Summary
We find this volume in the Reformed Expository Commentary series a steady, church shaped exposition that keeps us close to the text, then helps us preach it with warmth and bite. The writing is built for real ministry, it listens carefully, it keeps the argument moving, and it refuses both fog and gimmick.
In this commentary we are helped to trace the day of the Lord, judgment, refuge, and renewal. It slows us down at the right points, so that our application grows out of the passage rather than from our favourite themes.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
We should own this commentary when we want an expositional companion that thinks like a preacher. It is not trying to win every academic debate. Instead it equips us to handle the flow of the book, the key turns in argument, and the pastoral pressure points that land in the pulpit and in the pew.
We also benefit from the way it draws doctrine into devotion. We are not left with bare observations. We are guided toward repentance, faith, and steady obedience, in ways that fit the passage and serve the church.
For weekly preparation it sits in a sweet spot, substantial enough to sharpen us, clear enough to use without wasting time.
Closing Recommendation
We recommend this as a strong mid level commentary for preaching and teaching Zephaniah. It is particularly suited to pastors who want help producing sermons that are text driven, Christ centred, and pastorally direct.
As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.
Matthew P. Harmon
Matthew P. Harmon is an American New Testament scholar of the contemporary era, working within an evangelical and Reformed leaning tradition.
He is known for helping readers follow the flow of biblical argument with care, especially where Scripture confronts self reliance and calls God’s people back to covenant faithfulness. His writing aims to serve pastors by keeping the text’s logic clear and its theological weight honest.
He remains valued for careful reading, doctrinal seriousness, and usefulness for sermon preparation in smaller, easily mishandled books. Recommended titles include Zephaniah, Haggai, Malachi in the Reformed Expository Commentary, Galatians in the Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament, and his teaching work on Pauline theology.
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical