Joel (ITC): (T&T Clark International Theological Commentary)

The book of Joel is held to be one of the latest prophetic witnesses; it cites other books of the book of the Twelve prophets with a density that distinguishes it from its neighbours. The concept of the "Day of the LORD" which runs throughout the Minor Prophets as a whole reaches its zenith in Joel and its co-mingling of ecological and military metaphors advances Hosea on the former and anticipates later texts on the latter. In this volume within T&T Clark's International Theological Commentary Series Christopher Seitz starts from a foundation of historical-critical methodology to provide an account of Joel's place and purpose within the book of the Twelve prophets as a whole. Seitz examines the theology and background of Joel, and shows how Joel's theological function can provide a major hermeneutical key to the interpretation of the wider collection, and teases out the precise character of that role.

Table of Contents:
Foreword Introduction 1. Joel as a Prophet Among Prophets: The Challenge 2. A Canonical Reading of Joel and the History of Interpretation 3. Joel and Prior Prophecy 4. The Unity of the Book of Joel and Modern Research 5. Intertextuality: Joel's Character as Prophet 6. Who is Joel? 7. The Message and Purpose of the Book of Joel 8. The Day of the Lord in the Book of Joel 9. The Living God of Joel in the Lived Life of the Church Bibliography

About the Author :
Christopher Seitz is Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto, Canada. Before that he was Professor of Old Testament Studies at the University of St. Andrews, UK.

Review :
This exposition of the book [of Joel] as it actually stands will prove useful to preachers as well as to all serious students of the Minor Prophets. ... [An] excellent theological and canonical reading. Informative, interesting and a worthy addition to the commentary shelves. This careful and well-balanced commentary by Christopher Seitz on Joel is an excellent start to the new ITC series, the companion series to the famous ICC. While numerous scholars today tend to read Joel in relation to the other books of the Twelve, Seitz vehemently demonstrates why Joel should be considered as an integral book in its own right. Seitz illuminates the nuance and quantity of intertextual references in the book. This is a very impressive work which highlight the multiple facets of the book of Joel. Finally, a commentary series that places theology at the centre of academic interpretation. With his proven expertise, Christopher Seitz - am internationally renowned scholar in the tradition of Brevard S. Childs - is exactly the right person to begin this new series. His reading of Joel is done with good knowledge of both the power and limits of biblical criticism. Seitz revives the prophet Joel's forgotten theological impact. An excellent piece of work, his interpretation brings to light once more the treasures of the Christian tradition of exegesis with impressive knowledge, which is greatly enhanced by his own theological observations. …this is a very good volume which, standing squarely in the Christian tradition, highlights the theological value of the book of Joel … Seitz’s commentary offers a distinct theological perspective and it demands the reader’s full attention. One of the most refreshing aspects of Seitz’s commentary is that he makes a comprehensive argument that ties together the whole book of Joel…Seitz’s contribution to the ITC series and to biblical commentary literature as a whole must be recognized. The ITC series, and Seitz’s Joel commentary in particular, breathe fresh air into the commentary genre because Joel focuses on the theological content of the book. Christian leaders, scholars, and pastors will benefit from reading Seitz’s volume in order to understand the theological import of Joel within the canon. The layout of the book is very generous.