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Joel: A Discourse Analysis of the Hebrew Bible (28)
How a biblical author says something is just as important as what they say. Designed for the pastor and Bible teacher, this series carefully analyzes the discourse of each Old Testament book and shows how the main thrust of each passage contributes to the development of the whole composition in the original Hebrew. For each passage, the ZECOT While primarily designed for those with a basic knowledge of biblical Hebrew, Hebrew words are always explained so that anyone who desires to understand the Old Testament and communicate its message will benefit from the depth and accessibility these volumes offer.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published May 12, 2020
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About the author
Joel Barker
13 booksLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 28, 2020
I have really enjoyed these early volumes in the ZECOT series and this new title is no exception. Joel Barker provides another competent exegetical commentary with an emphasis on discourse analysis this time on the Book of Joel. Unlike other mostly unprofitable types of criticism, discourse analysis renders real insights into the text. If you are looking for a standalone commentary on the Book of Joel, this volume will definitely meet your needs.
After he offers his own translation of Joel he jumps into an effective introduction to the Book of Joel. By the first few paragraphs, you can tell that the author enjoys Joel. To be sure, that always makes a commentary better. He offers six theories for the historical context of Joel. He lays them out clearly and makes it easy for one to evaluate. I might not agree with his final conclusion, but I appreciate his defining the issues. He makes a wonderful case for the literary integrity of Joel. I tend to find that with every book of the Bible, but I appreciate his compelling case that should answer any critic. He looks at Joel’s place among the Minor Prophets as well as describing Joel from the perspective of rhetorical discourse. He proves here that he is up to speed on those issues as you would expect for this series. I really appreciated his thoughts about the structure of Joel as well.
The commentary proper follows the usual ZECOT pattern. He does an outstanding job here. My only caveat to that statement is his discussion of 2:28-32. I know we have to first place these scriptures in the context of the prophet’s time, but I just felt he was a little brief on the importance of this passage in the New Testament. Still, this is first-rate commentary on a book of the Bible where you’re likely to need it. I’d rank this commentary a winner!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
After he offers his own translation of Joel he jumps into an effective introduction to the Book of Joel. By the first few paragraphs, you can tell that the author enjoys Joel. To be sure, that always makes a commentary better. He offers six theories for the historical context of Joel. He lays them out clearly and makes it easy for one to evaluate. I might not agree with his final conclusion, but I appreciate his defining the issues. He makes a wonderful case for the literary integrity of Joel. I tend to find that with every book of the Bible, but I appreciate his compelling case that should answer any critic. He looks at Joel’s place among the Minor Prophets as well as describing Joel from the perspective of rhetorical discourse. He proves here that he is up to speed on those issues as you would expect for this series. I really appreciated his thoughts about the structure of Joel as well.
The commentary proper follows the usual ZECOT pattern. He does an outstanding job here. My only caveat to that statement is his discussion of 2:28-32. I know we have to first place these scriptures in the context of the prophet’s time, but I just felt he was a little brief on the importance of this passage in the New Testament. Still, this is first-rate commentary on a book of the Bible where you’re likely to need it. I’d rank this commentary a winner!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 12, 2021
(Read the full review on my blog SpoiledMilks, 7/9/21)
In a fantastic series, Joel Barker has written a new commentary on Joel. This series is well-suited to the shorter books (though I can't wait to see how the longer books are treated).
The aim of this series is discourse analysis. Often times how someone says something is just as important as what they say. After looking at the historical context, literary integrity, and Joel's position within the Minor Prophets, Barker looks at Joel's rhetorical discourse. Barker notes that, "Prophets in the OT did not wield coercive power and could not compel obedience. However, as those who communicated God's message to Israel and Judah, there was an underlying urgency to prophetic communication.... Consequently, prophetic books elevate their discourse through the creative use of language in order to sear their messages onto the hearts of their intended audience" (35-36).
Commentary Structure
Barker outlines Joel into 8 major sections (or "chapters"). Each chapter follows the same structural path:
* Main Idea of the Passage.
* Literary Context.
* Translation and Outline.
* Structure and Literary Form: Summarizes how the author uses literary devices.
* Explanation of the Text: A thorough explanation on the use of words, phrases, and syntax in the biblical author’s message. Attention is given to how the material is arranged, what the biblical author is trying to say, and how he says it.
* Canonical and Practical Significance.
Recommended?
This is a very helpful series. It gets into the dirt and weeds and shows why it matters. Each author os different, but Barker looks at words and shows their importance in how they function. Every word really is important (though Barker doesn't elaborate on every single word). Those who have a good handle on the Hebrew language (pastors, teachers, or students) will benefit greatly from this volume. But even if you don't know Hebrew (or if you have forgotten too much of it like myself), you will still learn buckets of information. If you want to dig into the weeds, these commentaries are highly recommended.
In a fantastic series, Joel Barker has written a new commentary on Joel. This series is well-suited to the shorter books (though I can't wait to see how the longer books are treated).
The aim of this series is discourse analysis. Often times how someone says something is just as important as what they say. After looking at the historical context, literary integrity, and Joel's position within the Minor Prophets, Barker looks at Joel's rhetorical discourse. Barker notes that, "Prophets in the OT did not wield coercive power and could not compel obedience. However, as those who communicated God's message to Israel and Judah, there was an underlying urgency to prophetic communication.... Consequently, prophetic books elevate their discourse through the creative use of language in order to sear their messages onto the hearts of their intended audience" (35-36).
Commentary Structure
Barker outlines Joel into 8 major sections (or "chapters"). Each chapter follows the same structural path:
* Main Idea of the Passage.
* Literary Context.
* Translation and Outline.
* Structure and Literary Form: Summarizes how the author uses literary devices.
* Explanation of the Text: A thorough explanation on the use of words, phrases, and syntax in the biblical author’s message. Attention is given to how the material is arranged, what the biblical author is trying to say, and how he says it.
* Canonical and Practical Significance.
Recommended?
This is a very helpful series. It gets into the dirt and weeds and shows why it matters. Each author os different, but Barker looks at words and shows their importance in how they function. Every word really is important (though Barker doesn't elaborate on every single word). Those who have a good handle on the Hebrew language (pastors, teachers, or students) will benefit greatly from this volume. But even if you don't know Hebrew (or if you have forgotten too much of it like myself), you will still learn buckets of information. If you want to dig into the weeds, these commentaries are highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews