Summary
The Books of Haggai and Malachi by Pieter A. Verhoef is the classic NICOT commentary on these two post-exilic prophetic books. First published in 1987 by Eerdmans, the commentary runs to 384 pages and offers introductions, Hebrew text translation, textual and grammatical notes, and a verse-by-verse exposition of Haggai and Malachi. The volume seeks to situate the prophets in their historical setting following the exile, and to trace their theological and covenantal message for God’s people.
Verhoef attends carefully to the literary structure, the historical background, and the textual witnesses. He deals with questions of authorship, date, compositional unity, and canonical placement. His commentary engages with textual variants and ancient manuscripts, while providing theological reflections that highlight God’s justice, mercy, covenant faithfulness, renewed worship, and call to covenant obedience.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
These two short prophetic books are often treated superficially or overlooked altogether in many preaching schedules or study plans. Verhoef’s commentary rescues them from neglect by giving them thorough, respectful, and serious scholarly treatment. For pastors or teachers who want to preach or teach Haggai or Malachi with solidity, this volume gives a foundation rooted in Hebrew exegesis and historical awareness.
Though written in the late twentieth century, it still offers valuable insight into the text’s meaning and context. Verhoef combines technical engagement, grammatical, syntactical, textual, with theological sensitivity and pastoral concern. His exposition does not sensationalise but aims to honour the prophetic voice, showing how these books speak of God’s holiness, his covenant demands, his grace, and his renewed promises for his people.
Closing Recommendation
We believe The Books of Haggai and Malachi by Pieter A. Verhoef remains a worthwhile and respectable resource. It is not the newest treatment, but for a pastor or teacher wanting a dependable, serious, evangelical-oriented commentary on these prophets, it still serves well. If your library lacks a grounded, technical-theological treatment of Haggai or Malachi, this commentary is a sound addition.
We recommend it as a dependable, church-useful resource for sermon preparation, personal study, or theological reflection, especially when dealing with the challenges of post-exilic prophecy.
Pieter A. Verhoef
Pieter A. Verhoef was a twentieth-century South African Reformed Old Testament scholar, associated with conservative confessional theology and careful exegesis.
Verhoef’s main contribution lies in his work on the minor prophets and post-exilic books, where he combined linguistic competence, historical sensitivity, and Reformed theological reflection. His commentaries often paid close attention to textual detail and broader canonical context, aiming to support preaching and teaching within the church. He wrote as a confessional scholar, committed to the authority and trustworthiness of Scripture.
He is valued for thoroughness, reverent handling of the text, and a concern that the prophetic message be heard in its covenantal and Christocentric dimensions. His volumes continue to serve pastors who want detailed yet confessional guidance through sometimes overlooked Old Testament books.
Notable works include his commentaries on Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi in respected evangelical and Reformed series.