George Adam Smith, Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament Exegesis at Free Church College, Glasgow, opens this first volume of his study of the Twelve Prophets by contesting the label 'Minor' as 'a peddling and an ambiguous title.' The volume covers Amos, Hosea, and Micah, with an introduction and a sketch of prophecy in early Israel. Smith's method combines close reading of the Hebrew text with historical reconstruction, as seen in his analysis of Hosea 4, where he traces the breakdown of society after Jeroboam's death and the priests' failure as 'an intellectual and moral' office.

The Series and Its Scope

This volume belongs to The Expositor's Bible, a multi-volume commentary series edited by W. Robertson Nicoll. The series list shows volumes on books from Genesis to Revelation, each by a different scholar. Smith contributed two volumes on Isaiah and these two on the Minor Prophets. The catalog subjects classify the work under 'Bible. Minor Prophets -- Commentaries,' but Smith himself objects to the term 'Minor,' arguing it has 'haunted' the prophets 'for centuries.' The excerpts show he treats the books as substantial theological and literary works, not merely brief appendages to the major prophets.

Smith's Exegetical Approach in Hosea 4

In his commentary on Hosea 4, Smith moves verse by verse, quoting the prophet's indictment: 'there is no troth nor leal love nor knowledge of God in the land.' He connects the passage to historical context—'the great Jeroboam is dead, and society... is loose and falling to pieces'—and to other prophets, noting that 'Hosea adds outbreaks which set all order at defiance.' Smith also draws a parallel to English poet William Langland, who 'said the same thing of the friars of his time.' His central contention is that the priests 'have forgotten that their office is an intellectual and moral one,' a theme he promises to develop further.

The Role of Nature and Ritual

Smith observes that Hosea, like Amos, 'feels the liability of nature to the curse upon sin,' describing how 'the land withers' and even 'the fish of the sea are swept up.' He notes the prophet's critique of ritualism: the priests 'feed on the sin of My people' and 'have a vested interest in its crimes.' Smith highlights the phrase 'like people like priest' and the ironic detail that the people 'of its bit of wood it asketh counsel.' The commentary thus emphasizes the moral and intellectual failures behind religious practice, rather than merely explaining ritual laws.

Historical and Literary Context

Smith situates each prophet within Israel's history. For Amos, he mentions 'alarms' hurled 'while it was still noon'; for Hosea, the aftermath of Jeroboam's reign. He also notes geographical details, such as altars built 'under a tree and near water on some promontory, from which the flight of birds or of clouds might be watched.' The excerpts do not cover the full treatment of Amos or Micah, but the introduction and sketch of early prophecy likely frame the entire volume. Readers should note that this is only the first of two volumes, covering three of the twelve prophets.

Smith's commentary rewards readers interested in the intersection of historical criticism, literary analysis, and theological reflection. The excerpts reveal a scholar who takes the prophetic texts seriously as both ancient documents and enduring moral challenges. Those approaching the Minor Prophets for the first time may find Smith's detailed exposition a helpful guide, though the volume assumes familiarity with biblical criticism and Hebrew terminology. The second volume continues with the remaining nine prophets.