The Prophets
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- Publisher: Baker Academic (Baker Publishing Group)
- Published: 2026
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Publisher's Description
Many Bible readers struggle with the prophets. The historic setting, the genres, and the imagery are all unfamiliar. Yet these books are a vital part of Scripture. The same living God who inspired these messages still speaks an important word today. The prophets deeply challenge our assumed ways of thinking, confronting us with the seriousness of sin as well as God's holiness and grace. In The Prophets, respected scholar Andrew T. Abernethy guides readers through the historical, social, literary, and theological dimensions of each prophetic book: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, and the Minor Prophets. The Prophets is part of the Baker Handbooks on the Old Testament Series. This theologically and pastorally rich series is designed for a new generation of readers who want concise and understandable guides to the books of the Old Testament. Neither introductions nor commentaries, each volume provides section-by-section guidance through each book of the Bible to help readers quickly grasp the content and meaning of each passage. These guides also help readers see the overall logical flow of each book and include helpful maps, charts, and sidebars that provide valuable additional insights. Series volumes are suitable for classroom, personal, and reference use. The series editor is David G. Firth.
Endorsements (8)
“A useful, comprehensive introduction to the prophetic literature that provides the historical location, a thorough survey of the content, and the particular theological contribution of each book. This, however, is not simply a study of texts in their ancient context. Abernethy consistently points out trajectories into the New Testament and makes connections to the modern world. The exposition of each book ends with an up-to-date bibliography. A timely, remarkable resource!”
“The Old Testament prophets can seem inaccessible without an understanding of the historical backgrounds, complex theology, warfare and violence, and ancient Hebrew poetry. This single volume by a scholar, teacher, and person of prayer is a readable digest of historical, theological, and literary tools that will help to unlock the reading of the prophets as Christian Scripture. Highly recommended.”
“Whereas introductions offer too little and commentaries too much, The Prophets gets it 'just right' by providing the most significant background and insights on every pericope within the Old Testament prophetic books. It is a one stop shop for serious students of Scripture. Informed by scholarship and oriented to evangelical concerns, Abernethy reads the prophets as a witness to Christ and instruction for the church.”
“Andrew Abernethy provides a welcome handbook on the prophetic books of the Old Testament. His attention to historical contexts, canonical and rhetorical structure, and theological instruction of each book masterfully introduces readers to the riches of the prophets. Beautifully presented, with helpful charts and engagement from the global church, this is a resource not to be missed. I am thrilled to recommend this work.”
“Students of the Old Testament need a reliable guide to the sometimes bewildering collection of books that is the prophets. Andrew Abernethy provides a robust and thoughtful update to the classic prophets handbook by Robert Chisholm Jr., while helping us interpret these books faithfully for the new challenges of the twenty-first century. Let this be the first book you get to learn how to read and apply the prophets!”
“Modern readers of the biblical prophets are drawn to their honest, vividly presented messages but can easily get lost in the flow of their presentation. Andrew Abernethy's The Prophets provides trustworthy guidance for such readers, supplying historical and literary context to help readers hear afresh the message of each section in the prophets. This guidance always moves toward the theological, releasing the incredible riches of these ancient books for life today. This is a great starting point for the study of the Old Testament prophetic books.”
“What a wonderful way to help readers understand—and really hear—the message of the prophets! Andrew Abernethy's concise but thorough survey of the prophetic books integrates in an admirable way their literary, historical, and theological dimensions. With its emphasis on these books' ongoing relevance in a world that has problems not so different from those the prophets addressed, this handbook will help all who read it grasp the unparalleled power and pertinence of the prophets' message.”
“The Baker Handbooks on the Old Testament have long served students of Scripture. This new volume by Andrew Abernethy is a worthy successor to Robert Chisholm's excellent 2002 study of the prophets. With fresh literary and theological sensitivities, Abernethy presents an attentive survey of every section of the Major and Minor Prophets. If you have ever felt lost in the labyrinth of the prophetic books, this book is a sure guide!”
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