In this commentary, J. Alexander Rutherford does a wonderful job of outlining the key message and details of the book of Habakkuk. His stated aim is to get the balance right between attention to the exegetical details of the text and deep theological engagement, and it is here where this commentary excels.
The layout of the commentary is particularly helpful. Each section contains translated stanza, exegesis, and then exposition on the text, and is easy and clear to follow. As someone who does not read Hebrew, I found Rutherford’s ability to communicate the nuances of the Hebrew articulately and carefully to be of particular help. His ability to outline differing positions, then show the reader why both exegetically and theologically he has gone with a particular reading was of great help.
The sections on Canonicity and introduction helped to place Habakkuk in it’s great biblical context, and the Section on Habakkuk in the New testament was very beneficial, particularly Romans 1:17
Overall, this commentary helps its readers to get into the details of the text of Habakkuk and its meaning, while also helping the reader to think theologically about the book and it’s wider relevance for theology and application today. The publisher gave me a review copy of this commentary, but it is well worth purchasing for and scholar or pastor studying or preaching on the book of Habakkuk.

– Ben Harris (Gospel minister)

In his Preface Rutherford states that his book is intended for those teaching in churches. The book fulfills his purpose admirably. He has made the material contained in the book most accessible for the reader. He lays out his arguments with precise detail and provides in his footnotes and glossary all the help the reader may need with technical terms. He has reserved for Appendices intricate and challenging theological discussion. The book has an admirable Bibliography and a most useful Index of Scripture passages. With a mastery of detail Rutherford challenges Arminianism and its supposition of a prevenient grace that allows human beings to accept or reject God. Rutherford argues persuasively that this position fails to be supported by biblical texts or by philosophical arguments. He presents with compelling evidence the Calvinist views of unconditional election of those whom God call by mercy and leads by the Holy Spirit to faith in Christ and a regenerated life. Rutherford shows a firm knowledge of Scripture, often drawing the reader to texts in the original. This book will be most useful for pastors and for all who wish to understand biblical texts and their meaning. It is an admirable and compelling piece of scholarship.

– Dr. Shirely Sullivan (FRCS [Elected]; Professor Emeritus of Classics, University of British Columbia)