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Opening up ZephaniahIntro to ZephaniahOPENING UP ZEPHANIAH The aim of this short and simply written commentary is described in its title. Zephaniah is probably one of the lesser known prophecies and Michael Bentley helpfully and faithfully explains its message. Short chapters and study questions at the end of each made it suitable for using as daily readings notes and small group study and I was especially helped by the Background and Summary chapter. While it is important and refreshing to have plenty of illustrations, I was disappointed that they were sometimes quite old-fashioned. This meant that the relevance and applications of Zephaniah for today didn’t always shine out as brightly as they could have done with more contemporary illustrations. Michael also made a few applicatory comments that I felt needed more clarification for younger and relatively un-churched Christians as well as readers from a different kind of church background. These included comments on styles of worship, the emerging church movement and one on turning ‘aside from everything that would keep us from wholehearted allegiance to God — even close relatives.’ I understand that this book is meant to be brief but, without being given the space to properly explain such issues, there is the danger of confusing and alienating some readers. That would be a shame because this book, as well as the others in the series, is an ideal introductory tool for those relatively new in the faith and to the Bible. Jane McNabb, © Evangelicals Now - October 2008 |