Obadiah, Jonah and Micah

by Elaine Phillips, David W Baker (Editor)

Overview

The Books of Obadiah, Jonah and Micah are richly juxtaposed. From Micah's call to challenge brutal political and religious leaders at home, to Jonah and Obadiah both addressing audiences beyond the boundaries of geo-political Israel, we see these three prophets speaking into their contexts with rhetorical force and passion.

As well as wrestling with theological conundrums, through Obadiah, Jonah and Micah we hear the living Words of God - powerful words, intended to warn, cajole and console, and words which still have much to say to God's people today.

Offering cogent analysis on these often-overlooked books as well as exploring the practical implications for modern Christian life, this is a scholarly Bible commentary on Obadiah, Jonah and Micah that will benefit all preachers and serious students of the Bible.

Part of the Apollos Old Testament commentary series, Obadiah, Jonah and Micah follows a clear, helpful structure that provides a thorough exploration of the Biblical texts - beginning with translation and notes, examining form and structure, offering insightful commentary and ending with a full exposition of the theological message within the framework of biblical theology. It will leave you with a deeper knowledge of the divine and human aspects of Scripture, as well as a broader understanding of what these prophets mean for Christians in the twenty-first century.

The Apollos Old Testament Commentaries are scholarly bible commentaries ideal for those preaching from the Old Testament and looking to explore its riches in depth within their sermons. They will also help lay people and scholars studying the Bible on a higher level.

Comprehensive and compelling, Elaine Phillips' commentary on Obadiah, Jonah and Micah is a thorough study that will give you an appreciation of the struggles these prophets faced as they answered God's call to speak into difficult geo-political contexts, and the lessons that they can teach Christians today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781789743784
Publisher:	IVP
Publication date:	10/21/2022
Series:	Apollos Old Testament Commentary
Pages:	416
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x (d)

About the Author

Elaine Phillips is Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies at Gordon College, Wenham MA, USA. She is the author of An Introduction to Reading Biblical Wisdom Texts, With God, Nothing is Impossible, and commentaries on Esther and Exodus.

Table of Contents

Editors' preface ix

Author's preface xi

Abbreviations xiii

Glossary xx

General introduction 1

1 Approach and methodology 1

2 Rhetorical and literary considerations 3

2.1 Poetic considerations 4

2.2 Elements of narrative 6

2.3 The Book of the Twelve 7

3 Biblical theology serving the church 9

4 Text and notes 10

Obadiah

Introduction 13

1 Title, author, and audience(s) 13

2 Gliding questions 14

3 History of a troubled relationship 14

3.1 Jacob and Esau 14

3.2 Israel/Judah and Edom 14

3.3 Edom in the Prophets and Psalms 15

4 Geopolitical Edom 17

5 Literary and rhetorical considerations 18

5.1 Structure and unity of the text 18

5.2 Prophetic rhetoric 19

5.3 Oral discourse / written intertextuality 19

5.4 Obadiah and Jeremiah 49 20

5.5 Fulfilment and prophetic discourse 22

6 Possible historical contexts 22

7 Theological connections 24

7.1 Placement in the canon 24

7.2 Primary theological emphases 25

8 Texts 26

9 Outline 27

Text and commentary 29

Jonah

Introduction 67

1 Approach to the text 67

2 Identity of Jonah 69

3 Historical contexts 70

3.1 Assyrian geopolitics in the ninth and eighth centuries EC 70

3.2 Compositional time frames: overview 72

3.3 Possible compositional contexts: reflections 73

4 Literary artistry 75

4.1 Macrostructures 75

4.2 Narrative features 76

4.3 Poetry 78

4.4 Intertextual connections 79

4.5 Unity of the text 80

4.6 Genre and why it matters 81

4.7 Narrative theology 84

5 Brief history of interpretation 86

6 Presumed purposes: an overview 86

6.1 Polemic against Jewish exclusivism 87

6.2 Commentary on the prophetic role 87

6.3 Relationship with Yhwh 88

6.4 Additional reflections: justice and mercy 89

7 Among the twelve 90

8 Text and translation 91

9 Outline 92

Text and commentary 93

Micah

Introduction 171

1 Why approach to the study matters 171

2 The geographical, historical and cultural backdrop 172

2.1 Geography of the eastern Mediterranean 172

2.2 Narrowing the focus to Micah's region 173

2.3 Cities of the Shephelah 173

2.4 Weaving together the geographical, historical and cultural fabric 175

3 Micah among the prophets and the Book of the Twelve -canonical context 177

4 Theological emphases - Micah and the covenant 178

4.1 The covenant Name 178

4.2 Yhwh's presence with the people 179

4.3 Covenant disputes 180

4.4 Covenant infidelity and consequences 180

4.5 Prophetic hope articulated and fulfilled 180

4.6 The remnant 181

5 Prophetic rhetoric: reading passionate poetic discourse 181

6 Structures and implications 183

7 When were these oracles spoken and compiled? 184

8 Excursus: Micah 4:1-5 and Isaiah 2:2-5 186

9 Texts and translations 188

10 Outline 189

Text and commentary 191

Bibliography 354

Index of Scripture references and ancient sources 369

Index of authors 385

Index of subjects 389