Bible Translation as Missions

JBTM Book Reviews61The first verse of Obadiah sets the stage for the book. Obadiah attributes the contents of theoracle to YHWH. The source of the message highlights the importance of the contents to follow(50). The oracle is directed at Edom and their relationship with Israel which traces back tothe patriarchs (51-52). Obadiah 2–10 covers the judgment of Edom. Block notes that Obadiahdraws from the other prophetic oracles against Edom, especially Jeremiah (55). Obadiah’s focuson the punishment reveals that Edom is the target of the fury of God, yet the reason for God’sfury, violence, and murder against his brother is not revealed until verse ten. Block notes thatthe passage refers to Esau as the personal brother of Jacob to highlight the treacherous nature ofthe offense (69-70). The following verses give greater explanation of the crimes with a modifiedlawsuit. Esau is guilty of gloating over Jerusalem’s destruction and participating in its demise(77).The text then transitions to the broader focus of the Day of YHWH when all nations willsee judgment. The Day of YHWH is a common Old Testament phrase for the future timewhen YHWH will act in history against His enemies and bless the righteous (82). Obadiahuses Edom to represent the nation’s wicked actions and the fury they will face (86-88). Incontrast to Edom and the nations, Jacob will be restored. Not only will Israel be restored, butshe will be given all the land promised. The conclusion and climax of Obadiah are found in theestablishment of the rule of YHWH. When YHWH takes the throne, Israel will be freed fromall earthly rulers, and their safety and hope will be in Him. Block notes that while Obadiah isnot clear on the whether YHWH will rule from Zion or heaven, he is clear about the fact thatYHWH will assume the awaited reign (103).The final chapter of Block’s work addresses the theological and canonical implications ofthe book of Obadiah. Obadiah addresses Edom’s role in the history of Israel. Edom serves asa representative for the nations and for humanity. The evil actions of Edom in mistreating hisown family shows that Edom did not align with God’s covenant and thus deserved punishment(107-8). The core of the theological message of Obadiah is the reign of YHWH, which is seenin the humbling of the arrogant and the raising of the low (111). Block notes that Obadiahdoes not highlight David as a feature in the future reign of YHWH in the same manner asother prophetic messages. Instead, Obadiah focuses on the fact that YHWH is ruling over allthe cosmos and not just the nation of Israel. Block sees the kingship theme carrying forwardto the ultimate reign of Christ. The dominion of YHWH is fulfilled in Christ, who is God asmember of the Trinity (116). This is a very strong application for the Christian studying thetext of Obadiah.This commentary has great appeal to both the minister and the scholar studying Obadiah.The practical aspect of theological principles and the structure of the literature will help readersapply the text. Because Block does not deal extensively in the Hebrew text, readers with a limitedbackground in Hebrew will be able to use the book. Such practical application is a majorstrength of Block’s work.– Ben Hutchison, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, LA