Joel & Obadiah (Mentor Commentary | MC)

by Irvin A. Busenitz

Publisher:

Mentor

, 2003

Overview

In this book you will discover the theme of Joel: the day of Yahweh. You will also discover more about the one to whom the day belongs: Yahweh. The people were facing devastating calamity and Joel calls the society to repent in order that they might escape this judgment and once again enjoy mercy and favor of Yahweh. Obadiah also focuses on the dual aspects of the theme both that there is judgment and that blessing.

Key Features

• Discussion of important textual, literary, and philological questions
• Introduction to the style, structure, and composition, including authorship
• Background studies on the literary traditions
• Exegetical and interpretive issues are discussed
• Outlines the significant theological themes from the text
• Introduction to the historical and cultural setting of the book

Contents

Top Highlights

“The name Joel is a compound form of two Hebrew designations for deity, Yahweh and Elohim, and means ‘Yah[weh] is El[ohim].’” (Page 9)

“Consequently, it appears best to view Joel’s prophecy as fulfilled in a preliminary fashion at the time of Pentecost, with a complete fulfillment reserved for the time surrounding the second advent. A couple of factors suggest this conclusion. First, the outpouring of the Spirit and the salvation of all who call upon the name of the Lord, both of which are central to the Pentecost event, are a preview of the outpouring promised at Christ’s second advent.” (Page 194)

“While the recipients of this national oracle are undoubtedly the Edomites,³⁷ the promise of Yahweh’s retribution on them provided comfort and hope for the beleaguered nation of Israel. Specifically, the book is a case study of Genesis 12:1–3. Edom’s vaunted spirit of pride and her uninhibited hatred of her twin made her the object of God’s wrath. She had failed to comprehend the intensity of God’s love for Israel—that ‘he who touches you touches the apple of His eye’ (Zech 2:8). The book also vividly illustrates the sowing/reaping principle of Galatians 6:7.” (Page 238)

“Herod the Great, an Idumean, became king of Judea under Rome in 37 BC. In a sense, the enmity between Esau and Jacob was continued in Herod’s attempt to murder Jesus. The Idumeans participated in the rebellion of Jerusalem against Rome and were defeated along with the Jews by Titus in AD 70. After that time they were never heard of again. As Obadiah predicted, they would be ‘cut off forever’ (v. 10), ‘and no survivor shall remain of the house of Esau’ (v. 18).” (Page 238)

Endorsements

. . . It is colorful, brief, thought-provoking, and useful as an overview, or as a companion to a study in greater depth.

—Jeremy Walker, The Banner of Truth

This is a fine [commentary] which should provide a valuable resource for serious students of the Old Testament for many years. The author inter-relates with the extensive literature available on the Book of Amos and is clearly able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of all types of criticism. . . . His exegetical judgment is excellent and he avoids dogmatism where the evidence tends to be evenly balanced.

—Geoffrey Grogan, translator of Amos for the New King James Version

Product Details

• Title: Commentary on Joel and Obadiah
• Author: Irvin A. Busenitz
• Series: Mentor Commentaries
• Publisher: Mentor
• Print Publication Date: 2003
• Logos Release Date: 2011
• Pages: 288
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible. O.T. Obadiah › Commentaries; Bible. O.T. Joel › Commentaries
• Resource ID: LLS:MENTRCOM29JOE
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-08-30T23:36:36Z

About Irvin A. Busenitz

Irvin Busenitz was a member of faculty at Talbot Theological Seminary before becoming a founding member of The Master's Seminary, where he has taught ever since. Dr. Busenitz was presented the John Solomon Award for excellence in Semitics and Old Testament, has done post-doctoral study at the American Institute of Holy Land Studies, has published journal and periodical articles, and is active in his local church—as well as in Biblical conference ministries.