Historical Books (OT)

Joshua, New International Commentary on the Old Testament
By Marten Woudstra /Eerdmans Publishing Co.
The New International Commentary on the Old Testament is a conservative and scholarly treatment of the sciptures. This volume on Joshua by M.H. Woudstra begins with an introductory section which discusses the authorship, date, unity and theology of the book. The commentary is an in- depth analysis of the text based on linguistic and historical research. A good work for scholars.

Joshua, Interpretation Commentary
By Jerome Creach /Westminster / John Knox
This commentary clearly presents the episodes in the book of Joshua as the people of Israel face the challenges of entering into the land of promise. Both the historical and theological meanings of the book are presented throughout this most helpful commentary. This is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this outstanding biblical commentary is a major contribution to the general ministry of the Word in today’s world. [TOP]

Judges (see also under “All 12 and combinations, above)
Judges, Interpretation Commentary
By J. Clinton McCann / Westminster /John Knox
In this striking commentary, McCann interprets Judges for the church and for the present time. The book shows that when we do not worship and serve God, the results are destructive and ultimately deadly. The story of the book of Judges is the story of a long deterioration in Israel’s history when its leaders and people continued to turn away from God and worship false gods or idols. The painful lessons of this unfaithfulness were destruction, time and time again. Yet McCann contends that the book of Judges provides a warning grounded in hope. The book of Judges is a call to repentance from injustices and abuses that result from self-assertion, idolatry, and the refusal to submit to God’s will and ways. Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this outstanding biblical commentary is a major contribution to the general ministry of the Word in today’s world.

Ruth (see also under “All 12 and combinations, above)
Ruth, New International Commentary on the Old Testament
By Robert Hubbard, Jr. /Eerdmans Publishing Co.
This thorough commentary mines recent research to give the Book of Ruth’s literary, grammatical, and theological dimensions a rigorous treatment. Hubbard pays particular attention to the skillful literary devices and unique theological perspective of Ruth, using them to propose a new date and purpose for the book. By affirming the story’s outcome as a divine providence, Hubbard says, the writer of Ruth sought to counter opposition to the Davidic monarchy during Solomon’s reign. 316 pages, hardcover from Eerdmans.

Ruth, Interpretation Commentary
By Katharine Doob Sakenfeld / Westminster /John Knox
Addressing the human and divine dimensions of the account of Ruth, this thoughtful commentary discusses all the significant questions of origin and purpose. Sakenfeld’s interpretation is at once sociological and theological, and reflects the profundity of this ancient story. The latest addition to the Interpretation series, which takes a critical-scholarly approach to Scripture. 120 pages, hardcover from Westminster/John Knox.

First and Second Samuel (see also under “All 12 and combinations, above)
1 & 2 Samuel: NIV Application Commentary
By William Arnold / Zondervan Corp.

Why do the books of Samuel pack such a broad appeal? Taken together as a single narrative , they certainly offer something for everyone: kings and prophets, great battles and greater heroes, action and romance, loyalty and betrayal, the mundane and the miraculous. In Samuel, we meet Saul, David, Goliath, Jonathan, Bathsheba, the witch of Endor, and other unforgettable characters. And we encounter ourselves. For while the culture and conditions of Israel under its first kings is vastly different from our own, the basic issues of humans in reltaion to God, the Great King, have not changed. Sin, repentance, forgiveness, adversity, prayer, faith, and the promises of God-these continue to play out in our lives today.

1st & 2nd Samuel, Interpretation Commentary
By Walter Brueggemann /Westminster /John Knox
With critical scholarship and theological sensitivity, Walter Brueggemann traces the people of God through the books of Samuel as they shift from marginalized tribalism to oppressive monarchy. He carefully opens the literature of the books, sketching a narrative filled with historical realism but also bursting with an awareness that more than human action is being presented. Finding three influences essential to the books of Samuel, Brueggeman explores the influence of political power, social pressure, technological possibilites; the influence of David’s personality; and the influence of Yahweh. Brueggemann uses literary analysis to show how the writer of Samuel describes God’s actions in human history. He is not so much interested in how the books of Samuel were put together, as in how they communicate God’s care to his people.

1 & 2 Samuel, Tyndale Old Testament Commentary
By Joyce Baldwin / Inter-varsity Press
Joyce Baldwin’s commentary gives the reader an understanding of 1 and 2 Samuel’s theological significance with sound exegesis and study. While excellent scholarship lies behind the commentary, it is
written with the lay reader in mind. The result is a volume that both scholars and non-scholars alike will find valuable. 299 pages, softcover from InterVarsity.

Preacher’s Commentary Vol 8: 1,2 Samuel

By Kenneth L. Chafin /Thomas Nelson /W
Volume 8: 1 & 2 Samuel THE COMMENTARY FOR PREACHERS! For those on the firing line – in pulpits, classes, Bible study programs, and fellowships there is a distinctly different kind of commentary. The Preachers Commentary Series combines rich resources of historical setting and textual interpretation with spiritual insights and contemporary illustrations specifically designed for communicators. The result is a resource by preachers/teachers for preachers/teachers. It is complete with outlines section by section expositions, illustrations and applications This authoritative commentary provides the ultimate resource for sermon and lesson preparations.
Dr. Kenneth L. Chafin died in 2001 after a distinguished career committed to evangelism and ministry. He taught at two Southern Baptist seminaries, including serving as the first Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He also had lenghty pastorates at South Main Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, and Walnut Street Baptist Church IN Louisville. He and his wife, Barbara, were married 46 years and had three children.

1st & 2nd Samuel, New American Commentary
By Robert Bergen / Broadman /Holman
The New American Commentary is for those who have been seeking a commentary that honors the Scriptures, represents the finest in contemporary evangelical scholarship, and lends itself to the practical work of preaching and teaching. This series serves as a minister’s friend and a student guide. [TOP]

First and Second Kings (see also under “All 12 and combinations, above)
1 & 2 Kings, Holman Old Testament Commentary Volume 7
By Gary Inrig /Broadman /Holman
In the years to come millions of people from all over the world will visit the site of Ground Zero in New York City. There they will tell themselves the story of what used to be there, of how it came to disappear, and how we need to make sure that such a thing can never happen again. Ruins can cause us to look back in remembrance so that we can move forward in wisdom.

The Preacher’s Commentary Vol 9: 1, 2 Kings
By Russell H. Dilday /Thomas Nelson /W
Russell H. Dilday writes this volume on 1, 2 Kings from a pastor’s heart and strives to create a commentary that is relevant to pastors today.
The Preachers Commentary Series combines rich resources of historical setting and textual interpretation with spiritual insights and contemporary illustrations specifically designed for communicators.

1st & 2nd Kings, New American Commentary
By Paul House / Broadman /Holman
The New American commentary is for those who have been seeking a commentary that honors the Scriptures, represents the finest in contempory evangelical scholarship, and lends itself to the practical work of preaching and teaching. This series serves as a minister’s friend and a student’s guide. The New American Commentary assumes the inerrancy of Scripture, focuses on the intrinsic theological and exegetical concerns of each biblical book, and engages the range of issues raised in contemporary biblical scholarship. Drawing on the skills and insights of over forty scholars and encompassing forty volumes, the NAC brings together scholarship and piety to produce a tool that enhances and supports the life of the church.

First and Second Chronicles (see also under “All 12 and combinations, above)
1 & 2 Chronicles – Holman Old Testament Commentary
By Winfried Corduan /Broadman / Holman
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1 & 2 Chronicles, NIV Application Commentary
By Andrew Hill /Zondervan Corp.
The Chronicles are more than a history of ancient Israel under the ascent and rule of the Davidic dynasty. They are a story whose grand theme is hope. Great battles are fought, heroes and tyrants vie for power, Israel splits into rival kingdoms, and the soul of God’s holy nation oscillates between faithlessness and revival. Yet above this tossing sea of human events, God’s covenant promises reign untroubled and supreme. First and Second Chronicles are also a revelation of Yahweh at work, forwarding his purposes in the midst of fallible people. God has a plan to which he is committed. Today, as then, God redirects our vision from our circumstances in this turbulent world to the surety of his kingdom and to himself as our source of confidence and peace. Exploring the links between the Bible and our own times, Dr. Hill shares perspectives on 1 and 2 Chronicles that reveal ageless truths for our twenty-first-century lives.
Abingdon Old Testament Commentary: 1,2 Chronicles

By Steven McKenzie /Abingdon Press
The Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries provide compact, critical commentaries on the books of the Old Testament for the use of theological students and pastors. The commentaries are also useful for upper-level college or university students and for those responsible for teaching in congregational settings. In addition to providing basic information and insights into the Old Testament writings, these commentaries exemplify the tasks and procedures of careful interpretation, to assist students of the Old Testament in coming to an informed and critical engagement with the biblical texts themselves.
This up-to-date, accessible commentary covers critical issues section by section while emphasizing the larger theological and literary significance. Steven L. McKenzie is Professor of Hebrew Bible and Old Testament at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. His ThD is from Harvard University and MDiv and BA (summa cum laude) from Abilene Christian University. He is co-leader of Rhodes College’s Middle East Travel Seminar, which tours Syria, Jordan, the Sinai, Israel, and Greece each Spring.

The Preacher’s Commentary Vol 10: 1, 2 Chronicles
By Leslie Allen /Thomas Nelson /W
In this volume Old Testament scholar Leslie Allen offers in-depth analysis of Chronicles showing its connections to the New Testament. Dr. Allen’s work is based on his mastery of Hebrew, of Israelite culture, and of Old Testament theology.
The Preachers Commentary Series combines rich resources of historical setting and textual interpretation with spiritual insights and contemporary illustrations specifically designed for communicators.

1st & 2nd Chronicles, Interpretation Commentary
By Steven S. Tuell /Westminster /John Knox
The great Christian scholar St. Jerome said that in First and Second Chronicles we find “the meaning of the whole of sacred history.” Yet these two Old Testament books are not popular and are seldom studied or preached upon in Christian churches. Steven Tuell shows how the books of Chronicles present the revelation of God’s plan and purposes through the story of Israel, emphasizing the important place that King David and his line play within that story. Using up-to-date scholarship, Tuell focuses on the theological message of these books-that the purpose of life is to seek God in the words of Scripture and in the worship of the temple: that those who seek and find God’s will and purpose for their lives, and live accordingly, experience blessing; and that God’s presence and activity are found in the events of ordinary life.

Ezra and Nehemiah (see also under “All 12 and combinations, above)
Ezra, Nehemiah, Word Biblical Commentary
By H.G.M. Williamson / Thomas Nelson /W
Williamson, an excellent evangelical scholar, has written a very good and comprehensive commentary on Ezra and Nehemiah. This excellent commentary will be helpful to both the layperson and the scholar. H.G.M. Williamson is Lecturer in Hebrew and Aramaic at Cambridge University. He holds degrees from Trinity College, Cambridge, and St.John’s College, Cambridge.

Ezra & Nehemiah, Tyndale Old Testament Commentary
By Derek Kidner / Inter-varsity Press
The Tyndale Old Testament Commentary series is an evangelical and scholarly treatment of the Scriptures. This volume on Ezra and Nehemiah, by Derek Kidner, begins with an introductory section discussing the history of Persia and the Jewish people, as well as the theology stated in these prophetic books. The commentary analyzes each book on the basis of linguistic and historical research. A good work for pastors and lay people. [TOP]http://deeperstudy.com/bookimg/check_price.gif” height=”32″ width=”73″ vspace=”3pt” hspace=”3pt” align=”right” border=”0″ />

Esther (see also under “All 12 and combinations, above)
Esther, NIV Application Commentary
By Karen H. Jobes /Zondervan Corp.
Most commentaries on Esther take you back to the first century to meet her—and then leave you there. This study is different. Forming a bridge between Esther’s culture and today’s society, it helps you understand the original meaning of the biblical text and reveals the story’s contemporary relevance as a source of guidance and inspiration. 288 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.

Esther – Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries
By Linda Day / Abingdon Press
The Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries provide compact, critical commentaries on the books of the Old Testament for the use of theological students and pastors. The commentaries are also useful for upper-level college or university students and for those responsible for teaching in congregational settings. In addition to providing basic information and insights into the Old Testament writings, these commentaries exemplify the tasks and procedures of careful interpretation, to assist students of the Old Testament in coming to an informed and critical engagement with the biblical texts themselves.
In this commentary, Day addresses both perennial and contemporary concerns pertinent to the book of Esther. Attention is given to literary, linguistic, and thematic features of the biblical text. Day considers the book of Esther with an eye to concerns of gender and ethnicity, as well as the theological concerns raised by divine absence in the story.

Esther, Interpretation Commentary
By Carol Bechtel /Westminster / John Knox
A superlative guide for studying an often neglected—yet rewarding—book of the Old Testament. Providing critical background information on Esther’s historical setting and literary construction, Bechtel expertly captures the drama of the narrative and prompts contemporary readers to explore theological themes such as the challenge of living faithfully in an unfaithful culture. 120 pages, hardcover. [TOP]