Commentary Type:

This is a technical/semi-technical commentary that provides both a detailed exegetical analysis of the Hebrew text and a variety of homiletical helps for applying the message of the text for today's hearers.

Structure and Features:

Robert Chisholm's Commentary on Jugdes and Ruth is organized in such a way as to provide the most help for the busy preacher or teacher who will use this volume to help in preparing to teach through these books for the benefit of the church.

Each Bible book gets a detailed and incredibly helpful introduction. Questions of authorship, date and genre are covered, as are practical concerns like what to make of the dates in Judges, and how best to understand the structure of the content in each book. Chisholm displays a concern for the literary and canonical context of these books, spending some time discussing where Ruth should fall in the order of the canonical order, and how each book fits into the larger themes of this section of the Bible. Included in the introduction are a survey of available commentaries for each book, and a helpful discussion of homilitecial strategies and a sample sermon series for each book.

After the introduction, each Bible book is divided into sections. Each section of the text is then methodically studied: first the translation (Chisholm's own, a slightly revised version of that he supplied for the NET Bible) is provided in segments, line by line — and arranged in such a way as to highlight the narrative structure. Clauses are categorized as "sequential" or "consequential," "resumptive" or "supplemental," "focusing" or "dramatic," and etc. Back in the introduction, Chisholm gives an explanation of the narrative structure of each book and which Hebrew grammatical clues (wayyiqtol and weqatal clauses, negated and asyndetic perfects, and more) lead him to these syntactical conclusions. Important translational and syntactical notes appear in the footnotes in this section (and the footnotes are nice and easy to read, as is the font throughout the volume).

After offering the text and structure, the commentary provides an outline and then discussion on the literary structure. Next is a detailed exposition section, followed by an application section which fleshes out the thematic emphases, theological principles, and offers homiletical trajetories and preaching ideas. Finally an extensive list of references follows to round out the volume.

Evaluation:

This is an accessible and immensely helpful volume. It is written with a pastoral heart. I appreciated its Christological emphasis, and willingness to examine the typological connections between Judges and Ruth and the other books of the Bible (as in Othniel's identity as the archetypal judge against whom David must measure up, and the echoes of Samson's shortcomings in Saul's inglorious career as outlined in the books of Samuel). The discussion on the dates in Judges was incredibly helpful, as was the section on the role of female characters in Judges, and how they pave the way for Hannah's account which opens up 1 Samuel.

Chisholm has a mastery when it comes to Hebrew grammar, and I appreciate how he interacts with the text and helps us see the narrative flow intended by the biblical author. His eye for literary connections and the interplay of various genres, make this volume more useful and full-orbed. His interaction with the full breadth of scholarship related to these books, inform and guide the reader in their study of the text.

This commentary is a must-have on every pastor's shelf. The combination of practical and homiletically helpful, with technical and exegetically robust is unmatched. No matter your level of familiarity with Hebrew, interacting with this volume will be worth your time. If you skip the footnotes and just interact with the text you will still be rewarded for your effort. I highly recommend you consider picking up this volume and exploring other titles in the Kregel Exegetical Library.

Disclaimer:

This book was provided by Kregel Academic. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.

Do you need a really quality commentary on Judges and Ruth? Look no farther than this latest in the Kregel Exegetical Commentary series, this time by Robert Chisholm. Mr. Chisholm has 30 years teaching this portion of Scripture under his belt and it shows. Though a major commentary, this volume is effectively aimed at pastors and teachers. Instead of the rubbish approach of "speculative fancy that litters the history of biblical higher criticism", he takes the superior and helpful "literary-theological" approach. That means he takes the text as he finds it! As a pastor, I am glad to have this book.

His Introduction for Judges is extensive and covers all the issues we might wonder about as well as the issues that scholars wrestle with. Chronological questions are the trickiest, but whether you finally come down where Mr. Chisholm did or not, you will for sure have the information to decide for yourself. The section entitled "What Is The Point Of Judges?" is exceptionally good. In addition, the section on female characters, of which Judges has many, is fascinating as a backdrop for the abject failure of men in those dark days. Preachers will love his suggestions on how to approach preaching the book as well.

The commentary itself is good. Just look at, for example, his explanation of Jeththah's vow or of the Levite and his concubine shows he will tackle hard passages with verve. He thoroughly gives the different viewpoints, yet never fails to argue passionately for his point of view. I so prefer that approach whether I agree with the commentator's conclusion or not.

He is equally as good on Ruth. I was unconvinced on his arguments against Daniel Block on the wrongness of Naomi's sons marrying Moabites, but feel I know the issues involved like never before. There is no skepticism here.

In this second release in this series, Kregel is batting one thousand. If they can keep this level of quality, I say keep them coming!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 .

Judges and Ruth is an Old Testament commentary, written by Robert B. Chisholm Jr. and published by Kregel Academic. Commentaries on Judges and Ruth can be either highly critical or devotional in nature. I therefore was pleasantly surprised when I read Chisholms work and found it to be on the conservative side while still engaging with high criticism scholarship. It has been a long time since a scholarly mostly conservative work has been published on the books of Judges and Ruth and Chisholm did not disappoint, although I expected a more lengthy work. Yet in the space he was given he used it wisely.

This commentary is the a newer edition of the emerging Kregel Exegetical Library Series, a series which is synonymous with through exegesis and spot on application, this volume not only continues this legacy, but truly propels it to new heights. This volume is one of the most articulate and practical commentaries on the historical books of which is usually bogged down by from criticism and or feminist propaganda. Furthermore Chisholm does answer these critical issues, something he does flawlessly by the way, he interacts with critical scholarship in a way most conservative commentators dont. From this it is easy to see why Chisholm is a highly regarded scholar and superior exegete.

Judges and Ruth has two main sections the typical general introduction, and then followed by a insightful exegetical commentaries on the books of Judges and Ruth. With regard to the general introduction it is the typical study into the introductory matters of the book and how they relate to the Bible as a whole. This is a serious scholarly work which dives into contextual as well as the as the different methodical approaches to study of this books of Judges and Ruth takes great care in carefully showing the original context of passage while applying it directly to the modern day reader. He uses his own translation of the Hebrew text, which demonstrates his knowledge of the original language. I do wish though that there was more application to some of the more difficult passages.

While I disagree with Chisholm on a few minor issues with regard to Old Testament date of writing, the arguments he makes are sound I just adhere to a earlier date of composition. Chisholm is innovate in his interpretation and application while staying stalwart in his commitment to orthodoxy. In the vein of recommending, Judges and Ruth, to others I would recommend this commentary to pastors and scholars, yet I would highly recommend pastors, such as myself, to pair this scholarly commentary with one that is one that has more of a pastoral tone. There are many commentaries about the book of Exodus available at this moment but Judges and Ruth of the Kregel Exegetical Library series is a very scholarly works worthy of your time.

This book was provided to me free of charge from Kregel in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.

Exodus: Kregel Exegetical Library

2013 by Robert B. Chisholm Jr.

Publisher: Eerdmans

Page Count: 697 Pages

ISBN: 978-0825425561