While these books are largely characterized by God’s judgment on a sinful, rebellious people, they are by no means without hope of redemption. Though Israel will encounter God’s judgment time and again through history, God promises to pour out His Spirit on all nations. The coming of the Messiah is strongly foreshadowed, offering readers hope for redemption in God. All He asks is that we return to Him with our whole hearts.

It can be difficult to understand how a loving God can be so judgmental of His own creation, His people. It is crucial that we continue to look beyond this judgment to see God’s ultimate will: for His people to come back to Him wholeheartedly. This message is just as relevant and important today as it was thousands of years ago. David W. Baker not only explains the original meanings of these prophetic books in this this NIV Application Commentary volume, but connects them to our everyday lives.

Many Bible commentaries offer us an exciting tour through the ancient world of Biblical times. They give us cultural backdrop and add new, wonderful layers of meaning to familiar stories and passages. But when the time comes to return to normal, everyday life, we are left disconnected from the memories of our trip—without the knowledge of practical, real-life application. This is where the NIV Application Commentary series picks up the task. It merges the original, ancient context with right now, showing us both how ancient readers would have read the Bible and how we can connect to this living word of God from a modern context. Most importantly, however, it helps us begin the life-changing process of true application, showing how God’s word can continue to have a powerful voice in our lives today.

The NIV Application Commentary uses a highly accessible, three-tiered method of bringing readers to a fuller understanding of each Biblical book. Original Meaning will explore a book’s meaning in light of its historical and cultural context. Bridging Contexts, as its name implies, will help the reader link the text’s original meaning to its Contemporary Significance—the final tier that helps you apply the Bible to everyday life.

“This series promises to become an indispensable tool for every pastor and teacher who seeks to make the Bible's timeless message speak to this generation.”

-Billy Graham

“It takes more than interpretation of God's Word to change lives, it takes application.

Application is the bottom line in preaching and teaching. Without it, we've missed the point of the Bible. The NIV Application Commentary is an outstanding resource for pastors and anyone else who is serious about developing ‘doers of the Word.’”

-Rick Warren, Pastor of Saddleback Valley Community Church