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With so many commentaries out in the market, quite a few people really don’t know where to start. So if you are either (especially) interested in building a library or something just for your individual study. Here are some recommendations.
Update: First, thanks for the feedback. The basic one we received. Was some commentaries were more complex and confusing (causing even more questions) than others. So, now they will be divided into (in some cases) three groups: L (for layman), M (for ministers) and S (for scholars). It was also pointed out for example that there were no “laymans” books for Leviticus and Deuteronomy. And nothing for scholars in Numbers. In some sections such as Samuel, nothing was given at all. The good thing about this is more books have been added that were not there before. Such as books for the layman, the minister, the scholars or a combination. The added ones (suggested ones) may not be excellent but do get high marks in my book. The very best are introduced first, followed by the best (the ones I suggest). So that everyone should be satisfied and all the books are covered.
There are two wrong ways to use a commentary.
The first is to ignore completely the use of commentaries. Some people do not consult commentaries because they believe that, since all Christians are equal as they approach the Scriptures, scholar have no privileged insight into the biblical text. This is wrong because they forget that God gives different gifts to different people in the church. Not all people are equally adept at understanding the Bible and teaching it to others (1 Cor. 12:12-31).
The second error is to become overly dependent on the commentaries. “These people have devoted the whole lives to the study of the Bible. How can my opinion measure up to theirs?” They forget that God has given believers the Spirit by which they can discern spiritual things ( 1 Cor. 2:14-16).
The right way to use a commentary is as help. We should first of all study a passage without reference to any helps. Only after coming to an initial understanding of the passage should we consult commentaries.
Book of Genesis
Victor P. Hamilton (2 Vols. NICOT) does an excellent job interpreting the text in a positive way as well as handling the difficult questions of the book (creation story, history of patriarchs, religion of patriarchs). Between Wenham and Hamilton, Genesis is well covered.(MS)
The commentary by Bruce K. Waltke and Cathi J. Fredricks is not in a series but is well worth tracking down and adding to a reference library. Waltke is dean of evangelical biblical studies, and his commentary is exegetically insightful and theologically rich. (LM)
Gordon J. Wenham is one of the finest evangelical commentators today. His commentary on Genesis (WBC) shows his high level of scholarship and his exegetical sensitivity He represents a conservative approach to Genesis, but does not completely reject source theory. (LM)
Exodus
Brevard S. Childs “The Book of Exodus” (OTL) is one of the best commentaries on Exodus. Childs divides his commentary into different sections, including textual criticism and philology, critical methods, Old Testament context, New Testament context, and history of interpretation, this volume is valuable to evangelical ministers.(MS)
Peter Enns (NIVAC), has produced an incredibly insightful theological study of the book. He also deals well with the important historical issues, but not from a technical standpoint. This commentary is ideal for those preaching on Exodus, because he so thoughtfully explores the book’s trajectory toward the New Testament gospel.(LM)
Levitcus
John E. Hartley (WBC), this commentary is substantial in quality as well as quantity. H approaches his task with the tools of the philologist, literary scholar, and theologian. The approach to authorship is extremely helpful. There is also a lengthy introductory essay on the history of interpretation of the book.(MS)
Jacob Milgrom (AB), divides Leviticus into three parts. The first volume of his commentary covers the section owing its origin to P; the second volume covers the section that he argues comes from the H (the Holiness Code). However, he is most concerned with the final form of the text, not its prehistory. Milgrom is clearly the world’s leading expert on Leviticus. He writes from a moderately critical point of view, informed by his wealth of knowledge of early Jewish interpretation.(MS)
Gordon J. Wenham (NICOT), has provided a fascinating and extremely helpful discussion of what most Christians regard as a drab book. He does an excellent job in explaining the holiness laws and their function in ancient Israel. It is a well-written commentary.(MS)
for the layman, I suggest these three:
W. H. Bellinger Jr. (NIBCOT) is a fine commentary that provides an interesting and significant reading of the book. The series does not allow Bellinge to display it very often, but serious research lies behind his accessible prose. Bellinger does not ignore New Testament connections, but his part could have been strengthen.
G. A. Knight (DSB) moderately critical in his approach. Knight provides a helpful exposition of what the book means in its Old Testament context and devotes considerable attention to its relevance for the Christian.
M. F. Rooker (NAC) writes in an engaging style and has an eye on making the book relevant for the Christian reader by pointing out connections to New Testament theology.
Numbers
The commentary by Jacob Milgrom (JPS Torah Commentary), is a masterpiece of erudition. The seventy-seven excurses are themselves worth the money. Milgrom gives the reader a careful study of the details and general message of the book. He is concerned to share the insights of medieval Jewish commentators, insight inaccessible to those who do not read postbiblical Hebrew.(MS)
No one has had a larger influence in recent years on our understanding of the theological theme of this book then Dennis T. Olsen (Interp.). He exposits the book in the light of the theme of wilderness wandering and in the light of the structure formed by two census accounts in chapter 1 and 26. Here we see judgment on the old generation of hope. He does reflect a traditionally critical view that the book essentially was composed after the exile and reflects the concerns of that time.(LM)
Deuteronomy
The commentary by Moshe Weinfield (AB) illustrates his erudition and insights into this biblical book. Deuteronomy’s first eleven chapters contain history and sermon; the rest of Deuteronomy concentrates on the law and is the focus of the second volume. Weinfield writes from a critical point of view, believing that much of the material in Deuteronomy is ancient, but that it received a major redaction during the Hezekiah and Josiah reforms. There is much interesting literary and theological discussion surrounding the relationship between the book and covenant/loyalty oaths. (MS)
J.G. McConville (Apollos Old testament Commentary) is one of the leading Old Testatment scholars working today. He interacts extensively with modern history of interpretations of the book. The treatment is theologically sensitive. He provides a fresh approach to the book, an approach that needs a serious consideration, although both conservatives and critics alike will find obstacles to acceptance. His writings is very accessible. (MS)
For the layman, I suggest these two:
P. C. Craigie (NICOT) is the best of recent evangelical interpreters. His work here is no exception to the high quality of his work. He is an astute theologian and philologist; He adopts a firmly evangelical approach to the book, as evident in his insistence on the essential unity of the book based on the treaty analogy.
D.F. Payne (DSB) writes clearly and non-technical in his highly informative commentary. He divides the book into more than eighty sections and gives each a catchy title. This commentary remains open to the question of date. Nonetheless, it acknowledges that the book’s message is especially relevant to times of political disaster. Payne examines the book as a book of law, as a sermon, and as history.
Joshua
The commentary by Richard S. Hess is one of the best TOTC commentaries and one of the best on the Book on Joshua. Hess, an acknowledged expert on ancient Near Eastern literature and Israelite history, defends the essential authenticity of the historical memory of the book. He also is an adept interpreter of the literary and theological aspects of the book.(LM)
For the scholars (and ministers), I suggest:
T. Butler (WBC) a well-researched and thought-through commentary. Full of philological, textual, and exegetical information and insight. An evangelical, but not traditional, viewpoint on the book.
Judges
Darrell I. Block (NAC) has created a substantial contribution, which is clearly the best thing available on the Book of Judges. Block is thoroughly aware of all the literature that precedes him, and he incorporates what is good and criticizes what is bad. His own perspective may be idiosyncratic on rare occasions, but it is usually very insightful. This commentary is particularly strong in literary and theological analysis. (LM)
The only “good” but not great scholarly work I found was:
J.A. Soggins (OTL) he concentrates on critical and historical issues. He consciously avoids making theological statements. However, this is a more mature and profitable commentary than his earlier commentary on Joshua.
Ruth
The commentary by Frederic W. Bush Ruth/Esther (WBC), is one of the most extensive written on these two short books. It is very competent, but tends to be a bit technical. Bush is particularly good at philology. He gives a thorough discussion of all the technical issues.(MS)
The commentary by Robert L. Hubbard Jr.’s (NICOT) introduction is extensive and profitable as it discusses issues of unity, theology, canonicity, text, and more. The commentary as a whole demonstrates careful scholarship, a lively writing style, and balanced judgment. Hubbard pays attention to all aspects of the Book of Ruth. This commentary is one of the very best of the series.(MS)
For the layperson, I suggest these two:
K.D. Sakenfeld (Interp.) Though relatively short – even for a short book – he has provided a great deal of insight into both the theological and sociological significance of the book.
K.L. Younger (NIVAC) is an insightful and learned student of the Old Testament and he does a good job in particular with the “original meaning” section of the commentary. He describes well Ruth’s historical background, literary devices, and theological message. He is often insightful, but not as strong on the “contemporary significance” of the book.
Samuel
(Sadly nothing really stands out here. But that does not mean there are not any great books.)
B.T. Arnold (NIVAC) within the space constraints of the series, his treatment of the original meaning is illuminating. It cannot go into the depth of the more purely scholarly series, but most readers will find the treatment more than adequate. What this has that others do not are very helpful trajectories from the ancient text to today’s church and society. This is written in a clear and accessible style. (LM)
J. Baldwin (TOTC) is characterized by careful and up-to-date scholarship. She writes with the educated lay reader in mind. In the introduction, she critiques some critical theories of composition (Wellhausen and Noth). She leaves the question up in the air, since the biblical material is not specific. The emphasis of the commentary is on exegesis and theology (LM)
W. Brueggemann (Interpr), has produced a fascinating study of Samuel. His writing style is not just engaging but also exciting. He is a moderate critic who takes a canonical approach to the text. (LM)
R.F. Youngblood(EBC) justifies purchasing the third EBC volume. It takes up half the book and is clearly the most mature of the entries. The author gives a balanced assessment of both the book’s context as well as the secondary literature, with which he interacts with profit. (LM)
A.A. Anderson (WBC) is thoroughly researched and meticulously presented. Anderson does a good job presenting the critical issues of the book and also expressing his own moderately critical perspective. He does an especially good job dealing with the important text-critical problem of the book. The bibliographic are well done. A number of unfortunate typographical errors can be found. (MS)
R.W. Klein (WBC) is particularly helpful as a guide to the text-critical philogical and historical issues of 1 Samuel. Textual issues are particularly important for this book. He has chosen not to concentrate on literary or theological issues, and this choice weakness the commentary. (MS)
P. Kylie McCarter Jr. (AB) is the most competent text critic to deal with this book, although in his conclusions Klien is probably better since he tends to stick with the MT more often (and this appears warranted by the evidence). McCarter, however, had access to the Dead Sea Scrolls of Samuel. Although written from a critical perspective, this commentary is well worth having (MS).
1 and 2 Kings
The commentary by Iain W. Provan(NIBCOT) is certainly in its perspective and readability the best available commentary on Kings. The writing is very accessible, and the emphasis is on literary and theological issues, though the notes also address particular exegetical issues. Too bad that, in keeping with the series, the treatment is necessarily brief.(LM)
For the scholar, I suggest:
M. Cogan and H. Tadmor (AB) they are historically oriented experts in Mesopotamian studies. So it is not surprising that they concentrate on the Mesopotamian backdrop of the book.
1 and 2 Chronicles
On 2 Chronicles, R. B. Dillard II (WBC) has the ability to make it come alive. It is superb in its analysis of the theological message, given Second Chronicles’ composition in the postexilic period. It is one of the few OT commentaries that explore connections with the New Testament.(MS)
As for both 1 and 2 Chronicles, S. I. Japhet (OTL) has done a masterful commentary that covers the bases on the Book of Chronicles: Philology, text, literary strategy, and history. Its weakest point is theology. But this commentary is a must for all serious students. There is extensive discussion of the secondary literature. Japhet is critical in her thinking, but moderately so, and she arrives at a number of relatively conservative conclusions.(MS)
For the layperson, I suggest these:
L.C. Allen (CC) is an excellent volume for laypeople, pastors and other Christian leaders. There is deep research behind this well written volume.
J.G. McConville (DSB) this commentary is an interesting and solid exposition of an often-neglected book. He is sensitive to theology and application.
M.J. Selman (1 Chronicles, TOTC) though short for a book (in two parts) of this size, the introduction is lengthy and helpful. He presents a strong case for why the book makes an important contribution to the canon.
M. Wilcock (BST) makes much of the fact that the biblical book is sermonic history. His writing style is good and he completely brings out the ancient text’s message for today.
Ezra
H. G. M. Williamson (WBC) proves that he is a highly competent evangelical scholar by producing a comprehensive, scholarly commentary. Williamson is a lecturer at Cambridge University, and his research specialty is postexilic literature. Although scholarly, this book is helpful to laypeople as well.(MS)
For the layperson, [even though Williamson could be read by layperson, I don't recommend it] I suggest these:
D.J.A. Clines (NCB) presents a carefully and thoroughly researched commentary. His writing is both scholarly and clear. He carefully presents the important and debated issues of historical background. There is also an excellent study of Esther’s historicity.
D. Kidner (TOTC) is easy to read and emphasizes theology and history.
J.G. McConville (DSB) is readable and scholarly without being overly academic. He is excellent at both revealing the books’ meaning in their Old Testament context and explaining their relevance for today.
M.A. Thtrontveit (Interp.) is easy- to-read yet profound commentary takes full advantage of recent works on both Ezra and Nehemiah without bogging down the reader in too many foot notes. It emphasizes and combines literary analysis and theological message, while downplaying the historical issues of the book. Avoids a typical moralistic reading of the book as well.
Nehemiah
H. G. M. Williamson (WBC) proves that he is a highly competent evangelical scholar by producing a comprehensive, scholarly commentary. Williamson is a lecturer at Cambridge University, and his research specialty is postexilic literature. Although scholarly, this book is helpful to laypeople as well.(MS)
For the layperson, I suggest these:
D. Kidner (TOTC) is easy to read and emphasizes theology and history.
J.G. McConville (DSB) is readable and scholarly without being overly academic. He is excellent at both revealing the books’ meaning in their Old Testament context and explaining their relevance for today.
Esther
Without a doubt Karen H. Jobes (NIVAC) has made the best commentary on Esther. It is informative about its original meaning and insightful on how to apply it to the contemporary world. Jobes is theologically astute and a good writer.(LM)
For the scholar, I suggest these:
R.W. Bush (WBC) is one of the most extensive commentaries written on Ruth/Esther. It is very competent, but tends to be a bit technical. Bush is particularly good at philology. He gives a thorough discussion of all the technical issues.
J.D. Levenson (OTL) provides a readable and often interesting interpretation of this book that is also well-versed in the ancient and modern scholarly literature. It also pays attention to the Greek version of the story that is significantly different from the Hebrew version and that is accepted by Catholics as authoritative. Levenson believes that Esther seems well-aware of authentic Persian customs and history, but in the final analysis believes it is a work of historical fiction.
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Job
David J.A. Clines (WBC) has written a stimulating and insightful commentary on Job. It is stimulating in the sense that it will get the reader thinking about the book and its issues. It is provocatively written. It is particularly strong in literature and theological analysis. The bibliographies are incredibly good. If a library only has one commentary on Job, this volume should be it (of course, it only covers the first twenty chapters). (MS)
For the layperson, I suggest:
J.G. Janzen (Intrepr) in keeping with the parameters of the series, he concentrates on theological significance and contemporary relevance. He does his job admirably, basing his work on an appraisal of such works as Pope and Gordis, but often presenting new ideas. He makes a small yet significant shift away from the question “Why do the innocent suffer?” to “Why do the righteous pious?” Very helpful and stimulating.
Psalms
James L. Mays (Interp.) has given us an exciting commentary that focuses on the literary expression and theological message of the Psalms. It approaches the Psalms as rich statements of faith in God. The author downplays historical and form-critical approaches. He has a good feel for the Psalms as individual compositions as well as the structure of the book as a whole. He gives more comment to psalms that have had a bigger impact on later Christian theology.(LM)
W. Van Gemeren (EBC) has created a major in size and contribution and should not be overlooked because it is bound with a couple of other commentaries. Indeed, if a pastor or layperson wants just one Psalms commentary, this is it. Van Gemeren deals with all aspects of the Psalms, but concentrates on the meaning and theology of the book.(LM)
For the scholars, I suggest:
H.J. Kraus (Continental Commentary) this magisterial work represents the erudition of one of the world’s preeminent experts on this book and on the Old testament for that matter. It is a translation of a German original, the first edition of which was published in 1961; the translation is taken from the fifth eidition, published in the late 1970s. The commentary is extremely technical, especially in the introduction. A section by section analysis of each psalms is more accessible. Kraus is as interested in theology as he is in poetic forms and Sitz im Leben, but this commentary, is only for the extremely serious biblical scholar.
Proverbs
Michael Fox (AB) has made an excellent commentary both because the series allows more space than other commentaries and because Fox is a master interpreter. The only drawback is that it covers just the first nine chapters. Hopefully, we will not have to wait too long for the rest of the commentary to appear.(MS)
Raymond van Leeuwen (The Interpreter’s Bible) exposits the text and also reflects on it theologically. Written from a progressive evangelical perspective, it is one of the best commentaries on Proverbs. (LM)
Ecclesaiastes
(Sadly nothing really stands out here, but that does not mean there are not any great books)
For the layperson (and ministers), I suggest:
D. Kidner (BST) is very popular and maybe the best on this book. It is well written and sensible in its approach to the book. Shows application to life as well. (LM)
D.A. Hubbard’s Beyond Futility is short, lay-oriented commentary which is extremely insightful, particularly in its comments on how Christ moves beyond the futility of Qohelet (LM)
Provan (NIVAC) is one of the most interesting commentaries on both Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs. Even tough one may not agree with his final conclusions, his thinking is provocative and will lead the reader to think through old issues. One example is his understanding of the Song a drama having three main characters. The basic plot as he reconstructs it is that Solomon has forced a country girl into his harem, though she continues to love the shepherd boy back home. The theme of the book proclaims that true love resists coerced legal love. (LM)
For the scholars (and ministers), I suggest:
R.N. Whybray (NCB) a prolific and respected English Old Testament scholar, who has written on this book before, most notably in his article “Qohelet: Preacher of Joy” (JSOT 23 [1982]; 87-98). Here, as there, he leans toward an interpretation that sees Qohelet a realist who, in spite of clearly seeing all the problems of a world living under the effects of the curse, nonetheless believes that God wants people to enjoy life. He argues that the book is late (third century B.C.) and under some Greek influence.
J.L. Censhaw (OTL) approach may be described a moderately critical. However, this is an excellent commentary. It is not too technical (one gets the feeling that he is holding himself back), but it is a profound approach to the book. Highly recommended.
M.V. Fox’s A Rereading of Ecclesiastes: A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build Up may be divided into two part. The first half treats the book as a whole and offers some tantalizing essays on some key themes, arguing for instance that the key phrase of the book is not “vanity” or “meaninglessness” but rather “absurdity.” The second part of the book is a commentary with an emphasis on philology, textual criticism, the boo’s structure, and interpretation. Fox’s idea of the book as a framed monologue is very provacative.
C.L. Seow (AB) is readable yet scholarly argues for a specific date of the book in the Persian period. While this argument is not compelling, the theological notes are often insightful.
The Song of Songs
Tom Gledhill (InterVarsity) has written a model popular commentary. It is well written, easy to read, yet profound. Also Gledhill has an excellent literary sense; he neither simply adopts traditional readings nor gives in to the excesses of contemporary psychological readings of the text.
Othmar Keel (Continental Commentary) demonstrates excellent literary and overall exegetical sensibilities. He even makes some insightful theological comments. The translation/writing is excellent, even humorous at times. A special feature, not unusual to Keel’s work, is the presence of copies of relevant Near Eastern art.(MS)
Marvin H. Pope (AB) has written one of the best commentaries on any book of the Bible. It contains a wealth of linguistic, literary, and historical information. The history of interpretation, comparative sections, and fifty-five-page bibliography are worth the price of the book. Pope fairly represents positions different from his own. His overall approach to the book as connected with the love and death cults of the ancient world leaves much to be desired, but is interesting. (MS)
T. Gledhill (BST) is popular, well-written, easy to read, yet profound. He also has an excellent literary sense; neither simply adopts traditional readings nor gives in to the excesses of contemporary psychological readings of the text. (LM)
Tremeper Longman III (NICOT) has a relatively lengthy introduction discussing such pivotal interpretive issues as genre and ancient Near Eastern background. The book is understood to be an anthology of twenty-three love poems. The theological significance of the book is fully discussed. (LM)
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Isaiah
(Sadly nothing really stands out here. But that does not mean there are not any great books.)
(For the layperson):
G.W. Grogan (EBC) gives a fine theological exposition from a conservative historical perspective.
J. Alec. Motyer “The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction and Commentary” (Intervarsity) this represents three decades of work by the author. It is thoroughly researched and thought-out. It represents the best of a conservative evangelical approach to the book at the end of the twentieth century. It is the best in matter theological.
(For the minister and scholar:)
M.A. Sweeney (FOTL) this is the best source for an up to date learned and well written introduction to the form criticism of this book. In keeping with the series, the issues and discussion are too technical for the layperson and conservative readers will not like some of his conclusions but this is an excellent piece of work.
(For the scholar:)
H. Wildberger (Continental Commentary Fortress), has a three book series detailed, close reading of the Isaiah, it covers the main avenues of reseqrch intoa biblical book: text, source, form, threology, and so forth. It is from a critical approach. The bibliographies are extensive.
Jeremiah
Jack R. Lundbom (AB) has written a brilliant commentary on the book in its original meaning, though Lundbom is not interested in Jeremiah’s theology. A must buy for those ministers and scholars who are really interested in looking at the book.(MS)
For the layperson, I suggest:
J. A. Dearman (NIVAC) is a very sensitive theological reading that also brings Jeremiah (and Lamentations) into touch with the contemporary world. In keeping with the series, Dearman does not deal with technical issues.
Lamentations
I. Provan (NCB) has written a very clearly and cogent discussions of Lamentations’ difficulties. Though I think he may be a bit overly skeptical in pinning down the book’s historical setting. Understands the book to be “man’s struggle in the face of God’s silence.”
A. Berlin (OTL) devotes a large pat of this relatively short commentary to the introduction. Though short, her work contains much substance and insight. She focuses on literary features, particularly the book’s metaphors, to get at the theology of the book. She lits “purity, mourning, repentance, and the Davidic covenant” as particulary important themes in the book. She has an admirable agnosticism concerning historical-critcal issues andstudies the book in relation to the backgroun of other ancient Near Eastern literature. (MS)
(for the layperson I suggest:)
F.W. Dobbs-Allsopp (Interp.) gives a very sensitive theological and existential interpretation to the book. This ommentary is especially helpful to thoe who preach and wabt to bridge from Lammenattions to the contemporary situations. (LM)
The Book of Ezekiel
Every serious student of Ezekiel needs to have Daniel I. Block’s (NICOT) three-volume commentary in their library. Block writes very clearly and exposits this very difficult prophesy in an accessible manner. It is long, but he uses the pages to good purpose. He interacts with other commentaries without making it too tedious. (MS)
I. Duguid (NIVAC) has written an excellent example of the strengths of the NIVAC series. He is known in the scholarly world as a leading analyst of the prophet, but he has also served as a minister, and his pastoral sensitivities come through in this accessible commentary on an often enigmatic prophet. (LM)
Walther Zimmerli’s (Hermeneia) German original was published in 1969. An English translation was long anticipated because of Zimmerli’s breadth of knowledge and incredible insight. Zimmerli represents the best of critical thought on the Book of Ezekiel. (MS)
Daniel
John J. Collins (Hermeneia) has written a lengthy and extremely informative introduction includes an essay by A. Y. Collins. “The Influence of Daniel on the New testament.” John J. Collins is a noted Daniel expert, and this volume is the apex of his decades-long research. It is critical in its approach, but evangelicals can learn much from this volume. (MS)
J. Goldingay’s (WBC) is perhaps the most comprehensive commentary on Daniel. He gives insight into historical, literary, and theological issues concerning the book. He also demonstrates an amazing grasp of the secondary literature. Many of his readers will be put off by some of his radical (at Least for an evangelical) conclusions, most notable of which are that the stories in chapter 1-6 are fictitious and the visions are quasi-prophetic, However, it would be a major mistake to ignore this important commentary while studying Daniel.(MS)
(for the layperson, I suggest the following:)
J. G. Baldwin (TOTC) although it is short, this commentary contains a wealth of information and careful exegetical insight. Baldwin is a balanced and sane exegete, which is important to note in a commentary on a book that attracts some wild ideas. He is solidly conservative, but not rigid.
E. Heaton (TBC) has a lengthy introduction, he draws a close connection between the author of Daniel and Ben Sira, as well as the Hasideans. He argues that Daniel should be identitifed with Danel of Ugaritic literature and provides a typical argument for the late date of the book. Nevertheless, it may still be profitable reading.
S. B. Ferguson (CC. Word) provides a good balance of expositing and application. His narrative is spiced with helpful illustrations and anecdotes. He avoids speculations on some of the prophecies, preferring to concentrate on the theme of the “good news of the kingdom of God.” Good christological focus.
R.S. Wallace (BST. Intervarsity) has written a good, popular exposition from an evangelical perspective. Solid research backs up his comments. The introduction provides a helpful conservative defense against a late dating of the book.
Tremper Longman III (NIVAC) explores the original meaning and contemporary significance of book. He moves from the ancient texts to our modern situations. In the first six chapters, it is a study of how Daniel (a person of faith) not only copes but thrives in a hostile cultural setting. In the last half, he raises questions of how we are to understand the apocalyptic sections of the Scriptures that describe the end of history. The theme of the book is that “ in spite of present difficult circumstances, God is in control and will defeat the forces of evil and oppression.”
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Hosea
F. I. Andersen and D. N. Freedman (AB) have written a massive commentary and is one of the best on any biblical BOOK. For one thing, the authors are permitted the space to do a fuller job of commenting on the Hebrew text. Both authors are well known, respected linguists. Andersen has some theological sense. The book is marred a little by a syllable-coning approach to meter.
For the serious study Thomas McComiskey’s (The Minor Prophets: An Exegetical and Expository Commentary) commentary is a must. The volume offers both close reading of the Hebrew and a separate exposition of the book. This book is an important commentary for those who preach on the book.
Joel
Raymond B. Dillard (The Minor Prophets: An Exegetical and Expository Commentary) has written a thoughtful and profound commentary on this intriguing biblical book. It combines an excellent technical investigation (philology, text, etc.) with an interesting theological study. If you get only one commentary on Joel, this should be it.
Amos
This is the second Amos commentary in the series. Shalom M. Paul’s (Hermeneia) commentary is to be preferred for its interest in the text’s integrity. As opposed to Wolff, who posits six redactional layers to the book, Paul ascribes virtually the whole book to Amos. He writes clearly, and his work is extremely well researched.
Jonah
This provocative commentary by J. M. Sasson (AB) on the literary gem Jonah is well-worth adding to a reference library. It not only rehearses previous views, but also suggestively presents its own reading of the book.
Micah
Bruce K. Waltke (TOTC) wrote the section on Micah. It is the distillation of careful scholarship presented in an engaging format for the lay reader. It has an introduction discussing the origination point of the book, as well as the linguistic and historical background.
Bruce Waltke’s (The Minor Prophets: An Exegetical and Expository Commentary) has written a fuller form of his Tyndale commentary and is the best volume on the book. The author comments on all aspects of the book. |
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