Historical Books (OT)

Bible Commentaries on the Historical Books (OT)
(Joshua – Esther)
The historical books of the Old Testament (Joshua – Esther) provide most of the chronological framework on which the rest of the Old Testament hangs. They report to us salvation history from the death of Moses to the return from Babylonian exile. In your attempts to “go deeper,” you will gain a great deal from a judicious selection of study aids for this part of the Word of God. As with commentaries on other parts of the Bible, you need to find a good match between your own needs and abilities and what commentaries provide, because they all provide information on different levels. Here and there I will add notes as I am able to help you along in your decision-making process. These notes are all in this navy-blue color. —Steve

All 12 in one volume, and other combinations (Joshua – Esther)     JOSHUA     JUDGES     RUTH     1 & 2 SAMUEL     1 & 2 KINGS     1 & 2 CHRONICLES     EZRA & NEHEMIAH     ESTHER
All 12 in one volume, and other combinations (Joshua – Esther)
Judges & Ruth: Holman Old Testament Commentary Volume 594650: Judges & Ruth: Holman Old Testament Commentary Volume 5
By W. Gary Phillips & Max Anders / Broadman / Holman
It was a time not unlike our own. Everybody was doing what seemed right to them. God, who had delivered them from Egypt and given them a good land, was far from the center of their attention and affection. Because He loved them. He disciplined them by allowing their enemies to oppress them. The book of Judges is an account of the repeated cycle of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and restoration by judges whom God appointed between the years of Joshua’s death and Samuel’s anointing of Saul, Israel’s first king. The events of the Book of Ruth take place during this period. It begins with famine and death and shows how God can work through the most devastating events of life to bring good that is both beyond our ability to imagine and far-reaching. Through the characters and events of Ruth, God put in place the human lineage of His Son, Jesus Christ.
The Holman Old Testament Commentary Series is comprised of easy-to-use volumes that give you the freedom to prayerfully appropriate the Scripture as you spend more time directly with the text. It’s like having a team of researchers doing the legwork for you.

Judges & Ruth, Tyndale Old Testament Commentary 257: Judges & Ruth, Tyndale Old Testament Commentary
By Arthur Cundall / Inter-varsity Press
The Tyndale Old Testament Commentary series is designed to be a conservative, scholarly and yet readable, analysis of the Bible. This work on Judges and Ruth, by Cundall and Morris, discusses the dating and historical aspects of the books, as well as the messages communicated in these works. Focus is also placed on the composition and structure of both Judges and Ruth. Following these introductory articles are verse by verse analyses of the scriptures, drawing out the meaning of the Word of God. This is a good commentary for lay people. [TOP]

Judges & Ruth: The New Cambridge Bible Commentary 806062: Judges & Ruth: The New Cambridge Bible Commentary
By Victor H. Matthews /Cambridge University Press
Bringing to life the world portrayed in the stories in Judges and Ruth, this commentary offers readers an “insider” perspective on the narratives. After establishing a cultural and literary context, Victor Matthews analyzes each episode separately and as a whole.

Judges & Ruth: The New Cambridge Bible Commentary000661: Judges & Ruth: The New Cambridge Bible Commentary
By Victor H. Matthews /Cambridge University Press
Providing critical background information about social norms and customs such as hospitality codes, marriage traditions, inheritance laws, and agricultural practices, Matthews establishes a cultural and literary context for the Books of Judges and Ruth. Having laid this essential foundation, his accessible commentary then treats each episode separately and as a whole. Includes the complete NRSV text. 270 pages, softcover.

The Preacher’s Commentary Vol 7: Judges/Ruth47807: The Preacher's Commentary Vol 7: Judges/Ruth
By David Jackman / Thomas Nelson /W
Volume 7: Judges & Ruth 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. David Jackman is president of the Proclamation Trust and director of the Cornhill Training Course, London-based ministries dedicated to training and equipping preachers around the world. He previously served as senior minister of Above Bar Church in Southampton, England, ans was on the staff of the Universities and College Christian Fellowship. He is author of more than ten books. He and his wife, Heather, have two children.

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 4: 1 Kings – Job11173: The Expositor's Bible Commentary, Volume 4: 1 Kings - Job
By Frank E. Gaebelein /Zondervan Corp.
Evangelical in viewpoint, the Expositor’s Bible Commentary discusses current theological and critical issues using the NIV text. This new volume is characterized by the same careful exegesis and clarity that mark previous volumes. Contains R.D. Patterson and Hermann J. Austel on 1 & 2 Kings, J. Barton Payne on 1 & 2 Chronicles, Edwin Yamauchi on Ezra & Nehemiah, F.B. Huey Jr. on Esther, and Elmer Smick on Job. 1,088 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.

NIV Application Commentary Judges/Ruth06362: NIV Application Commentary Judges/Ruth
By K. Lawson Younger / Zondervan Corp.
Most commentary series take you back to the world of the Bible and leave you there. This one helps you return to contemporary life equipped with plenty of encouragement and practical applications. The newest edition, Judges–Ruth, explores the drama, turmoil, and passion of these literary masterpieces, bringing their ancient message into our postmodern context. 528 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.

Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther, New American Commentary0110X: Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther, New American Commentary
By Mervin Breneman /Broadman /Holman
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 enchances and supports the life of the church.

The Preacher’s Commentary Vol 11 Ezra/Nehemiah/Esther47858: The Preacher's Commentary Vol 11 Ezra/Nehemiah/Esther
By Mark Roberts /Thomas Nelson /W
Mark D. Roberts writes this illustration-filled
volume on Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther focusing on three questions and offering the answering to the questions which are: what did the text mean in its original context, what does the text mean for us and how can we illustrate the textso that it will come alive today?
The Preachers Commentary Series combines rich resources of historical setting and textual interpretation with spiritual insights and contemporary illustrations specifically designed for communicators.

Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther: Holman Old Testament Commentary Volume 994693: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther: Holman Old Testament Commentary Volume 9
By Knute Larson & Kathy Dahlen /Broadman /Holman
One of the major themes of Scripture is God’s dependability and His covenant love to His people in good times and bad. Ezra and Nehemiah together show how God chose Cyrus, a pagan king, to defeat the Babylonians and to be His servant in restoring many of his people from captivity in Babylon back to Judah. Esther is the thrilling account of how God raised up a young Jewish woman to become queen of the Persian Empire. Knute Larson and Kathy Dahlen have made these marvelous books accessible to pastors and lay Bible teachers alike for preaching, teaching, and personal Bible study.

Ruth, Esther, Word Biblical Commentary522104
By Frederic Bush /Thomas Nelson /W
They are the only books in the Bible named after women—one who stood in the line of David and Jesus, and one who saved her people from an early holocaust. Bush provides a thorough exegetical treatment of both books that will help you better understand the scriptural and historical significance of Queen Esther and Ruth the Moabitess. 450 pages, hardcover from Word.

Joshua
(see also under “All 12 and combinations, above)
Joshua: Holman Old Testament Commentary Volume 494642: Joshua: Holman Old Testament Commentary Volume 4
By Kenneth O. Gangel / Broadman /Holman
Save preparation time when you teach and preach from Joshua. In this newest addition to the acclaimed series, Gangel clearly explains the biblical story of God’s promises to Israel, giving you the tools you need to interpret and apply the Scriptures. Special features include choice quotations, compelling illustrations, verse-by-verse exposition, practical applications, teaching plans, and discussion starters. 400 pages, hardcover. [TOP]

The Preacher’s Commentary Vol 6: Joshua47790: The Preacher's Commentary Vol 6: Joshua
By John Huffman /Thomas Nelson /W
Volume 6: Joshua 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. John A. Huffman, Jr., is pastor of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach California. He has pastored several churches, held Presbyterian moderator positions and was on the board of various organizations. He currently serves on the boards of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Christianity Today. He has written nine books and each week 5,000 of his printed sermons are mailed each week. He and his wife, Ann, have three daughters.

Joshua, New American Commentary5401059: Joshua, New American Commentary
By David Howard, Jr. /Broadman /Holman
Volume 5, Joshua, of 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.

Joshua, Tyndale Old Testament Commentary842063
By Richard Hess / Inter-varsity Press
The book of Joshua memorializes a transitional episode in Israel’s national history. The heroic figure Joshua, imbued with strength, courage and faith, leads the new generation of Israel across the Jordan and into the land of promise, conquering Canaanites and overseeing the allotment of the inheritance among the tribes. But the book of Joshua is foremost a story of God, who works powerfully on behalf of Israel and Joshua, fulfilling his covenant promises. It is God who leads Israel across the Jordan, God who defeats Israel’s enemies, and God who presides over the apportionment of the land. And so in the final chapter it is God who receives Israel’s worshipful recommitment at Shechem. Richard S. Hess explores these historical, theological and literary dimensions of the book of Joshua. An exceptional feature of his commentary is his careful consideration of the allocation of the Promised Land and the boundary lists the book of Joshua so prominently displays. And in a day when grave doubts have been raised over the historicity of the “conquest” story, Hess presents historical and archaeological evidence for placing the events of Joshua in the late second millennium BCE.

Joshua, New International Commentary on the Old Testament2356: 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 Commentary231060: 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 Commentary231079: 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 Testament2358: 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.

Smoking in the United States and Canada has signed the viagra generic cialis Kyoto Protocol to show their commitment to follow suit. Recent lab studies have shown that when probiotic diversity in the gut was increased, the gut pathology cialis from india tadalafil decreased. Regular use of https://pdxcommercial.com/brokers-staff/graham-peterson/ cialis properien Diabkil herbal pill increases insulin production in your body. Sexuality refers to the physiological characteristics that define human beings as lowest viagra price https://pdxcommercial.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Twin-Oaks-Brochure-3.pdf male and female. Ruth, Interpretation Commentary42314: 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 Commentary10860: 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 Commentary31087: 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 Commentary842087
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
47814: 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 Commentary0107X: 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 794677: 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 Kings47822: 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 Commentary42010: 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 Commentary494685: 1 & 2 Chronicles - Holman Old Testament Commentary
By Winfried Corduan /Broadman / Holman
[TOP]

1 & 2 Chronicles, NIV Application Commentary06102: 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

00750X: 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 Chronicles47830: 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 Commentary31109: 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)
522138Ezra, 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 Commentary842124
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 Commentary06723: 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 Commentaries97924
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 Commentary31136: 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]