The Year’s Best: Our Annual Survey of the Past Year’s Best Books for Preachers

The year 2009 ended with the unveiling of the Nook, the new e-reader from Barnes & Noble. It joins the Kindle, the now-dominant e-reader from Amazon.com. Thus, an inordinate amount of attention was directed to the entire question of the future of the book. On one hand, the growing popularity of e-readers and the digital books indicates the printed word has a secure future. On the other hand, the question of the survival of the book—meaning the printing codex between two covers—goes openly questioned.

Anyone seriously concerned that the printed book will decline in popularity need only ask a preacher about that possibility. Even as preachers are making use of digital libraries and online tools for Bible study and digital books, the printed book remains the mainstay of the preacher's study. While any number of academic journals and other materials may find their way into a digital-only format, preachers (following the example of the Apostle Paul) instinctively will reach for the printed page.

The preacher's work is localized in the study, and the book remains the basic equipment of that work. Therefore, it's no surprise that the past year has seen the release of literally hundreds of titles directed to preachers and those in ministry.

Biblical Studies

Walk into the average pastor's library and you are likely to see, amid the piles of books, magazines and journals, pride of place given to biblical commentaries. This makes sense as the preaching task is so inherently centered in exegesis and the interpretation of Scripture. The preacher who would rightly divide the Word of truth will spend a considerable amount of time digging into the biblical text with the assistance of skilled guides.

The past year has seen the release of several worthy commentaries, including works on the Old and New Testaments.

Gary V. Smith has released the second of his volumes on Isaiah in The New American Commentary (Broadman & Holman). Smith, now professor of Christian Studies at Union University, has written a thorough and comprehensive commentary on the second half of Isaiah, chapters 40-66. Smith finds comfort and good news in Isaiah's message. "These prophetic words were written to inform and to persuade people to join the millions who will be enjoying the most fulfilling experience that will be greater than anything they have ever imagined. Once people understand how great God is and what He plans to do for His people, many will want to confess their sins and be forgiven. Then they can confidently know they one day will live in that Holy City with God because their future destiny is secure."

John L. MacKay, a minister of the Free Church of Scotland and Professor at the Free Church College in Edinburgh also has written a new commentary on Isaiah 40-66 (Evangelical Press). MacKay insists these chapters "record the grand message which Isaiah was given regarding gospel reality." Preachers will find ample material for the enrichment of preaching in these two commentaries.