Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.7/10

A rigorous and theologically serious exposition of Obadiah that repays careful study.

Publication Date(s): 2013

Pages: 356

ISBN: 9780310231934

Faithfulness to the Text: 9.4/10

A careful and disciplined handling of the Hebrew text, with sustained attention to context, structure, and prophetic argument.

Christ Centredness: 8.2/10

Christological connections are indirect but responsibly grounded within biblical theology rather than forced.

Depth of Insight: 9.3/10

Rich historical, literary, and theological insight that consistently deepens understanding of Obadiah’s message.

Clarity of Writing: 8.6/10

Clear and measured prose, though dense at points due to the technical nature of the series.

Pastoral Usefulness: 8.1/10

Best suited for careful preparation, providing strong foundations for preaching rather than ready made outlines.

Readability: 8/10

Demanding but rewarding, requiring sustained attention from the reader.

Summary

At a Glance

Length: 356 pages
Type: Exegetical (Technical)
Theo. Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Overall score: 8.7 / 10
Strength: Excellent exegetical depth and theological seriousness.
Limitation: Too technical for quick reference or devotional use.

Daniel I. Block’s commentary on Obadiah offers a careful, text driven engagement with one of Scripture’s shortest but most theologically charged prophetic books. We are guided verse by verse through Obadiah’s oracle against Edom, with sustained attention to historical setting, literary structure, and the inner logic of the prophet’s argument. Block treats the book not as a marginal appendix to the Twelve, but as a coherent and forceful proclamation of the Lord’s justice.

Throughout the commentary, we see a steady concern for authorial intent. The prophetic rhetoric, the use of covenant language, and the sharp reversal themes are handled with clarity and restraint. The result is an exposition that is academically robust without becoming detached from the text’s moral and theological weight.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

This volume stands out for its disciplined exegesis. Block works carefully with the Hebrew text, weighing lexical choices, syntax, and structure, yet always pressing toward the larger theological thrust of the passage. We are helped to see how Obadiah exposes pride, violence, and false security, while announcing the certainty of the Lord’s day.

We also benefit from Block’s sensitivity to biblical theology. Obadiah is read within the wider prophetic witness, especially its links with Genesis, the Psalms, and later prophetic reflections on Edom. While the commentary is not sermonic in tone, it consistently provides the raw materials needed for faithful preaching and teaching.

This is not a quick devotional read. It is a serious exegetical work best suited to careful study. Yet for those willing to invest the time, it rewards the reader with a deepened grasp of God’s justice, covenant faithfulness, and sovereign rule over the nations.

Closing Recommendation

We commend this commentary as a strong and reliable resource for those teaching or preaching Obadiah in depth. Its strengths lie in close textual work, theological seriousness, and a refusal to flatten the sharp edges of prophetic judgment. It is particularly valuable as a desk companion during preparation rather than a last minute sermon aid.

As a next step, we encourage readers to consult the Bible Book Overview for Obadiah, explore Top Recommendations for building a balanced shelf, or use the Reformed Commentary Index to locate complementary resources across the canon.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.

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