Zephaniah, Haggai, Malachi (Duguid & Harmon)

To the people of Judah, distressed by changing political realities, it seemed that God had lost control of the situation.

Zephaniah warned of imminent judgment and pointed to hope close at hand: God is both Judge and a Refuge from judgment.

Haggai declared that God’s struggling people needed to reorder their priorities and invest in building the Lord’s house so that God’s renewed presence in their midst would bring renewed blessing.

Malachi, when doubt of the Lord’s love and watchfulness led the people into sin and distress, addressed their concerns and failings one by one. God would not abandon those who feared him, despite a history of rebellion against him.

Practical, devotional, and expositional, this commentary delves into the ways these three prophets point us to the sufferings of Christ, the forgiveness of God, and anticipated glories to come.

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Author

Iain M. Duguid (PhD, University of Cambridge) is professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has written numerous works of biblical exposition, including Esther & Ruth in the Reformed Expository Commentary series, Ezekiel in the NIV Application Commentary series, and Numbers in the Preaching the Word series. 

Matthew P. Harmon (MDiv, ThM, Westminster Theological Seminary) is pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church (ARP) in Grove City, Pennsylvania.

Endorsements

“Why should you mess with this commentary? First, any volume that helps get Zephaniah into the church should be scooped up. Second, no other commentary will introduce you to ‘anorexic gods’! Third, Duguid and Harmon always keep Christ central and let grace be as delightful as it is—and their expositions aggravatingly challenge our attitudes and assumptions and in the process meddle with our cherished idols and bogus religion.”

—Dale Ralph Davis, Minister-in-Residence, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina

“The authors of this volume on Zephaniah, Haggai, and Malachi are to be commended for their exposition of these three prophetical books. In keeping with the REC series’ goal, they expound the message of the prophets, reflect theologically on what the Spirit of God intends to communicate to the body of Christ in every age, make insightful comments on the redemptive-historical progression of the unfolding of the Father’s purposes, and encourage God’s people to respond to the Spirit appropriately and practically by their faithful exposition of God’s Word.”

—Willem A. VanGemeren, Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and Semitic Languages, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

“In their clear and convicting expositions of Zephaniah, Haggai, and Malachi, Duguid and Harmon show how these neglected books of the Bible are both relevant and refreshing. Through the lens of the gospel, they showcase how themes like repentance and restoration, election and hope, and judgment and mercy come together in the cross and consummation of Christ. Every pastor who seeks to teach the whole counsel of God’s ever-living and always-active Word should have this splendid commentary in his library.”

—Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Senior Pastor, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Elgin, Illinois

“Duguid and Harmon take us on a delightful journey through some less- trodden paths of the Old Testament in a way that is warm-hearted, theologically rich, pastorally sensitive, and, above all, Christ-honoring. It is not easy to write in a way that marries rigorous scholarship and searching application, but this volume pulls this off with style! This is the work of true pastor-scholars who write with penetrating discernment and a deep concern for God’s glory.”

—Gary Millar, Principal, Queensland Theological College, Spring Hill, Australia