A Commentary on 1 & 2 Chronicles begins with an introduction to the literary tradition of the Chronicler's history, and focuses on those typical introductory matters one finds in commentaries -- such as the historical and cultural setting, authorship, genre, canonical placement, etc. But he also tackles some significant themes that are normally overlooked in the other standard commentary sets: The structure and sources of the book (1 & 2 Chronicles form one literary tradition in the Hebrew Bible), textual criticism of the book, and the theology of the Chronicler. I was particularly impressed with Merrill's thorough list of annotated bibliography entries -- which makes A Commentary on 1 & 2 Chronicles an essential resource for students and scholars.
The commentary itself is both well-written and well-formatted. It's a highly accessible -- yet thorough -- treatment of the Hebrew text in which the author provides a fresh English translation of selected verses (which, in my opinion, is much to be preferred over the alternative text from the NIV that's also offered). I can only wish the next edition will offer a complete translation from Merrill.
The commentary also contains several excursus sections, particularly related to the theology of the Monarchy contained in Chronicles. Those are the sections that I found most exciting to read. Merrill offers meticulous and thorough accounts of the theology of that tradition, and make this commentary one of the best, most recent texts on an already poorly-read and -appreciated Old Testament literary tradition.
__________________
I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.