The Book Of Proverbs: Chapters 1-15. (New International Commentary on the Old Testament) [Hardcover]

Bruce K. Waltke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 14, 2004

Over twenty-five years in the making, this much-anticipated commentary promises to be the standard study of Proverbs for years to come. Written by eminent Old Testament scholar Bruce Waltke, this two-volume commentary is unquestionably the most comprehensive work on Proverbs available.

Grounded in the new literary criticism that has so strengthened biblical interpretation of late, Waltke's commentary on Proverbs demonstrates the profound, ongoing relevance of this Old Testament book for Christian faith and life. A thorough introduction addresses such issues as text and versions, structure, authorship, and theology. The detailed commentary itself explains and elucidates Proverbs as "theological literature." Waltke's highly readable style -- evident even in his original translation of the Hebrew text -- makes his scholarly work accessible to teachers, pastors, Bible students, and general readers alike.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 729 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (October 14, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802825451
• ISBN-13: 978-0802825452
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 1.9 x 9.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #113,846 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bruce K. Waltke (PhD, Dallas Theological Seminary; PhD, Harvard Divinity School), acknowledged to be one of the outstanding contemporary Old Testament scholars, is professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida, and professor emeritus of biblical studies at Regent College in Vancouver. He has authored and coauthored numerous books, commentaries, and articles, and contributed to dictionaries and encyclopedias.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 46 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Definitive Evangelical Commentary on Proverbs June 2, 2005

By J. F Foster

Format:Hardcover

Bruce Waltke is an outstanding OT scholar, and one of the most respected. This 2 volume commentary on Proverbs is exhaustive and scholarly.

Waltke displays a brilliant command of OT narrative structures throughout this commentary. The average person picking up a Bible and reading Proverbs can easily conclude that Proverbs is little more than an extensive list of random sayings devoid of any real order or structure. Not so. Waltke repeatedly demonstrates how the chiastic structures that are found all over the place in Proverbs provide great order and reveal deep insights into what the writer was doing. Waltke's command of wisdom literature as a literary genre is also impressive, and adds "wisdom" to his commentary.

One can certainly read Proverbs and gain many insights without reading Waltke's commentary. But Waltke does a fantastic job in showing the structure of Proverbs and how its contents integrate with the rest of the Bible, particularly the OT. Waltke labored over this commentary for years, and the painstaking scholarship that went along with this is obvious from cover to cover. While a working knowledge of Hebrew would be a big help in digesting this commentary, even those with no training in the Hebrew language can still profit from the many insights Waltke provides. Pastors in particular should get this commentary, even pastors who aren't Hebrew scholars. Proverbs is a profound but too often misunderstood book. Waltke provides reliable and insightful guidance to the pastor who wants to responsibly preach out of Proverbs with the desire to edify his flock. Highly recommended.

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Wisdom of Proverbs December 18, 2004

By Jared P. Olivetti

Format:Hardcover

As a young preacher, I recently began preaching through the book of Proverbs; this book was pointed out to me, and it has been an invaluable aid since I purchased it.

Waltke demonstrates that he has thought long and passionately about God's book of wisdom. He brings to the reader solid exegesis, wide personal reading, and (most importantly) a belief in what the Bible says.

Although it may be too technical for those wanting an introductory commentary (you might do better looking at Derek Kidner's Tyndale contribution), Waltke's work will, on my bookshelf, set the standard for Proverbs commentaries.

...Can't wait until the second volume is published!

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of Waltke's Commentary on Proverbs March 30, 2006

By Warren T. Baldwin

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Bruce Waltke's commentary on Proverbs (2 vols.) provides indepth linguistic and theological insights into the text. We often read the individual proverbs as simply neat insights into life. The proverbs can be much more than this, though. The proverbs are the product of community reflection upon biblical teaching and everyday life. Waltke's treatment of the text helps the reader to look deeply into the use of specific words, including how they are used in other OT passages, and into the deeper theological meaning. I highly recommend both volumes.

Since this is a 2 volume treatment, there is sometimes more information than a reader might want. For a briefer treatment, but one that is also very helpful, I recommend Dave Bland's commentary on Proverbs published by College Press (Bland's text also includes Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs).