Best Commentaries on the Minor Prophets

For a selection that covers all of the minor prophets, this book, which was once three volumes, has now been published as one.

A single volume that preaches through all twelve books—something this list has needed for a long time, since McComiskey’s set is the only other place every prophet is covered. House literally wrote the book on the unity of the Twelve, and Coleman teaches Old Testament at Westminster. Juan Sanchez writes, “There are few commentary series more consistently faithful and pastorally helpful than the Preaching the Word series. This volume on the Minor Prophets is no exception. Paul House and Stephen Coleman prove to be reliable and wise guides through these often-neglected books,” while Peter Lee of RTS calls it “indispensable” for any pastor teaching these books. If you buy one new volume on the Minor Prophets, make it this one.

This is the consensus pick for the books of Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, and Jonah. It is, of course, one volume that covers all five.

While Joel and Amos are covered in some of the other volumes listed above, they are covered in slightly more detail here.

As we progress into the next batch of Minor Prophets, we won’t find a volume much stronger than this one by O. Palmer Robertson.

This is the volume that now fills the NICOT slot long held by O. Palmer Robertson’s much-loved work. Renz taught for years at Oak Hill in London, and the verdict on his volume is warm: “an outstanding commentary…Scholarly yet pastoral, thorough yet accessible.” Robertson remains the friendlier read; Renz is now the scholarly standard on these three books.

This is by all accounts either the best or next best option for Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah.

The replacement volume in the Tyndale series, written by a professor at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary who treats Jonah as history, the books as unified compositions, and their fulfillment as found in Christ. A dependable entry-level guide to three books—including Micah, which is otherwise thinly served by the multi-book volumes above.

It is impossible to go wrong with Duguid and this volume is no exception to the rule. It will cover you well through the final trio of the Minor Prophets.

Though this is a completely different series with a completely different format, it would again be well worth turning to Duguid.

Of all the Minor Prophets, the one you are most likely to preach is Jonah, and this book will serve you well. So will…

This is a helpful little book by a very trusted theologian.

You can rarely go wrong with the BST, and especially the older volumes. And then, of course, you can never go wrong with Derek Kidner.

Hosea has waited a long time for a substantial Reformed expositional commentary, and Derek Thomas suggests the wait was worth it: “Excellent is almost too light a word for this profound accomplishment. As we read this volume, Hosea comes to life and sits beside us.” Joel Beeke commends its “wonderful clarity and simplicity” and its compassion for sinners—fitting, for this book above all.

For a one-volume treatment of Obadiah, Block’s recent treatment of the book is the way to go. The ZECOT is an especially helpful format, too, which makes it all the stronger.

The Gospel Coalition’s own recommendations commend the way Turner “integrates insights from Habakkuk’s grammar and syntax with Christian doctrine, intertextual comments, and even application for faithful living.” The rigorous choice for anyone preaching this remarkable little book.

For a very substantial and in-depth commentary on Zechariah, Boda leads the way.

For a sermon-based approach, Phillips is always a trusted preacher and scholar.

This is an older volume but one that has lost none of its strength.