Customer Reviews

Eerdmans Commentary on the Bible

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The Eerdmans Commentary on the Bible, edited by James D.G. Dunn (University of Durham) and John W. Rogerson (University of Sheffield), is a monumental work, the latest in one-volume commentaries on the Bible. This is a huge book, over 1600 pages (any larger and it would have had to have been split, making it no longer a one-volume commentary).

My general practice is to disapprove of reliance on one commentary only. For depth and breadth of interpretation, one really needs to consult many different treatments of texts. However, for many, the limitations of time and finances prevent having a number of separate commentaries on individual biblical books, much less a range of commentaries on each one. I think that the Eerdmans Commentary on the Bible will be a good investment for those looking for insight and interpretation but who do not have the cause to invest in individual commentaries on each book of the Bible. It is best coupled with a Bible dictionary; fortunately, Eerdmans produced just a few years prior to this commentary a high-quality Bible dictionary, also, which would be a good companion.

The Eerdmans Commentary on the Bible claims to be the most complete one-volume commentary - actually, it claims to be the only one-volume commentary to include all canonical texts (which is a claim that depends upon your definition of canonical). It includes all 66 of the traditional Protestant Bible arranged in typical Christian order, with the books of the Old Testament Apocrypha, and the Pseudepigraphic text of I Enoch. There are essays introducing each broad area of textual type or division:

Pentateuch
Prophetic Literature
Pseudepigrapha
Gospels
New Testament Letters
New Testament Apocrypha
Dead Sea Scrolls and the Hebrew Bible
Dead Sea Scrolls and the New Testament

There are also more general essays on each of the testaments dealing with tradition, history, literary, and other considerations. These give brief but helpful histories of the development of the canon, the history of interpretation, and other context-setting information.

This work does not attempt a verse-by-verse explication of the biblical text; such would be beyond the scope of a one-volume commentary generally. It instead breaks the biblical text into sections of natural meaning (pericopes) and works to clarify each, also relating it back to the rest of the wider text. When there are subjects that beg for further clarification but are beyond the scope of this work, the authors include key questions or topics as well as suggestions for further readings.

Among the more useful features of the text are wonderful, up-to-date bibliographies at the conclusion of each book or essay, general essays on various topics throughout the text, and a very extensive index making subject referencing easy to do. One suggestion would be the incorporation of more maps and diagrams; particularly when talking about texts that relate to each other (the Joshua-Kings history vs. Chronicles; the synoptic gospels, etc.) a more graphical layout occasionally could help. While this text is the work of nearly 70 biblical scholars of note, it has a well-done common readability and engaging style, a credit to the editors.

The primary translation as the basis for this commentary is the New Revised Standard Version, but most scholars contributing used original language texts as a primary source for their analysis, so many ideas will be fresh and new, unique to this volume.

This text will be useful to students, pastors, scholars and interested laypersons. The language is primarily non-technical without being lacking in informative power. The interpretations presented include traditional and modern views, and the commentators are generally fair at presenting the strengths and weakness of all views presented.

This is a good text to have on one's shelf, and I already find myself reaching for it on a regular basis to supplement my other commentaries, or for quick overviews for insight and clarity.

This commentary is difficult to describe. Overall it's one of the best I've read (and I've read my fair share), but at the same time it's not for the undiscerning reader. One must be studied enough to `separate the wheat from the chaff'. The editors make no apology for including contributors from "a wide variety of backgrounds and faith traditions." (Preface), some of them quite liberal in their view of Scripture.

For example, in the introductory article to the Pentateuch, David Noel Freedman explicitly rejects Mosaic authorship ("...a Mosaic date for the composition of the Pentateuch [is] untenable." p. 26) and instead embraces the Documentary Hypothesis, which he proceeds to cover at length.

Likewise, in the introduction to Isaiah, Margaret Barker discusses how "modern scholarship" (a favorite phrase of many contributors) has revealed what we know as the book of Isaiah to be the work of three separate authors (of whom Isaiah is one and the other two are unknown) at three separate periods of history.

I've found these kinds of theories to be based on dubious grounds when closely scrutinized, but that's another discussion.

Likewise, miracles are sometimes called into serious question. Consider David Tomes' commentary regarding Elijah on Mt. Carmel:
"Did such a decisive confrontation really take place? The major difficulty lies in believing that a miracle of this kind could have occurred. But there is also the problem that a generation later Baal worship had to be eradicated from Israel all over again, in a much more down-to-earth way (2 Kgs 10:15-27). Perhaps we should regard the story as a dramatization of beliefs and hopes about the relationship between Yahweh and other gods rather than as verifiable history." P. 263

Some comments are down right scary. Regarding Elisha's miracle of making the axe head float (2 Kings 6:1-7), he even suggests that, rather than God, the author wants us to believe that some inherent metaphysical force of nature was responsible for the miracle:
"... we are probably intended to understand that the new stick (cf. the new bowl in 2:20) had magical properties which made the ax head float." P. 268

How does one approach such a commentary? It contains some of the best scholarship I've seen anywhere, yet also some of the worst. From the same contributor can come comments that shock, yet at other times remarkable insight and genuine scholarship. As I said before, the reader must separate the wheat from the chaff.

I am a beginner in bible study, although I have been reading and praying Scripture for several years. The Eerdman's Commentary has clear articles, well written and yet not too lofty, so that a person with my scholastic background can reap much fruit. As I am Catholic, the articles on the Deuterocanonical books--the Apocryphal Books to non-Catholic or non-Orthodox Christians--are most appreciated. I would recommend this commentary to any of my fellow Catholics as a useful addition to their research libraries.

This commentary has helped in the understanding of many Bible passages. It is a great asset when doing research papers and group projects. Was recommended in one of my textbooks from school...checked amazon and it was in stock...I never have a problem with finding what I want book wise on Amazon. Great supply of books, and great service and shipping.

If you are looking to get back to the basic beliefs of the bible and get away from all of the "Doctrine" of the bible, this is a good place to start. I must tell you I am a biblical monotheist. So I believe that Christ was human and not God. So I may read it looking for different information than a trinitarian would. However I feel that no matter your belief it will help you advance your understanding into the earlier systems that were used. There are parts that show the trinity in the bible which I would not agree with. However the biggest jem I have found in it is the breakdown of John 1:1. It brings the wisdom theology of John to the fore front and shows what the word really is. James Dunn was involved in this work and has written some great books himself about Jesus and the beliefs of those who followed him. Did the early Christians believe jesus was God and the theology of paul. I have them both and have not finished reading the theology of Paul but did enjoy the Jesus book and am enjoying the Paul book.
So if you are looking to add to your knowledge and maybe have your beliefs challenged in some ways pick it up. It is very affordable and a great addition to any library of those who love learning!!

I did not know what to expect when ordering this book. But, it has exceeded all my expectations and it is so interesting that I can't find enough time for reading. If a person has any interest at all in Bibical History or an intellectual discussion of Christianity, this book, in my opinion, is a must read. It's size is impressive and subject to friends comments but the many understandings belong to me.

This is an important, well-researched, contemporary single volume commentary on the Bible ideal for most Bible students!

This commentary is a great idea for anyone looking for a one volume commentary, rather than a multi-volume set. it is a detailed and extensive volume, including all the essential information you need.

Although our Catholic Church's doctrine differs in some ways from the opinions of the writers and several books contained in the Catholic bible are not mentioned, the vast majority of the information presented is of tremendous value to us as we strive to enrich our lives through our studies. I highly recommend Eerdmans Commentary on the Bible.