In 2024 I managed to read a commentary on every book of the Bible. For some, I read more than one (1 Peter, Ezra/Nehemiah, Ephesians, Matthew, several of the minor prophets, and Ecclesiastes), whereas many commentaries cover more than one book (Judges & Ruth, The Three Pastoral Epistles, The Minor Prophets, Ezra/Nehemiah, and so on). So despite reading 66 books of the Bible, I actually only read 56 books of commentary – and some of those were duplicates (often where I was working on a commentary for work!). I worked through one two-volume commentary (Gordon Wenham’s Word Biblical Commentary on Genesis), and one three-volume commentary (Allen P. Ross’s Kregel Exegetical Library commentary on Psalms).
Of those 56, I didn’t review quite as many as intended – I will attempt to get a few of those out in the coming weeks – but had a fairly settled ‘Top Ten’. In no particular order (Though the volumes in the Top Five of this Top Ten are definitely the Top Five – with a couple making it into my Top Twenty Books of 2024), here they are. I’m basically repeating my comments from my longer roundup post, and then commenting a little on who this commentary might be particularly good for.
1 – Habakkuk [CSC], by Susan Maxwell Booth. As I wrote in my roundup of books of the Year, ‘Does the world need (another) 400ish page commentary, on Habakkuk? Well this is a feast – Christological, missiological, canonically aware and very readable for something so well researched. A gem. Also very nicely physically produced. 5/5′. As I wrote in my review: “I think that Maxwell Booth has done a service to the church in calmly and carefully providing a deeply theological, deeply missiological, real and canonically sensitive reading of the book of Habakkuk. I hope that it is widely read, and that it will become a ‘Standard’ (Series title pun very much intended) commentary on this provocative, vital and fascinating ‘Minor Prophet’.” This is a commentary that I would say is essential for preachers, but also a model for careful work. Highly recommended.
2 – Job [EBTC], by Barry G. Webb. A very readable commentary on Job. A good EBTC with well integrated BT. Webb writes beautifully and even where I don’t agree with his interpretation or theology, he is clear and fair in his working. A gift to preachers, I think, though quite light on bibliography. 4/5 (4.5 – see my review for more). This commentary was a pleasure to read, too, which is not as common as it should be! I would recommend this to those thinking of preaching through Job, as well as those wanting to work through Job devotionally.
3 – 1 Corinthians [NIGTC], by Anthony Thiselton. This was epic, in many ways. It is less readable than the shorter, but it is comprehensive, robust, and deeply theological. Linguistic too. A masterclass in commentary. I wish I had the HB! (Tho a 1.4k page pb is a feat of book engineering) 5/5. Most readers will find his shorter version sufficient – I rated it highly when I read it in 2023. This is a commentary to buy as a reference – I’ve had it for over a decade, dipped into it at least once a year, and really enjoyed reading it through.
4 – James [TNTC], by Doug Moo. If you are looking for a commentary on/to James, this is a hard one to beat. Concise, clear, readable and with a remarkably comprehensive intro for the format. A TNTC gem. 5/5. This is a commentary worth having on your shelf whether you are a preacher, or just someone looking to dig into the Bible better. It is concise and clear.
5 – The Book of Jeremiah [NICOT], by John Goldingay. Unexpectedly enjoyed this doorstop from Goldingay (having been disappointed by his Proverbs CCF volume, above, and also his Lamentations contribution to this series). I didn’t agree with it all, by any means, but he was extraordinarily readable, often fun, well read, and theologically engaging. A seriously impressive achievement. 5/5. I’d recommend this commentary to preachers given Goldingay’s ability to surprise the reader, and even to serious Bible readers wanting to engage with this long and complex book of Scripture. This is also a book that I think does a rare thing in bridging the concerns of the academy and the church – and so is a model, I’d suggest, for early career scholars seeking to do faithful and serious work in Biblical studies, particularly Old Testament/Jeremiah.
6 – Esther [JPS], Adele Berlin. A wonderful if idiosyncratic reading experience. First time through one of these (previously used for reference). A superb and concise commentary – obviously from a Jewish perspective – but WELL worth Christian preachers engaging with. Cast new light on Esther for me. 4/5. My review expands on this. A commentary (And series) worth exploring if you are a preacher or student.
7 – The Second Letter to the Corinthians [PNTC], by Mark Seifrid. This was delightful. An engaging, readable and warm read. A devotional and theological gem. Definitely a top pick for me on 2 Cor – and a contender for a top commentary spot generally. Seifried writes well and nails the PNTC pitch. 5/5. I’d suggest that this is not only a great commentary for a preacher, but also well worth considering for someone looking to dig in deeper to 2 Corinthians for devotional work and even Bible study preparation. Whilst the Pillar series ‘looks’ like a technical commentary, the warmth of the authors and their care for Christ and love of the text makes them a rare beast. Recommended.
8 – Leviticus [TOTC], by Jay Sklar. A very good commentary on Leviticus from Jay Sklaar. Nails, in my view, the TOTC pitch, and does some good biblical-theological and ethical explanation. 5/5. I enjoyed this – and will at some point look out Sklar’s longer commentary on Leviticus in Zondervan’s Exegetical series. Sklar keeps things moving well, and it’s short length means it is accessible for those new to preaching or Bible study, whilst his careful work makes it rewarding for the more experienced preacher.
9 – Deuteronomy [NIBC], by Christopher J. H. Wright. This was superb. A genuinely excellent commentary, and a very readable one. Rare balance – though perhaps typical Wright – of exegesis and application. Good Biblical Theology woven throughout. Additional notes often helpful and crucially not disrupting flow. 5/5. This series has somewhat had it’s day, but Wright’s contribution is a somewhat hidden gem. Ideal for preachers and Bible students (both on courses and those of us seeking to read the Bible better).
10 – The David Story, by Robert Alter. A wonderfully readable translation of 1+2 Samuel (and 1 Kings 1+2). Alters translation is the star here – for readability – with a minimalist commentary adding some useful notes. If I were preaching the text, this would be a fun way to read through. 4/5. Alter’s translations are always a pleasure to read – even if sometimes deliberately jarring and fresh. His commentary is sparse – these are perhaps best suited to those thinking about translating for themselves/starting a preaching series, but could be a good devotional aid for some.
I hope this Top Ten was of interest – whatever your interest or involvement in commentaries! In 2025 I’m working through the Bible canonically again. But differently, I’m doing the whole Bible alongside the NIV Application Commentary One Volume Edition, and the New Testament alongside The New Testament in Color. I’m hoping this will provide an interesting contrast to reading commentaries, as well as mean even on a busy day I can think a little deeper about the piece of the Bible I’m reading that day. I’m still on the lookout for a commentary on a few books of the Bible – and with a few months before I get to them, I’d be glad of your recommendations/suggestions for commentaries on the below:
- Proverbs – I’ve read Overland’s Apollos volume, Longman’s Baker volume, and Goldingay’s CCF volume. Open to a more technical commentary this year.
- Ecclesiastes – I’ve read Fredericks Apollos entry, Ortlund’s Hodder volume, and Heim’s TOTC. I’ve ordered Chris Wright’s ‘Hearing the Message’‘, but would like a more technical one.
- Daniel – I’ve read Lucas’s Apollos volume, House’s TOTC, the ESVEC, and Sprinkle’s EBTC. Open to either technical or pastoral – or something off the wall!
- James – I’ve red Blomberg and Kamell’s ZECNT, Moo’s NIVAC, Motyer’s BST, Adewuya’s Global Readings volume, and Moo’s TNTC. I’d planned on the NIGTC this year, but open to an alternative.
- 1, 2 and 3 John. I’ve waded through Derickson’s EEC, and appreciated Kruse’s PNTC. I might read Stott’s TNTC this year, but am open to an alternative of any kind! With it likely coming later in my year’s reading, feel free to suggest books publishing in 2025!
Do drop me a line in the comments below!
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