Released in the UK November 2015
Released in the US January 2016
Large trade paperback | 128 Pages
9781781916025 • £8.99 $14.99
BISAC – REL006060
Joel & Obadiah
Disaster And Deliverance
Iwan Rhys Jones
A message to challenge and reassure
Latest addition to the Focus on the Bible Series
Ideal resource for pastors and teachers
Disaster and Deliverance, these two words sum up something of the message of both Joel and Obadiah. In Joel, the prophet begins by announcing a disaster in terms of a locust invasion, which has affected Judah. This, however, is but the pretext for warning of an even greater disaster on the horizon for Judah. Nevertheless, the prophet holds out the prospect of deliverance. In the case of Obadiah, the focus is on Edom. Edom's pride and longstanding hostility against the people of God has led her to be party to an attack upon them, and as a result, she is threatened with disaster. The people of God, meanwhile, are assured of better things at the hand of the LORD.
These two prophets and their message of disaster and deliverance will both challenge and reassure all who have ears to hear.
Iwan Rhys Jones
Iwan Rhys Jones is Director of Postgraduate Studies and Lecturer in Hebrew and Old Testament Studies at Wales Evangelical School of Theology in Bridgend, Wales. He is an elder at Freeschool Court Evangelical Church and he and his wife Julie have two grown-up children.
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Christian Focus
Iwan Rhys Jones' concise commentary is clear, well-grounded in careful attention to the text and also very readable. It will provide considerable help to those who want to get to grips with the message of these prophets, and will be welcomed by preachers conscious of the dearth of good material on both books.
David McKay
Professor of Systematic Theology, Ethics and Apologetics, Reformed Theological College, Belfast, Northern Ireland
This commentary on Joel and Obadiah is very readable; it instantly engaged me with these sections of God's Word that I have never looked at in depth. The book clearly and carefully explains the context and meaning of each passage, and no knowledge of Hebrew is assumed. There are helpful little illustrations that fit well with the British context, as well as application questions at the end of each chapter, which arc also helpful and thought-provoking, prompting deeper engagement with the text. I enjoyed reading this commentary because the author takes time to stop and wonder at things we often take for granted. Overall I recommend this book without hesitation - it is worth adding to your shelf when preaching through Joel or Obadiah, or if you simply want to explore the message of these books further.
Sometimes it is difficult to understand the writings of the Old Testament, especially those writings that come from the minor prophets. It is sometimes even more difficult to see their relevance to people today. It is for this reason Rhys-Jones' work on Joel and Obadiah is such a welcome contribution. It provides meaningful material for historical background and theological interpretation along with a clear message of the application and relevance of these prophets to the 21st century church.
T. J. Betts
Associate Professor of Old Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky.
This concise commentary is an accessible and lucid treatment of the books of Joel and Obadiah. Particularly helpful is Jones's appeal to the underlying Hebrew, cited in transliteration, especially when an important textual detail is not transparent in English translation. Also informative is the reference to other Old Testament texts and ancient Near Eastern culture for clarifying background.
This commentary is a highly readable introduction to the books of Joel and Obadiah and accomplishes its purposes to explain the message of these books for popular audiences. It is especially suited for pastors, Bible study groups, or anyone who is interested in learning more about these compelling prophetic books and their relevance to readers today.