These commentaries (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries) are designed to help the reader of the Bible understand what the text says and what it means. The Introduction to each book gives a concise but thorough treatment of its authorship, date, original setting and purpose. Following a structural analysis, the commentary takes the book section by section, drawing out its main themes, and also comments on individual verses and problems of interpretation. This, number 28 in the series, is a commentary on the last 3 books of the Old Testament. Despite the return of the Hebrews from the Babylonian exile, selfishness, apathy and despair crippled their community spirit. In response to this distress, God raised up three prophetic voices in Jerusalem. Haggai rallied the people to rebuild the Second Temple, Zechariah was given visions of the return of the glory of God to Zion and Malachi preached repentance, covenant justice and restoration of proper temple worship. This is a scholarly work as attested by the 12 pages of Select Bibliographies. It isn't a commentary, I would suggest, for a general readership, but will prove useful, I’m sure, for ministers, pastors and academics. It is bang up to date, with reference being made to the NIV 2011. It is probably more of a reference work than a book to read from cover to cover as I did.