Malachi Then and Now: An Expository Commentary Based on Detailed Exegetical Analysis

by Allen P Ross

A rich and satisfying commentary on Malachi that unfolds its powerful message. Since Malachi deals with topics such as money, marriage, worship, and the love of God, contemporary Christians can learn much from this ancient book. In addition to commenting on the book of Malachi, this volume shows how to develop biblical expositions from a solid exegetical analysis of the text. "I have chosen the book of Malachi," writes the author, "because it is short and can be easily expounded in a short series, and because it has a good variety of forms and constructions that provide test cases for a practicum in exegesis. But most of all, because the messages recorded here are needed just as much today as in Malachi's day."

216 pages, Paperback

Published November 30, 2018

Reviews

[Stephen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book on the last day of my Hebrew Practicum class with Dr. Ross, which happened to be the last class he ever taught before his retirement. It was in many senses the most difficult course I have ever taken, and all but the last few weeks have been mostly fraught with frustration as I tried to square my difficulty in apprehending the language with Dr. Ross’ rather significant expectations. These frustrations began to die off in part thanks to this book, wherein I was finally able to witness (and attempt to mimic) the scope of his exegetical process. The method to his “madness” was revealed, and what work had once been drudgery was turned into no small about of joy. I am certainly not worthy to have been among his final students — indeed I have wished on multiple occasions that he might not have had to put up with my ineptitude at this point in his career — yet I count myself profoundly grateful, nevertheless.

This book is one part excellent commentary (on a prophet whose message is anything but minor), one part exegetical catechism, and one part a clinic on exposition. It is in this trifold structure that Dr. Ross’ genius as both a scholar and a teacher is revealed, and I only wish more commentaries were similarly collected. God grant him a peaceful and happy retirement!