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A unique devotional through one of the more neglected parts of the Bible - the Minor Prophets. David Guzik is an internationally valued Bible commentator and devotional writer.
152 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 18, 2021
I didn't track my reading of this book because I didn't think to at first but then because I was only reading a couple pages a day in keeping with my reading a chapter a day from each minor prophet. I knew I'd review the whole thing when I was finished with it. I LOVED this book. I got it as a gift and am so grateful that I did. I love David Guzik's Bible commentary, which I access through the Blue Letter Bible app. There are several commentaries included on the app, and I've looked through them a few times, but Guzik's has always been my go-to. This book's quality is in keeping with his commentary, and in fact, as I discovered, is partially derived from his commentary, anyway.
This book is basically a devotional guide through the twelve minor prophets. For each chapter or two, there is a short reading. Guzie (yes, we became such good friends, I now call him Guzie) selects a verse from the section of the day, and then, he brings in historical and religious context, he explains the verse, he draws out key sections of it, and he applies it to the broader message of the chapter in the Bible but also the prophet and the Bible as a whole. His key focus through all of the chapters on all of the minor prophets is relationship. He highlights the relationship we can have with God if we put ourselves aside and focus on Him. The core message in the minor prophets is that Israel, God's chosen people, has fallen short of what He wants for them, but they can and will still have it. There is dire warning, frightening prophecy, but there's also hope. Hope of restoration, hope of reconciliation, hope of return to how it was before, only better. There's a distinction made between those who choose not to walk with God and those who recognize Him, who truly see Him, know who He is, and choose (choice is always key) to follow Him. Guzik dives into all of these topics and themes and makes connections to the modern day reader and her personal relationship with God. He does talk about the Church, but the focus really is on the day-to-day, personal life with God.
I have many pages folded down, many chapters marked, a lot of asterisks and underlinings and notes. I thoroughly enjoyed this little book, and I highly recommend it. I've been reading the Bible books in order for a while now, the first time I've gone in order in years, and having this book to guide me through my reading of the minor prophets was helpful. It really led me to distinguish one book from the other, which sometimes becomes tricky when they're each so short and do have a lot in common. Guzie's commentary helped me realize what's special about each book and also made me realize how amazing some of these books are, both with how they compare to other books and with what makes them unique. This book also kept me focused on a chapter at a time, and it helped me to understand context and put a lot into perspective about what was happening at the time of the writing of these books but also allowed me to understand more about God and myself and how everything comes together. I recommend reading the Biblical chapter first, reflecting, seeing what stands out to you, and then, reading Guzie's chapter. Usually what stood out to me was different than what he pulled out, so that was interesting because it filled out and broadened my perspective.
Obviously, this book has great value to me. I'm interested in reading more of Guzie's work beyond his commentaries though I'd also love to own physical copies of his commentaries. Nothing can replace the Word of God, but having a great supplement, written by a man of God with wisdom about the Scriptures, is really fulfilling as well.
This book is basically a devotional guide through the twelve minor prophets. For each chapter or two, there is a short reading. Guzie (yes, we became such good friends, I now call him Guzie) selects a verse from the section of the day, and then, he brings in historical and religious context, he explains the verse, he draws out key sections of it, and he applies it to the broader message of the chapter in the Bible but also the prophet and the Bible as a whole. His key focus through all of the chapters on all of the minor prophets is relationship. He highlights the relationship we can have with God if we put ourselves aside and focus on Him. The core message in the minor prophets is that Israel, God's chosen people, has fallen short of what He wants for them, but they can and will still have it. There is dire warning, frightening prophecy, but there's also hope. Hope of restoration, hope of reconciliation, hope of return to how it was before, only better. There's a distinction made between those who choose not to walk with God and those who recognize Him, who truly see Him, know who He is, and choose (choice is always key) to follow Him. Guzik dives into all of these topics and themes and makes connections to the modern day reader and her personal relationship with God. He does talk about the Church, but the focus really is on the day-to-day, personal life with God.
I have many pages folded down, many chapters marked, a lot of asterisks and underlinings and notes. I thoroughly enjoyed this little book, and I highly recommend it. I've been reading the Bible books in order for a while now, the first time I've gone in order in years, and having this book to guide me through my reading of the minor prophets was helpful. It really led me to distinguish one book from the other, which sometimes becomes tricky when they're each so short and do have a lot in common. Guzie's commentary helped me realize what's special about each book and also made me realize how amazing some of these books are, both with how they compare to other books and with what makes them unique. This book also kept me focused on a chapter at a time, and it helped me to understand context and put a lot into perspective about what was happening at the time of the writing of these books but also allowed me to understand more about God and myself and how everything comes together. I recommend reading the Biblical chapter first, reflecting, seeing what stands out to you, and then, reading Guzie's chapter. Usually what stood out to me was different than what he pulled out, so that was interesting because it filled out and broadened my perspective.
Obviously, this book has great value to me. I'm interested in reading more of Guzie's work beyond his commentaries though I'd also love to own physical copies of his commentaries. Nothing can replace the Word of God, but having a great supplement, written by a man of God with wisdom about the Scriptures, is really fulfilling as well.
October 25, 2024
I couldn't get past a glaring mistake at the beginning of the book...
I really thought this book was excellent. However, at the very beginning of the book, in the "A FEW WORDS FROM THE AUTHOR" page, Guzik says twice that there are 13 Minor Prophets. There are only 12 Minor Prophets... I really hate to be so nit picky, but that is such a major typo that it bothered me through the reading of the entire book. That aside, David Guzik did an incredible job of writing a devotional though one of the most difficult and neglected sections of the Bible. From these ancient messages, he brings out practical advice for living today.
I really thought this book was excellent. However, at the very beginning of the book, in the "A FEW WORDS FROM THE AUTHOR" page, Guzik says twice that there are 13 Minor Prophets. There are only 12 Minor Prophets... I really hate to be so nit picky, but that is such a major typo that it bothered me through the reading of the entire book. That aside, David Guzik did an incredible job of writing a devotional though one of the most difficult and neglected sections of the Bible. From these ancient messages, he brings out practical advice for living today.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews