THE MESSAGE OF OBADIAH, NAHUM & ZEPHANIAH
By Gordon Bridger
IVP. 303 pages. £11.99
ISBN 978 1 844 744 381
This is another contribution to the fine series of commentaries in The Bible Speaks Today series from the IVP stable.
It would be a very useful addition to the library of the preacher or serious Bible student, with lots of illustration and application and plenty of good quotes and anecdotes.
Here is the Bible expounded carefully, verse by verse, by Gordon Bridger, former principal of Oak Hill Theological College and a seasoned campaigner with a clear mind and a warm heart. It has the immediate feel of sermons which have been preached and appreciated by the congregation.
Perhaps it is a little wordy in parts — it could have been edited down somewhat without losing any of its force. Having said that, however, we would not want to lose its excellent treatment of issues like the old chestnut that the OT has a God of wrath but the NT has a God of love (pp.88-90).
There are a few highly contemporary illustrations which may date the book prematurely in coming years, for example a reference to ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair and the war in Iraq.
But if you are ever going to preach, or lead a Bible study, on one of these three books from the Minor Prophets, then this is a good book to get hold of to help you in your preparation.
To my shame I have to confess I have never preached through any of these three OT books. This commentary has challenged me to preach at least one of them soon.
John Samuel,
pastor of Grosvenor Road Baptist Church, Dublin, Ireland
