For
those seeking a more intense level of study — and who are comfortable with
use of biblical languages — the New International Greek Testament Commentary
(NIGTC) from Eerdmans is a splendid resource. This year saw the release of a
new volume, The
Second Epistle to the Corinthians by Murray J. Harris. Harris’s
insights allow us to engage with the teachings of this Pauline letter in an
even more profound way.
The
Interpretation series from Westminster John Knox continues to be a popular
series with many preachers. Written primarily by scholars from the mainline
traditions, the series is written primarily to be an aid to preaching and teaching
in the church, though still informed by recent scholarship. The final volume
of this series was released this year: Song
of Songs by Robert W. Jenson.
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Speaking
of the Song of Songs, that biblical book is the subject in the first volume
of a new series, the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms,
edited by Tremper Longman III. Song
of Songs is written by Richard S. Hess, and provides helpful exegetical
and interpretive insights for the preacher or teacher.
As
we noted in last year’s survey, if you look up the word “massive” in the dictionary,
you’re likely to find a picture of the Concordia Commentary series (from
Concordia Publishing House). These commentaries are written by outstanding Lutheran
scholars, and offer a comprehensive treatment of their selected books. The most
recent release in that series is Joshua
by Adolph L. Harstad. Harstad provides more than 900 pages of insights relating
to the book of Joshua, including much that will be helpful to the preaching
minister.
The
preacher or teacher looking for a one-volume commentary will want to consider
a newly-released work, The
MacArthur Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson) by John MacArthur. Those
who enjoy MacArthur’s solid biblical expositions in the pulpit will likewise
benefit from the brief but useful comments provided in this helpful volume.
Another
work of interest to pastors — particulary those with a dispensational and
premillenial perspective — will be Behold
the King: A Study of Matthew (Kregel) by Stanley D. Toussaint of
Dallas Seminary. Originally published in 1980, it has been re-released for a
new generation of pastors and students.
___________________________
Michael
Duduit is Editor of Preaching magazine and President of American Ministry
Resources. You can write to him at michael@preaching.com, or visit his website
at www.michaelduduit.com.