The Message of Joel, Micah and Habakkuk: Listening to the Voice of God

The Bible Speaks Today: Old Testament

by David Prior

Where is God in times of disaster? How can God allow suffering? What are God's people to do about moral decay in society? While people throughout the ages have long pondered these questions, three of the minor prophets--Joel, Micah and Habakkuk--provide insights to these perennial problems.The people of Joel's day were devastated by a locust plague, which Joel said warned of the coming Day of the Lord. Micah rebuked a culture of corruption and moral evil. Habakkuk cried out to the Lord on account of a society bent on violence. All three point to a transcendent God who gives hope in times of uncertainty.David Prior's passage-by-passage exposition of these three books provides careful study and measured insight and application for today's church.

Genres: Biblical Studies, Christian, Reference, Theology

279 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Bill Forgeard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read Habbakuk 2024; read Joel 2025.

Unsatisfying: thematic in places (rather than verse-by-verse), didn't address key issues, didn't approach the text in a Christ-centred manner, cultural/societal applications are dated.

[Emily Gifford · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books were filled with lessons on hardship and suffering that were so timely, not for me in this season but to share with those around me. My favorite of the three I think was Micah. As someone who studies human right protection, I love to read passages that reveal God’s righteousness and justice. God does not want to see his people suffer from evil and will punish evildoers according to His perfect timing!

[curtis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A creditable, workmanlike exposition of the texts in question. Prior is fairly astute as an observer of the text, but his greatest strength lies in his gift for illustration. Of the three commentaries contained in this volume, Joel is perhaps the best, then Micah, then Habakkuk. I prefer more textual information than Prior feels necessary, but for readers simply seeking a guide through territory with which Christians unfortunately seem to have little familiarity, one could certainly do worse.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read quite a few commentaries when preparing my sermon series on Micah. Of the three main ones I used, this one is likely the most helpful. Very thorough without being overly technical.

[Other commentaries I used: Dempster, Waltke.]

[Russell Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid commentary! Joel was weak; Micah and Habakkuk were excellent. Recommended.

[Francisco Núñez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Más que hermoso mensaje de bendición el de Miqueas breve pero contundente.