Customer Reviews

Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible 3 Volume Set

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Matthew Poole has put together a marvelous work. He separates the verses and the individual phrases within the verses to make his comments easy to follow and ideal for quick reference. The print is small, so there's a great deal of information on each page. Poole does a good job of referencing some of the other verses that pertain to a passage's particular subject matter. And the language is actually somewhat easy to read when compared with some of the other older commentaries.

One of the things I am especially pleased with is that, in some cases, he gives various interpretations of a word's meaning or sometimes even the whole point that is intended. It's not that he's swaying in his understanding. It seems to be a simple acknowledgement of uncertainty. So instead of guessing, as some do, he communicates the different perspectives. And often he will let the reader know to which interpretation he leans.

The only drawback is his comments sometimes lack enough detail. Anyone like me, who not only wants to know what it means but why, better be prepared to do the research if this is important. Poole doesn't always explain how he arrived at a particular understanding and he doesn't give a great deal of historical data either. But in researching these things myself, I generally find Poole to be on target with what I'm able to conclude.

In my opinion, either Matthew Poole or Matthew Henry is the first commentary set a student should consider, depending on preference. Both cover the whole Bible. Both are very handsome sets of books (unless you purchase the Matthew Henry commentary in one book). And most importantly both are the scholarly works of men who have a passion for God's word. However, I slightly favor Poole's comments simply because they're an easier read.

I recommend this work because 1) The excellent use of the scriptures themselves and not suspect outside sorces to illuminate verses and passages (i.e. He uses scripture to explain scripture - not a bunch of liberal PhD's ideas on what the Bible "might" say!) 2) Very vigorous and classic 17th Century prose is used througout the work. This commentary was published in the 1680's and still has marks of the quality of scholarship that produced the KJV. It is as engaging as reading Edward Gibbon. 3) It is printed with the Holy Text and the notes combined and negates the need to keep switching from a Bible back to the notes. These three factors themselves are the best reasons to purchase this work I can give you. Also you will not find it any cheaper that here at Amazon[.com]. [...]

I was very pleased with the commentary. It arrived a little before it was scheduled to so I was very excited. The books are in perfect shape and I love them.

Great compliment to the Matthew Henry Complete Commentary set or as an initial purchase. A definite valuable piece worth adding to your library.