The Introduction notes that early critical scholarship paid scant attention to books deemed to be late, including the book of Joel. However, in recent years studies have proliferated. Literary study of the text reveals three sections: 1:1–2:27; 2:28–32; 3:1–21. The first section 1:1–2:27 describes a disastrous plague of locusts. The people are urged to call upon YHWH to have mercy. He hears, and promises restoration of the land. The second section foresees a time of future blessing in which YHWH’s spirit will be poured out. This section, which entered the text later than chapter 3, now introduces that chapter. The final chapter announces judgment on the nations and blessing for Israel. There are Closer Look sections (Fasting; The Day of YHWH; The Destiny of the Nations). A Bridging the Horizons section examines Joel 2:28–32 in the New Testament.

The Introduction draws attention to the many pictures and metaphors employed in the text. Literary study of the text reveals three sections: Chapters 1–3, 4–11, 12–14. Redaction-critical study indicates that the text developed from an earliest eighth-century text into the final form produced in the post-exilic period. Chapters 1–3 contain narrative material and prophetic sayings concerning Hosea’s marriage. Chapters 4–11 and 12–14 contain prophetic words of judgment and restoration. Key themes include Israel’s unfaithfulness to YHWH, of which the people’s worship of Baal and the nation’s propensity to seek alliances with Assyria and Egypt (rather than seeking YHWH) are indicative. There are Closer Look sections (A Wife of Prostitution; Baalism, Canaanite Religion and Ancient Ugarit; Knowledge of and by YHWH; Hosea and the Ten Commandments; Ephraim in Hosea; The Covenant in Scholarly Research; Jacob in Hosea 12). There are also Bridging the Horizons sections (The Metaphor of the Unfaithful Wife; Priestly Responsibility; Israel’s Alliances with Foreign Nations; The Judgment and Mercy of YHWH).

The book of Amos has often been seen as a key text promoting social justice, through its condemnation of social injustice. Literary study of the text reveals five sections: chapters 1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 7:1–9:6, 9:7–15. Redaction-critical study indicates that the text developed from an earliest eighth-century text into the final form produced in the post-exilic period. Chapters 1–2 contain a series of Oracles Against the Nations, while 7:1–9:4 contains a series of visions. Between them are prophetic words of judgment. The final 9:7–15 contains words of promised future blessing. Key themes include YHWH’s announcing of judgment of the people because of the exploitation of the poor and weak by the rich and powerful, and calls to seek YHWH and live. There are Closer Look sections (Zion; Oracles Against the Nations; The Nazirites; Justice in the Gate; Justice and Righteousness; Woe Oracles; The Prophets, the Cult, and Sacrifice; The Prophets as Intercessors; Seers and Prophets). There are also Bridging the Horizons sections (Atrocities and War Crimes, and on Martin Luther King Jr.)