Be Heroic (Minor Prophets): Demonstrating Bravery by Your Walk: OT Commentary: Minor Prophets

The "Be" Commentary

by Warren W. Wiersbe

We all admire the hero. That person who’s celebrated for accomplishing big things in the face of even bigger odds. Yet heroes aren’t defined by their circumstances, but by their choices. They’re people who continually choose to serve others, even when no one is watching, and without expecting credit. Based on the books of Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah, this study examines three unsung heroes of the Bible who can inspire us today.Part of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe’s best-selling “BE” commentary series, BE Heroic has now been updated with study questions and a new introduction by Ken Baugh. A respected pastor and Bible teacher, Dr. Wiersbe shares small ways we can make a big impact. Because when it’s all about being a servant, we all have what it takes to be a hero.

Genres: Christian, Reference, Nonfiction, Theology, Christian Non Fiction, Biblical Studies

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 1997

About the author

Warren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting bible study of the minor prophets of the Old Testament. Haggai, Zechariah and Ezra. This book emphasizes the importance of following through with one's work and being open to God's word!

[Frans Kempe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that goes into the books of Ezra, Haggai and Zechariah. A good devotional reading and Bible study book to read together with the Bible.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great survey of the books of Ezra, Haggai and Zechariah. Highly recommended if you want an overview of what these books of the Bible are about.

[Hannah Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankful for the help with some of the minor prophets that can be a little more confusing! Loved the last chapter about the heroes of the faith, men and women, who put their heads down and do the daily of the work of the Father, unbeknownst to others around the world. It is ALL for Him! To Him be the glory!

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful on writing "Coming Home," the story of the return of the Jews from captivity in Babylon.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: “Thank God He gives us difficult things to do!” said Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest. The first time I read that statement, I shook my head in disagreement, but I was young and inexperienced then, and it seemed smarter to do the easy things that made me look successful.

This is the third commentary series highlighting the minor prophets of the Old Testament. This one focuses on Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah. These are all postexhilic in nature. The Babylonian Captivity is ending and Jews are beginning to return to resettle, rebuild, re-establish.

Wiersbe goes through these three books, chapter by chapter. He also shares some conclusions tying together these books of the Bible.

This is one of the rare times I read the book cover to cover but my mind was on vacation. I don't know where my brain was when I was turning pages over the course of a week. It wasn't like I retained the information but took too long to review (which happens sometimes). I do not blame Wiersbe for my empty mindedness. (This also happened with Beauty by Robin McKinley that I was reading over the same week.)

I would recommend this one to those that like his "Be" series commentaries. I have read a handful of his commentaries and enjoyed them. Some I've learned quite a bit from.

[Jan Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touches my heart and reminds me that I do not have to go against the wind and strain, but just let God get in the boat with me. It is the sacrifice of Christ that atones for our sins. We need to walk in holiness. Everything we have comes from God and should be used for His glory. We need to see the opportunities, but at the same time not ignore the problems. May we be captivated by God and who He is, what He does, and what He wants us to do. We need to trust His Word and work together as a team not being afraid of change. There will be opposition, but we will have the help of God. In order to be heroic, we need to be concerned about future generations and have the courage to walk close to God. We need to be on our guard and stand firm and put our feet to work.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title of this one is a bit misleading. When I think of Old Testament minor prophets, I think of Hosea through Malachi. Wiersbe included Ezra which is normally counted among the historical books and Haggai and Zechariah which are minor prophets. I expected this to cover the twelve minor prophets, but it covered only two of the twelve plus one other Old Testament book. I always enjoy Wiersbe's insights, but I felt this installment was not quite as strong as some of his devotional commentaries. It's still worth reading.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a long time ago I left this series in the middle. This is one of the unique commentary series. The point of view of the author was quite unique, for every book being connected with one godly character.
In this book, the author made commentary on 3 books of minor prophets. But though there are minor because of the length of the book was not that long compared to other books, their story was quite big. They are chosen people who are not afraid of change and thus could change the nation.

[Ashley Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always learn so much from these studies that I can’t really put it into words. I have journals filled with thoughts and lessons and this is no exception. I learned more about the minor prophets than I ever have but mostly I learned to see them as more practical than I ever gave them credit for. I tend to shy away from these books but with this study I Goulding get enough! Highly recommend.

[Rachel Mellema · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book on the minor prophets - Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah - and on the invaluable lessons on bravery, faith, and commitment. Through compelling narratives and insightful commentary, Wiersbe reveals the remarkable messages of these prophets, empowering readers to emulate their bravery in their own lives. Loved it!

[Joe Valenti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little resource. I used it as a companion for a personal study through the return from exile. I appreciate how accessible Wiersbe is. The only concern that I had was that some of his interpretations of the more difficult passages seemed questionable.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good guide to the minor prophets' books by Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah. I like reading about the history behind the scriptures. Many supporting scriptures added in the commentary. Definitely a Christian perspective, with little from a Hebrew perspective.

[Bob Mendelsohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually love Weirsbe's commentaries, but this one seemed a bit thin. And out of order. And both of those I found unusual. Even so, it's always good to dig into the Word itself, and not depend on an author/ teacher.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I especially found this commentary helpful for explaining how vocabulary words were used in the time period in which the books were written and in explaining some of the customs.

[Laurel Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study of Ezra, Nehemiah, and their contemporary post-exilic prophets, Haggai and Zechariah.

[Sean Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

WIesbe giving good solid devotional commentary material from the minor prophets - you don't get the technical but you get honest and applicable ideas.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be Heroic is a study of minor prophets Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah… sometimes forgotten among the heroes of the faith. These men were willing to put it all on the line and carry God’s message during difficult times. The Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple were also heroic. Their story is told in these books. Warren Wiersbe writes: “God is challenging us to be heroic in a world that desperately needs everyday anonymous heroes who will sacrifice and serve only to hear their Master say, “Well done!” Will you be among them?” We can learn a lot from the examples of the heroes of the faith recorded in these three books!