Admittedly, as the last book in the Old Testament, and a minor prophet at that, Malachi is often overlooked by Bible readers. Yet, Malachi's passionate proclamations and the significance of what he had to say to his people capture the attention of even the casual reader. The message of Malachi came at a time of cultural and religious rethinking for Israel (roughly 500 B.C.E), when God's people were scattered throughout the Near East, with most living in Mesopotamia under Persian rule. They could easily have disappeared from history had it not been for the prophetic call to repentance. In his fresh new translation, notes, and comments on this brief prophetic book, Andrew E. Hill explains why we should pay attention to Malachi as God's spokesperson. Hill places the book in its historical context to interpret the original meaning, as well as offer the modern reader insights into what it has to say to us today. With a wonderful insert filled with photographs, line art, and maps, he provides all the necessary details for the reader to understand and appreciate Malachi.

The Eerdmans Classic Biblical Commentaries series collects the best and most trusted Eerdmans commentaries from years gone by in a format that will make them available to readers for years to come. Some of the ECBC volumes were originally published in major commentary series, others as freestanding books. Some were first published decades ago, others more recently. Though written over the years for various levels of readers, the Eerdmans Classic Biblical Commentaries all have this in common: pastors, scholars, and serious students of the Bible continue to read them, study them, and rely on them to help unlock the meaning and message of the Scriptures.  Originally published in 1987 as part of the New International Commentary on the Old Testament series, this commentary by Pieter Verhoef offers a thorough exegesis and exposition of Haggai and Malachi and highlights the ongoing relevance of their prophetic messages for the Christian church. Bringing his knowledge of the ancient Near East, the Old Testament, and biblical scholarship to bear, Verhoef displays the theological acumen and pastoral sensitivity that have made this commentary a standard resource for students, scholars, and pastors alike.