Comments on: What One Old Testament Commentary Would You Get?

By: Scripture Zealot

Scripture Zealot — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:06:07 +0000

I got the first edition (2nd is newest) of the Hamilton for $8 including shipping. I figured like electronics, I don’t necessarily need the latest and greatest. God can use an $8 book as well as a $26 book.
Jeff

By: Scripture Zealot

Scripture Zealot — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:12:49 +0000

I could get the 1st edition of Hamilton for $8. Do you think there would be much disadvantage compared to the 2nd edition?
Jeff

By: Gary Simmons

Gary Simmons — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:41:53 +0000

Actually reading down this list, I was also going to recommend Hamilton’s Handbook on the Pentateuch. Although part of it (obviously) covers Genesis, it’s a wonderful coverage of the entire Pentateuch. We used it in my Pentateuch class, and it’s a favorite of mine.

By: Scripture Zealot

Scripture Zealot — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:53:41 +0000

Sam, I’d like to get both if I can.

Derek, I was wondering about what other book might be foundational in that way other than Genesis. I’ll look into commentaries on that also.

I know that when I read through the OT next year I’m going to have questions but I have to remember they don’t all need to be answered. I just need to read though it again first. I wish I had a few hundred dollars (don’t we all) to spend on these.
Jeff

By: Derek Ashton

Derek Ashton — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:40:14 +0000

Jeff,

Although Psalms and Isaiah would be high on my list, I think I would go with a good conservative commentary on Deuteronomy. A few years back, I studied through Deuteronomy and was struck by how strongly its message resonates in Christ’s teachings, and the way its core principles became some of the big themes of the Bible. I’d go with Deuteronomy as one of the large foundation stones of the Old Testament, and there should be plenty of one-volume commentaries on it.

I sometimes use Victor P. Hamilton’s “Handbook on the Pentateuch.” It’s concise, but it covers a lot of good ground.

Blessings,
Derek

By: Kevin Sam

Kevin Sam — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:13:05 +0000

Both Isaiah and Jeremiah are most important books on the prophets. Get them both.

By: Scripture Zealot

Scripture Zealot — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:46:38 +0000

Thanks Chuck and Chuck.
Jeff

By: Mike Aubrey

Mike Aubrey — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:18:07 +0000

Oh definitely Wilson on the Psalms too, that he died before volume 2 was a tragic loss for the Church.

By: Chuck Grantham

Chuck Grantham — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:34:55 +0000

Oh, yes. If I had to choose just one OT book, it would probably be Isaiah right now, with Motyer’s “Prophecy of Isaiah” for commentary. One volume Isaiah commentaries are hard to find.

By: Chuck Grantham

Chuck Grantham — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:31:09 +0000

On Psalms I can give you the three I chose for our Sunday School three month whirlwind tour:

Wilson, NIVAC Psalms vol 1
Goldingay, Psalms, vol 3
Van Gemeren, Expositors Bible Commentary Revised, Psalms

Van Gemeren makes a good one volume choice, though it’s a large one volume….

By: Scripture Zealot

Scripture Zealot — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:09:41 +0000

Right now you’re half dimensional or one convenental.

I like your avatar/picture and your about page.
Jeff

By: T.C. R

T.C. R — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:36:49 +0000

Someday I’ll try to be two-dimensional, but not next year.

By: Scripture Zealot

Scripture Zealot — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:01:49 +0000

Mike, for the NT I don’t like multi-volume commentaries because of cost and because I like to read them through. But for OT I’m willing because to do justice to the Psalms I would think a multi-volume is almost necessary and I would use it more for reference. Thanks for the suggestions.

Joel that commentary looks very interesting. Thanks.

By: Joel H.

Joel H. — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:04:51 +0000

I would certainly consider the JPS commentary on Jonah, primarily because it's written by Dr. Uriel Simon, who in my opinion sets the gold standard for modern commentary. (And by the way, if you ever have a chance to hear Dr. Simon lecture, it's worth the trip.)

By: Mike Aubrey

Mike Aubrey — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:36:26 +0000

probably Goldingay on the Psalms – though it’s three volumes. For a one volume on the Psalms the best you can do is the new Expositor’s Bible Commentary volume on the Psalms by VanGemeren.

Proverbs – Tremper Longman & Bruce Waltke are both great. I prefer Waltke, but it’s again two volumes.

By: Scripture Zealot

Scripture Zealot — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:06:53 +0000

Me too. Next year I’m going to focus on the OT.
Jeff

By: T.C. R

T.C. R — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:58:56 +0000

Jeff, this is one area I’ve lagged behind in. I’m so NT-oriented.