Donald E. Gowan offers new insights into what may be the Old Testament's earliest treatment of the problem of suffering: the book of Habakkuk. That small, obscure part of the Old Testament tucked away somewhere in the middle of the minor prophets,--as Gowan put it--Habakkuk has been a middle child of too many Bible students' non-attention. Yet Gowan makes no claim that this book should be more central than it has been. Instead, he shows his own personal, pastoral, and scholarly involvement with this powerful tract. After an introductory chapter, the author examines each of Habakkuk's three sections. Gowan offers his own translation of the text, applying a critical approach, and providing a decisive commentary. Gowan compares the first section's dialogue between the prophet and God (Habakkuk 1:1--2:4) with other Old Testament dialogues about God's justice. He also discusses God's response, But the just shall live by faith, as a meaningful answer to Habakkuk's questions. While the woe-oracles of the second section (Habakkuk 2:5-20) have not seemed very important in the past, Gowan shows how they form a mock funeral dirge sung in advance of a great tyrant's death. He then applies this insight to the problems of tyranny and liberty today. The psalm (Habakkuk 3) which concludes the book is discussed in terms of Israelite traditions, theophany, faith, and history. The central focus is placed on Habakkuk's striking personal statement concerning the ability of the man of faith to live through suffering joyfully. Recognizing the relationship of our suffering to that of Christ, Gowan concludes The Triumph of Faith in Habakkuk by drawing together relevant themes from Habakkuk's time and Jesus's experience.

Donald E. Gowan offers new insights into what may be the Old Testament's earliest treatment of the problem of suffering: the book of Habakkuk. "That small, obscure part of the Old Testament tucked away somewhere in the middle of the minor prophets,"--as Gowan put it--Habakkuk has been a middle child of too many Bible students' non-attention. Yet Gowan makes no claim that this book should be more central than it has been. Instead, he shows his own personal, pastoral, and scholarly involvement with this powerful tract. After an introductory chapter, the author examines each of Habakkuk's three sections. Gowan offers his own translation of the text, applying a critical approach, and providing a decisive commentary. Gowan compares the first section's dialogue between the prophet and God (Habakkuk 1:1--2:4) with other Old Testament dialogues about God's justice. He also discusses God's response, "But the just shall live by faith," as a meaningful answer to Habakkuk's questions. While the "woe-oracles" of the second section (Habakkuk 2:5-20) have not seemed very important in the past, Gowan shows how they form a mock funeral dirge sung in advance of a great tyrant's death. He then applies this insight to the problems of tyranny and liberty today. The psalm (Habakkuk 3) which concludes the book is discussed in terms of Israelite traditions, theophany, faith, and history. The central focus is placed on Habakkuk's striking personal statement concerning the ability of the man of faith to live through suffering joyfully. Recognizing the relationship of our suffering to that of Christ, Gowan concludes The Triumph of Faith in Habakkuk by drawing together relevant themes from Habakkuk's time and Jesus's experience.

The books of Lamentations, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah are rich with God’s truth concerning our need of redemption. But hope and mercy have the fi nal word as God promises to bless those who turn back to him in faith and repentance. This accessible study takes readers through these books over the course of 12 weeks. The prophecies, though far removed from our historical context, are deeply relevant and applicable to today’s contemporary issues—offering hope for restoration in our fallen world. Part of the Knowing the Bible series.

The book of Revelation is as current today as ever. It offers encouragement and guidance for faithful Christian living in the nuclear age. It does not speak only of a distant past or far-off future. ÒTriumph of the LambÓ, a self-study guide to the book of Revelation, provides aid for understanding the then and now of the last book in the Bible. Each section of the book contains study question, a brief explanation of the biblical passage, a discussion of the meaning for today, and penetrating questions for thought and discussion. The book is designed for the average person who would like to unlock the secrets of this strange and fascinating book of the Bible. For those who wish to go deeper, a general introduction to Revelation is also provided. The book ends with a concluding discussion of significant theological and ethical questions, and a guide to further study. Revelation is a difficult book to understand, but its author promises, ÒBlessed are those who read, hear, and keep the words contained in this book.Ó ÒTriumph of the LambÓ aims to contribute to that blessing.