The Next to Last Word: Service, Hope, and Revival in the Postexilic Prophets
Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi—the often ignored Minor Prophets—delivered the next-to-last word to God’s people. That is, these prophets pointed Israel to Christ, the supreme and final Word, and warned them against rejecting Him. Underscoring the truth that studying this portion of Scripture is profitable (2 Tim. 3:16), Michael Barrett helps us discern the relevance of these prophets for today. He explains the prophetic office, the historical setting of the postexilic books, and their contributions to God’s overall redemptive message before considering the specific messages of each of these books in depth. Study questions at the end of each chapter enhance individual and group Bible study.
Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9781601784278
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For many Christians today, the Old Testament is difficult to understand, seems outdated, and has questionable relevance. But, as Old Testament scholar Michael Barrett points out, all Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit and we must read it by faith, seeing that Christ is the key to unlocking the Old Testament’s message. With great knowledge of and contagious passion for the Old Testament, the author shows readers how to identify basic characteristics of Christ and where to look for Him throughout the Old Testament. The author challenges us: “God’s promise throughout the Bible is that those who seek Him will find Him. Beginning at Moses and ending with Malachi, we want to be on Christ alert.”
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“A book like this could be so sketchy that it's not useful or so exhaustive that one is simply awash in a muddle of detail. But in length and depth Dr. Barrett's treatment of these three neglected prophets is—like Baby Bear's porridge—just right. He nicely balances the ‘what’ (explanation) and the ‘so what’ (application), and, while anchoring us in the historical context, he insistently and unabashedly keeps our eyes fixed on the Christ-centered hope they proclaimed.” — Dale Ralph Davis, minister in residence, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina