Lawrence Boadt

Eerdmans Commentary on the Bible

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“The new Eerdmans Commentary on the Bible has many special strengths. The first is that it reflects the growing trend in current biblical scholarship to focus on the overall meaning of each book of the Bible. Top scholars provide all of the critical and historical information normally demanded of a good commentary, but rather than offer verse-by-verse analyses that too often become trapped on small points of exegesis, they examine the major literary units of each biblical book, showing how they fit together to form a dramatic unity. The second strength of this commentary is that it includes the Catholic deuterocanonical books, the pseudepigraphical book 1 Enoch, and the Qumran literature. A third strength is the book's very helpful extended essays on notable themes and issues in biblical studies interspersed within the commentaries themselves, such as the treatment of the special character of prophetic speech and the importance of the temple, both found in the introductory section of Isaiah. Overall, this is a very reader-friendly commentary that, at the same time, does not sacrifice anything of concern to scholars.”

Transforming Visions

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Tooman and Lyons present a wide range of significant scholars who address the key issue in Exilic and especially Ezekiel studies today--why and how did an almost total transformation of Israel's Religion take place during the Exile. Before exile, it was centered on active royal, ritualistic, and oracular activity; after exile, it centered on priestly-legislated and tradition-centered guidance of practical observance. The authors offer important insights on the concepts of idolatry, divine and human kingship, individual versus corporate moral responsibility, the role of divine holiness, the Exodus tradition, the importance of priestly viewpoints, and the way the Book of Ezekiel was written and enlarged. This single volume brings together all major trends in Ezekiel studies today.”