sensitivity in tailoring his exposition for the student and pastor as well as for the scholar.

Key Features

• Verse-by-verse commentary
• In-depth discussion of textual and critical matters
• Introduction to the authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology of Haggai and Malachi

Contents

Top Highlights

“In what manner have you loved us? The point of reference in this question is not so much the metaphysical truth of God’s love for Israel, but rather the actual experience of that love in the people’s concrete existence and adversities. In what has God manifested his love for them?³² They bluntly denied the fact and significance of God’s love. In a way this is an astonishing question. It presupposes the denunciation of both election and covenant, the annulment of their own wonderful history and of the fact that his compassions never fail, that they are new every morning (Lam. 3:22, 23).” (Page 198)

“But we favor the point of view according to which the semantic domain of this hēšîḇ, ‘turning back,’ is not so much the projected social order but the covenant relationship as such. When Elijah comes he will restore the covenant relationship. In this process he will turn about the hearts of the wicked posterity to the hearts of them with whom God has entered into a covenant at Horeb.” (Page 342)

“In sum, the Lord’s love for his covenant people has been called in question by Israel, has been proven by God in the respective histories and destinies of Israel and Edom, and had to be acknowledged by Israel. God has demonstrated to us his unquestionable love in the ‘history’ of his Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (John 3:16), and our duty and privilege would be to acknowledge and proclaim this Good News.” (Page 207)

“According to most scholars the contrasting concepts of ‘love’ and ‘hate’ must be interpreted in the sense of more or less.” (Page 200)

Endorsements

Verhoef’s commentary is first-rate. It is replete with compelling insights into the meaning of the biblical text and with clearly stated understandings of the biblical message. Scholars, preachers, and Bible students alike can benefit greatly from this volume.

—Restoration Quarterly

Providing a synthesis and analysis of a broad range of scholarship on Haggai and Malachi as well as offering his own insights into major issues, Verhoef contributes to the scholarship of these books. He carefully discerns the major points of difference between scholars and systematically considers translational options. A helpful commentary.

—Hebrew Studies

This is an attractive commentary, clear, detailed, with fair treatment of a wide range of interpretations.

—The Expositor Times

Readers will enjoy Verhoef’s strong scholarship, his exegetical excellence, his appreciation of these books’ contribution to Old Testament prophecy, and his ability to make these prophecies relevant for today.

—Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society

Product Details

• Title: The New International Commentary on the Old Testament: The Books of Haggai and Malachi
• Author: Pieter A. Verhoef
• Series: New International Commentary on the Old Testament (NICOT)
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 1987
• Pages: 384

About Pieter A. Verhoef

Pieter A. Verhoef is a well-known South African Old Testament scholar and is a professor emeritus of Old Testament at the University of Stellenbosch. He is the author of numerous books and articles in the field of biblical studies.