Summary
The Books Of Joel, Obadiah, Jonah, And Micah by Leslie C. Allen is the classic NICOT volume that treats these four Old Testament writings together. First issued in 1976 by Eerdmans this commentary runs to approximately 427 pages.
Allen provides a full-length introduction for each book with careful attention to authorship, date, historical context, canonical setting, literary shape and theological thrust. He supplies his own translation of the Hebrew text, offers textual and critical notes, and delivers verse-by-verse commentary. The treatment aims to reconstruct the ancient context and bring theological clarity to issues such as judgment, mercy, covenant faithfulness, and social justice as voiced by these prophets.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
Joel, Obadiah, Jonah and Micah include material that is often compressed, neglected or superficially treated in pulpits and teaching contexts. This volume honours those books by giving them serious, sustained treatment. Allen does not shy away from the difficulties, textual variants, redactional questions, historical uncertainty—but guides the reader with scholarly responsibility and pastoral care. In doing so he enables preachers and teachers to handle these prophets with confidence and integrity, rather than relying on thumbnail summaries or secondhand outlines.
Equally important, the balance strikes between technical detail and readability. Allen’s own translation and his clear commentary open the Hebrew text to those who may not read Hebrew fluently, while still offering depth for those who do. The theological reflections remain rooted in the Old Testament’s covenant horizon yet point toward the gospel hope embodied in God’s mercy and justice. For those committed to gospel-centred ministry, this work serves as a stable bridge between Hebrew exegesis and preaching or teaching application.
Closing Recommendation
We believe The Books Of Joel, Obadiah, Jonah, And Micah by Leslie C. Allen remains an essential resource for any pastor, teacher, or advanced student seeking to treat these prophets with seriousness and theological integrity. It combines scholarly rigour, textual faithfulness and pastoral sensitivity in a way that few single-volume commentaries on these books have matched.
We confidently recommend it as a foundational tool for sermon preparation, theological reflection, and faithful exposition of the Minor Prophets.
Leslie C. Allen
Leslie C. Allen is a British-born Old Testament scholar of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, associated with evangelical and Wesleyan traditions and known for his work in the prophets and Psalms.
Allen has written several important commentaries in major series, particularly on books such as Joel, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, and Psalms. His work combines linguistic skill, attention to literary structure, and engagement with scholarly discussion, all in service of understanding the text’s theological message. He writes with pastors and students in mind, translating complex issues into clear, manageable exposition.
He is valued for careful, balanced judgement, thoroughness without unnecessary verbosity, and a tone that reflects reverence for Scripture. His commentaries continue to be recommended as reliable guides through sometimes neglected prophetic books.
Key titles include his commentaries on the minor prophets and on the Psalms in well-regarded commentary series.