Review of Osborne's commentary on Matthew (ZECNT)

The Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New testament is a new series of commentaries that is a welcome addition to both pastor and biblical scholar alike. (disclaimer: I have received this commentary series for gratis in order to review the commentary). One of my seminary professors commonly reminds us “Start with the text, and not the commentary”. Thankfully, the commentary allows one to do both at the same time. That is, what is unique about this commentary is that it provides close detail to the Greek text. Further, it comes beyond just a verse by verse,and provides an exegetical outline. It allows one to not lose sight of the forest amongst the trees if you will. Each section additionally adds information of the literary context, main idea, translation, structure and literary form, explanation, and application sections. Pastors preparing for sermons will perfectly find the “theology in application” helpful. Some of the sections seem somewhat divergent from the text. But as long as the pastor examines the text, this shouldn’t be much of an issue. This commentary series really combines the best of both worlds, by providing homiletic guidance with the application section, but grounding both sermon preparation as well as scholarly work with the exegetical, translation, structure, etc sections. Fine job indeed.

Review of ZIBBCOT vol. 2

For a Newbie to Comparative Studies, Zondervan's new commentary series is a wonderful introduction. Edited by John Walton and bringing together an international team of 30 specialists, the new Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary Old Testament (ZIBBCOT) is a welcome addition to any library. As a current MDIv student, I have often been reminded the importance of studying the context of a given passage or book. However (and I think I can speak for most of my classmates), we were left wondering how one really goes about studying the historical context. Exegetical and grammatical analysis, there is a plethora of books and commentaries to turn to. Even literary context there have been several series of commentaries and even study bibles to look at. However, when it comes to the historical context, most students are amiss to what resources are available that they can delve more deeply in. An archaeology text? Pick up some ANE language? Nothing seems very accessible for the student of the bible who desires a better grasp of the OT passages at hand. For the most part, students must rely upon their professor’s uncommon references to comparative studies. For the non-seminary Christian, it becomes even more difficult to know where to turn to.

Volume 2 (covering Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Samuel) that I received (thanks to the publisher!) begins with an introductory essay on comparative studies. In it, John Walton describes the various erroneous ways comparative studies have been regarded. A third approach, however, is to see that there is “nothing inherently damaging to orthodox theology and beliefs about the Bible if its authors were interacting at various levels with the literature current in the culture” (viii). I have been excited, therefore, to read through this incredible volume and for me, an introduction to how comparative studies can be used to enhance exegetical work of the OT text. Further, I imagine it will do the Church a great service in helping teachers and pastors appropriate legitimate applications within the bounds of the original context. Each page has full color photos of geography, archaeological finds, and maps. This will be helpful, in particular, for the visual learner. At relevant points, the volume also provides detailed charts bringing in ANE situations contemporary to the given OT text. I can tell that this volume will be a treasure in my library, and will soak up much of my time as I enjoy dwelling in the OT text and its context!