Top 5 Commentaries On The Books of The Old Testament
Top 5 Commentaries On The Books of The Old Testament
Top 5 Commentaries On The Books of The Old Testament
2. Kenneth A. Mathews Genesis 1-11:26 and Genesis 11:27-50:26 (The New American
Commentary, 1996, 2005).
In recent years, Broadman & Holman have published a number of excellent commentaries in
their New American Commentary series. In 2005, with the publication of the second volume of
Kenneth Mathews commentary on Genesis, they added another outstanding contribution.
3. Victor P. Hamilton The Book of Genesis Chapters 1-17 and The Book of Genesis
Chapters 18-50 (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament, 1990, 1995).
Like Wenham and Mathews, Hamilton writes from a generally conservative evangelical
perspective. I rank Mathews slightly higher simply because Hamilton is a rather dry read. He is,
however, always worth consulting.
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the the Book of Genesis.
Among them are those by Bruce Waltke, Derek Kidner , Nahum Sarna, John E. Hartley, and
Umberto Cassuto (Vol. 1 , Vol. 2 ). Cassutos works are sometimes difficult to track down. The
publishers website is here: (Vol. 1, Vol. 2). Sarnas work is in the JPS Torah Commentary series,
which is written from a Jewish perspective and is somewhat critical. This means that it must be
used with great care and discernment.
2. J. Alec Motyer The Message of Exodus (The Bible Speaks Today, 2005).
J. Alec Motyer has written a large number of books and commentaries over the course of his
career. He is particularly well known for his extensive work of the book of Isaiah. Because of
the space limitations in the BST series, my expectations for his commentary on Exodus were
minimal, but I was pleasantly surprised. On almost every page, the reader finds helpful insights
into the meaning of the second book of Moses. Very highly recommended.
this volume, he moves to the Pentateuch with great success. His work should be consulted by
every serious student of Exodus.
5. Brevard S. Childs The Book of Exodus (The Old Testament Library, 1974).
Because of the authors critical stance and the books technical nature, I can only recommend
this commentary to discerning pastors and teachers. Childs begins each section of the
commentary with his own translation of the Hebrew. He then offers textual and philological
notes on that section. The discussion titled Old Testament context contains his exegesis of the
text itself. The remaining three segments are what really set Childs commentary apart. For each
section of text, he discusses the New Testament use of the Old Testament text, the history of its
interpretation, and any related theological issues.
Runners Up: There are a number of other commentaries on the the Book of Exodus that have
varying degrees of usefulness. Among them are those by John Currid (Vol. 1, Vol. 2), R. Alan
Cole, Umberto Cassuto , and Cornelius Houtman (Vol. 1 , Vol. 2 , Vol. 3 , Vol. 4 ).
The serious student should also be sure to consult the commentary by John Calvin .
Runners Up: There are a number of other commentaries on the Book of Leviticus
that are worth consulting. Among them are those by W.H. Bellinger , R.K. Harrison ,
Allen P. Ross , and Andrew Bonar .
The serious student should also be sure to consult the commentary by John Calvin .
Runners Up: There are a number of other commentaries on the Book of Numbers
that are worth consulting. Among them are those by Roy Gane , Raymond Brown ,
and (if you can obtain it through a library) R.K. Harrisons commentary in the now
defunct Wycliffe Exegetical Commentary series by Moody Press.
Runners Up: There are a number of other commentaries on the Book of Joshua
that are worth consulting. Among them are those by James Montgomery Boice , C.J.
Goslinga , Adolph L. Harstad , and J. Gordon Harris .
Top 5 Commentaries on the Book of Judges
The events described in the book of Judges cover a period of approximately 350
years, from the death of Joshua to the rise of the monarchy under Samuel. Unlike
Joshua, however, which recounted a period of Israels history largely marked by
faithfulness to God, Judges recounts a period of history characterized for the most
part by unfaithfulness. Yet Judges, like the other historical books, should not be
considered merely a dry and boring narration of names and places and dates. The
Jews referred to the books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings as the former
prophets. These books demonstrate the outworking in history of Gods faithfulness
to His plan of redemption, to His covenant promises and warnings. The following are
the five commentaries on Judges that I have found the most helpful.
1. Dale Ralph Davis Judges (Focus on the Bible, 2000).
As I mentioned in the post on Joshua commentaries, if you can only have one
commentary on the historical books, get the commentaries by Davis. There are
other commentaries that go into more detail on technical issues (see below), but
Davis provides what most Christian readers of these books need a concise and
readable explanation of the text that sets each book within the larger context of
biblical redemptive history all without ever becoming boring or trite. This
commentary, like the others, is also very practical, but it avoids the kind of
moralizing exposition that rips passages out of context in order to make some
vague inspirational point.
4. Arthur E. Cundall & Leon Morris Judges & Ruth (Tyndale Old
Testament Commentaries, 1968).
Arthur Cundall contributed the commentary on Judges in the TOTC series. Like the
other contributions to this series, it is written at an introductory level and is
accessible to all readers.
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the Book of
Judges, including those by Andrew Fausset , Victor H. Matthews , and Gordon Keddie .
Top 5 Commentaries on the Book of Ruth
After reading the story of Israel in the Book of Judges, one can be left wondering
whether all is lost for Israel and for mankind. Its a terrible downward spiral of sin
and judgment. The Book of Ruth reminds us that it wasnt all bad news. The Book of
Ruth tells a wonderful story of Gods behind-the-scenes providence in the life of a
woman whose descendants would include King David and ultimately the King of
kings Himself. The following are the five commentaries on Ruth that I have found
the most helpful.
1. Robert L. Hubbard, Jr. The Book of Ruth (New International
Commentary on the Old Testament, 1989).
Robert Hubbards commentary on Ruth is a model of how commentaries should be
written. It is careful and clear. It manages to deal with both details and the big
picture. This is the first commentary to which one should turn with questions about
the Book of Ruth. Very highly recommended.
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the Book of
Ruth, including those by Leon Morris , Sinclair Ferguson , David Atkinson , Dean Ulrich
, Stephen Dray , A. Boyd Luter & Barry Davis , Gordon Keddie , Victor H. Matthews ,
and John Wilch . Although not exactly a commentary, I would also recommend Iain
Campbells The Gospel According to Ruth . There is also a helpful chapter on Ruth in
the recent work by Barry G. Webb .
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2. David T. Tsumura The First Book of Samuel (New International Commentary on the
Old Testament, 2007).
The best intermediate-advanced level commentary on the first book of Samuel is now the
commentary by David Tsumura in the NICOT series. It is very well written and very thorough.
Tsumuras expertise in the languages of the ancient Near East is evident throughout. He is
currently working on the follow-up volume on 2 Samuel in the same series, but given the fact
that the first volume is approximately 700 pages, it may be some time before we see the
completed set. When it is complete, it will likely be the standard scholarly commentary on these
books for many years. Highly recommended.
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the books of Samuel.
Robert Bergen has contributed a solid commentary to the New American Commentary series.
Gordon Keddie has contributed two volumes to the Welwyn Commentary Series (Dawn of a
Kingdom, Triumph of the King ). On the more technical side are the contributions to the Word
Biblical Commentary series by Ralph Klein and A.A. Anderson .
1. Dale Ralph Davis 1 Kings , 2 Kings (Focus on the Bible, 2002, 2005).
I have already mentioned the high quality of Davis commentaries on the books of
Joshua, Judges, 1 Samuel, and 2 Samuel. His commentaries on 1 & 2 Kings are
equally outstanding. These commentaries should be on the shelf of every Bible
student and pastor.
5. J.G. McConville Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther (Daily Study Bible, 1985).
I have benefited from many of McConvilles works, and this brief introductory level
commentary is no exception. I find Kidner somewhat more useful, but McConville
should not be ignored.
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on Ezra and
Nehemiah. Among them are the introductory level commentaries by Raymond
Brown (Nehemiah only) and Stan Evers . Seminary students will also want to
consult the work of David J.A. Clines .
her insights into current application are valuable. The commentary is accessible to
laymen, but should be useful to pastors and scholars as well.
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the book of
Esther. Among them are the introductory level commentary by J.G. McConville .
Seminary students will also want to consult the work of David J.A. Clines .
5. David Atkinson The Message of Job (The Bible Speaks Today, 1991).
The Bible Speaks Today volumes vary in terms of quality and helpfulness. The
volume on Job by David Atkinson is one of the more helpful works in the series.
There is much of practical value here.
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the book of Job.
Among them are several works that will be of help to pastors including the
commentaries by Derek Thomas , Bill Cotton , Gerald Wilson , and Steven Lawson .
The NIVAC series is a mixed bag, but Gerald Wilsons initial volume on the Psalms is
one of the standouts. The NIVAC series divides comments into three sections:
Original Meaning, Bridging Contexts, and Contemporary Significance. In most of the
commentaries in this series, the author will do very well in one or maybe two of
those sections. Wilson is one of the few who succeeds in all three. To the best of my
knowledge, he will not be writing the second volume on Psalms in the NIVAC series,
but this should not deter students of Scripture from using this first volume, which
covers Psalms 1-72.
book by book basis. Most sets are a very mixed bag. The Tyndale set is one of the
very few I would suggest as a whole. It is very consistent, and Kidners contributions
are one reason for this.
5. Peter Craigie, Marvin Tate, Leslie Allen Psalms 1-50 ; Psalms 51-100 ;
Psalms 101-150 (Word Biblical Commentary, 1983, 1990, 2002).
It is difficult to decide between these three commentaries and the volumes by
Goldingay mentioned below. Ive included the three WBC volumes primarily on the
strength of Craigies contribution. It is technical, but very helpful. Craigie was to
write all of the volumes on the Psalms, but his death meant other scholars would
have to complete the work. Unfortunately, the contributions by Tate and Allen are
not quite as good as the one by Craigie, although Allens is somewhat closer to the
mark.
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the book of
Psalms. Among these are the classic works of John Calvin and Martin Luther .
Charles Spurgeons commentary provides a wealth of material for preachers. Other
commentaries that will prove especially helpful for pastors are those by William S.
Plumer , Michael Wilcock (Vol. 1 ; Vol. 2), G.A.F. Knight (Vol. 1 ; Vol. 2 ), James
Montgomery Boice (Vol. 1 ; Vol. 2 ; Vol. 3 ), and Eric Lane (Vol. 1 ; Vol. 2 ).
Geoffrey Grogan has recently published a commentary on the Psalms in the Two
Horizons series. Approximately half of this work is devoted to the theological
horizons of the Psalms, and this section alone is worth the price of the book.
However, since the commentary proper is somewhat sparse, this work is best used
alongside other works such as those mentioned above.
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the book of
Proverbs. Among them is the classic work by Charles Bridges . On an introductory
level are the works by David Atkinson and Eric Lane . In the intermediate to
advanced range are the commentaries by Roland Murphy , Paul Koptak , Allen P. Ross
, Duane Garrett , and John Kitchen .
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the book of
Ecclesiastes. The commentary by Charles Bridges is a classic. A new major
commentary by Craig Bartholomew is forthcoming and should be worth consulting.
work on the Song of Solomon. Like Gledhill, Carr takes a non-allegorical approach to
the book, and provides numerous insights.
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the Song of
Songs. Those looking for a good commentary taking an allegorical approach might
consider the older works by George Burrowes and James Durham .
on this prophetic book, and the following are five of the best.
1. J. Alec Motyer The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction & Commentary
(1993).
The best commentary on Isaiah, hands down, is Motyers stand alone volume
published by InterVarsity Press. It is semi-technical, so those who are not trained in
the biblical languages may find some sections more difficult than others, but the
wealth of exegetical insight is worth the effort. For those who would like to gain the
benefits of Motyers work without the technicalities, he has also contributed the
volume on Isaiah to the Tyndale series. This smaller volume is not simply a
summary of the larger work. Motyer went back to the text, and this smaller volume
contains many helpful insights not found in the larger work.
2. John Oswalt The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 1-39 , The Book of Isaiah:
Chapters 40-66 (New International Commentary on the Old Testament,
1986, 1998).
The completion of John Oswalts commentary on Isaiah in 1998 was a major
blessing to the Christian church. This work, which replaced E. J. Youngs older threevolume commentary on Isaiah in the NICOT series, is a model of careful evangelical
scholarship. It should be on the desk of every student of the Old Testament. It
should be consulted along with Motyer. Oswalt has also written a less technical
commentary on Isaiah for the NIV Application Commentary series. This volume does
not replace the larger two-volume work, but it will be of use to busy pastors.
5. Barry Webb The Message of Isaiah (The Bible Speaks Today, 1997).
Those who are looking for a brief non-technical commentary on the book of Isaiah
would do well to consider the volume by Barry Webb in the Bible Speaks Today
series. Although the series does not give the space to go into great detail, Webb
makes the most of it and offers very illuminating insight into the text.
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the Book of
Isaiah, including those by Geoffrey Grogan , J. Ridderbos , Allan Harman , Derek
Thomas , and Bryan Beyer .
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the Book of
Jeremiah. R.K. Harrisons volume in the Tyndale series is a helpful introductory level
work. Pastors will find the commentaries by Philip Graham Ryken and J. Andrew
Dearman helpful.
All students of Scripture should also take the time to look at John Calvins
commentary on Jeremiah.
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the book of
Lamentations. At an introductory level is the work in the Tyndale series by R.K.
Harrison . Seminary students and others doing in-depth study of the book will want
to consult the commentary by Iain Provan . Preachers will find the works of Richard
Brooks and F.B. Huey useful.
All students of Scripture should also take the time to look at John Calvins
commentary on Jeremiah and Lamentations.
prophecies in the Old Testament. The following are five of the most helpful
commentaries on this prophetic book.
1. Daniel I. Block The Book of Ezekiel: Chapters 1-24 ; The Book of
Ezekiel: Chapters 25-48 (New International Commentary on the Old
Testament, 1997, 1998).
It is difficult to decide between the commentaries by Block and Duguid (See #2
below), but because of its comprehensiveness, I have to consider Blocks
commentary the most helpful overall. His massive commentary deals with every
individual text in detail, but also steps back to discuss the theological implications
of each major passage. There are also a number of helpful excursuses on a variety
of important topics. Very highly recommended.
always has helpful insight into whatever text he is discussing, and when dealing
with a book as difficult as Ezekiel, such insight is invaluable.
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the book of
Ezekiel. Preachers should consult the commentaries by Peter Craigie , John Taylor ,
and Christopher J. H. Wright .
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the book of
Daniel. On a more introductory level are the works by Joyce Baldwin , James
Montgomery Boice , and Ronald Wallace. Somewhat more in depth, but still
conservative is the work by Allan Harman .
4. Derek Kidner The Message of Hosea (The Bible Speaks Today, 1984).
As I have mentioned in previous posts, students of Scripture should read anything
they can by Derek Kidner. His commentaries are models for what introductory level
commentaries should be. His commentary on Hosea is no exception. It is a helpful
introductory level commentary that should be of use to a wide variety of readers.
Runners Up: Preachers may find the commentary by Michael Eaton helpful as well.
5. Leslie C. Allen The Books of Joel, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah (New
International Commentary on the Old Testament, 1976).
In terms of technicality, Allens commentary on Joel falls somewhere in the middle.
The NICOT series is thorough, but it remains generally accessible to most readers. In
his section on Joel, Allen offers a helpful survey of the various arguments for
different dates. Like Dillard, he ultimately decides in favor of an early post-exilic
date. On the interpretation of chapter 1, Allen agrees with the majority view, taking
the description literally. Overall, a helpful commentary.
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the book of
Joel. The works of Thomas Finley , Irvin Busenitz , and Duane Garrett are all written
from a generally conservative perspectives.
Hubbards commentaries on Hosea and Joel are clear and accessible. The same is
true for his commentary on Amos. For those seeking an introductory level
commentary, Hubbard is probably the best place to begin.
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the book of
Amos. The works of J. A. Motyer , Gary V. Smith , and James Boice , in particular,
should be useful to many.
prophecy indicates that God rules over all nations. Edom represents all nations that
are hostile to God and to his kingdom. Such nations will always be judged. There are
a number of helpful commentaries on Obadiah, and the following are five of the
best.
1. Douglas Stuart Hosea-Jonah (Word Biblical Commentary, 1987).
Having already mentioned Stuarts commentary in two previous posts, there is little
I can add here. It is a must-read. Very highly recommended.
5. Leslie C. Allen The Books of Joel, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah (New
International Commentary on the Old Testament, 1976).
I have already mentioned Allens commentary in my post on Joel. It is a slightly
technical work, but it should be accessible to most pastors and laymen.
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the book of
Obadiah. At a more introductory level are the works by Michael Bentley , James
Boice , and David Field .
3. David W. Baker, T.D. Alexander, & Bruce Waltke Obadiah, Jonah, Micah
(Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, 1988).
The most helpful introductory level commentary on Jonah is in the Tyndale series.
The commentary on Jonah in this volume is written by T.D. Alexander. It is clear and
concise, and Alexander also argues for the historicity of the events described in the
book.
Runners Up: There are a number of other notable commentaries on the book of
Jonah. At the introductory and intermediate level are the works of Gordon J. Keddie ,
O. Palmer Robertson , James Montgomery Boice , John Mackay , Franklin Page , and
James Bruckner .
Bruce Waltke has written three commentaries on the book of Micah. The first was a
small commentary that appeared in the Tyndale series together with small
commentaries on Obadiah and Jonah. The second was a larger and more technical
commentary that appeared in the set on the Minor Prophets edited by Thomas
McComiskey. This full-length commentary is one step beyond what appeared in the
McComiskey volume. It is technical, and some grasp of Hebrew is recommended in
order to get the full benefit of the work. There is no contemporary commentator,
however, who is more well-versed in the book of Micah than Bruce Waltke. It is a
must-have for serious study of the book.
2. David Prior The Message of Joel, Micah & Habakkuk (The Bible Speaks
Today, 1999).
For those seeking a good introductory level commentary on Micah, there is probably
no better place to start, aside from Waltkes work in the Tyndale series, than with
David Priors volume in the BST series. Highly recommended.
5. Leslie C. Allen The Books of Joel, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah (New
International Commentary on the Old Testament, 1976).
I have already mentioned Allens commentary in a couple of previous posts. It is a
slightly technical work, but it should be accessible to most pastors and laymen.
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the book of
Micah. Among these are the works by Gary Smith , James Boice , Ralph Smith ,
Kenneth Barker , and John Mackay .
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the Book of
Nahum. At an introductory level are the works by John Mackay and James
Montgomery Boice . Pastors may find the volume by James Bruckner in the NIVAC
series helpful. At a more advanced level is the work by Klaas Spronk .
commentaries on the Book of Habakkuk, and the following are five of the best.
1. O. Palmer Robertson The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah
(New International Commentary on the Old Testament, 1990).
Readers of this blog will notice that my top 5 suggestions for Habakkuk
commentaries is identical to my top 5 suggestions for Nahum commentaries. As
mentioned previously, Robertson is very helpful at explaining the larger theological
themes found within these books. Highly recommended.
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the Book of
Habakkuk. At an introductory level are the works by John Mackay , James
Montgomery Boice , David Prior, and Walter Chantry . Pastors will find the NIVAC
commentary by James Bruckner useful. At a more advanced level is the work by
Francis Andersen .
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the Book of
Zephaniah. At an introductory level are the works by John Mackay , James
Montgomery Boice , and Daniel Webber . Pastors will find the NIVAC commentary by
James Bruckner useful. The helpful commentary by Richard Patterson that used to
be in the Wycliffe series is now back in print.
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the Book of
Haggai including those by T.V. Moore , Michael Bentley , Mark Boda , James Boice ,
and Richard Taylor .
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the Book of
Haggai including those by T.V. Moore , Michael Bentley , Mark Boda , James Boice ,
Barry Webb , and George Klein .
Although not a commentary on the entire book, Glory in Our Midst by Meredith Kline
is also well worth consulting.
The book of Malachi is the last of the twelve Minor Prophets, and little is known of
the author himself aside from what may be inferred from the contents of his book.
Unlike Haggai and Zechariah, Malachi prophesied some time after the completion of
the temple in 515 B.C. In fact, it appears that Malachi prophesied over fifty years
after Haggai and Zechariah. Like Haggai and Zechariah, Malachi ministered during a
difficult period of time, but the problems he faced were slightly different. It had
been decades since the temple had been completed, yet the glories of the
messianic kingdom had not arrived as expected. But neither had the people lived up
to the stipulations of Gods law (cf. Nehemiah). Politically, Israel was a minor
province in the massive Persian empire. The nation was suffering from economic
and agricultural problems. The most serious problem, however, from the prophets
perspective was spiritual. Idolatry was apparently no longer a serious problem, but
the people lacked zeal for the Lord. Spiritual discouragement and apathy were
rampant. Malachi was called into this situation to explain the delay in the fulfillment
of Gods restoration promises. There are a number of helpful commentaries on the
Book of Malachi, and the following are five of the best.
1. Thomas E. McComiskey The Minor Prophets (2009 [1992]).
The commentary on Malachi in this volume was written by Douglas Stuart, whose
WBC volume on Hosea - Jonah is outstanding. This commentary continues that
excellence. One only wishes he would write commentaries on the rest of the Minor
Prophets. As mentioned in previous posts, the McComiskey volume is somewhat
technical.
Runners Up: There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the Book of
Malachi including those by T.V. Moore , James Boice , Richard Taylor , David Baker ,
John Benton , and Walter Kaiser .