Duane Garrett's Commentary on Exodus is the newest volume in the Kregel Exegetical Library. While primarily known for his work in Wisdom Literature (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs in
the NAC series, Song of Songs / Lamentations in the WBC, and a
forthcoming commentary on Job in the Evangelical Exegetical Commentary
series from Logos) as well as the Hosea and Joel volume in the NAC
series, readers here will be familiar with his textbook of Hebrew grammar (B&H).
A Commentary on Exodus is a brilliant exegetical commentary for pastors. And the Introduction makes this book a gem for pastoral and church libraries alone. Garrett there brings together Egyptian history, culture, language and geography with critical scholarship on reading the Book of Exodus as Christian Scripture. The most important feature of this commentary is that Garrett sets the text in its historical context. He offers "evidence and arguments over crucial questions", like the date of the exodus event and the location of the Sinai. But the most appealing part of all this is that Garrett reaffirms the reliability of the text, without distorting the evidence in order to produce a "conservative answer".
This truly is an exegetical commentary is the best of the tradition. Garrett offers a phrase-by-phrase translation and analysis of the Hebrew text of Exodus, while also refusing to ignore the New Testament and Christian doctrine.
In my opinion, the commentary is worth purchasing if for just the 145 page introduction to the Book of Exodus. If I were teaching a class on Exodus (or even the Pentateuch) I would assign this section as a textbook since it summarizes many of the key problems for interpreters of Exodus in a very readable format. He has a well-reasoned approach to thorny issues like the date of the exodus event itself and the Yam Suph issue. I'll leave readers to discover his conclusions, but they are spot-on.
I find this commentary to be one of the best commentaries produced on the biblical book of Exodus in a long, long time. As I've said, the introductory material is superlative and worth the price of the book alone. Garrett writes as a believer, yet as a scholar who is intimately aware of the historical complexities of the Book of Exodus. His comments on the Hebrew text are excellent and reflect an expert knowledge of Hebrew syntax and grammar. While these features may challenge some readers this commentary is nevertheless an excellent resource for pastors and teachers hoping to preach Exodus.
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I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.
A Commentary on Exodus is a brilliant exegetical commentary for pastors. And the Introduction makes this book a gem for pastoral and church libraries alone. Garrett there brings together Egyptian history, culture, language and geography with critical scholarship on reading the Book of Exodus as Christian Scripture. The most important feature of this commentary is that Garrett sets the text in its historical context. He offers "evidence and arguments over crucial questions", like the date of the exodus event and the location of the Sinai. But the most appealing part of all this is that Garrett reaffirms the reliability of the text, without distorting the evidence in order to produce a "conservative answer".This truly is an exegetical commentary is the best of the tradition. Garrett offers a phrase-by-phrase translation and analysis of the Hebrew text of Exodus, while also refusing to ignore the New Testament and Christian doctrine.
In my opinion, the commentary is worth purchasing if for just the 145 page introduction to the Book of Exodus. If I were teaching a class on Exodus (or even the Pentateuch) I would assign this section as a textbook since it summarizes many of the key problems for interpreters of Exodus in a very readable format. He has a well-reasoned approach to thorny issues like the date of the exodus event itself and the Yam Suph issue. I'll leave readers to discover his conclusions, but they are spot-on.
I find this commentary to be one of the best commentaries produced on the biblical book of Exodus in a long, long time. As I've said, the introductory material is superlative and worth the price of the book alone. Garrett writes as a believer, yet as a scholar who is intimately aware of the historical complexities of the Book of Exodus. His comments on the Hebrew text are excellent and reflect an expert knowledge of Hebrew syntax and grammar. While these features may challenge some readers this commentary is nevertheless an excellent resource for pastors and teachers hoping to preach Exodus.
__________________
I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.