The Jews were threatened with genocide. A decree ordered the extermination of young and old, women and children. The place: Persia. The time: fifth century B.C. The book of Esther describes how this crisis was averted through the bravery of Esther, the wisdom of her stepfather and the unity of the Jewish people. It also reveals the God who quietly--and sometimes unexpectedly--works behind the scenes to order the events of our lives.

This original edition of the Tyndale Commentary on Esther by Joyce Baldwin, draws out the beauty and power of this book by discussing its background, structure and theology, and by providing a passage-by-passage analysis of its contents.

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these volumes retain their original text now retypeset in a larger format. As always, they continue to aim at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.

Reviews

The place: Persia. The time: fifth-century BC. The Jews were threatened with genocide. A decree ordered the extermination of young and old, women and children. The book of Esther describes how this crisis was averted through the bravery of Esther, the wisdom of Mordecai and the unity of the Jewish people. Debra Reid's approachable commentary helps us see even more clearly in the book of Esther the God who quietly --and sometimes unexpectedly-- works behind the scenes to order the events of our lives.

This completely new volume replaces the previous editon of Esther in the Tyndale Commentary series written by Joyce Baldwin.

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these volumes retain their original text now retypeset in a larger format. As always, they continue to aim at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.

Reviews

Exodus, Cole says, is "the centre of the Old Testament." It recounts the supreme Old Testament example of the saving acts of God, narrates the instituting of Passover and enshrines the giving of God's law. It portrays Moses, the prototype of all Israel's prophets, and Aaron, the first high priest.

The book of Exodus is especially important to Christians because Christ fulfilled its great themes: He accomplished God's greatest act of deliverance. He became the passover lamb. He sealed a new covenant with his blood. "No book therefore will more repay careful study, if we wish to understand the central message of the New Testament, than this book."

The original, unrevised text of this volume has been completely retypeset and printed in a larger, more attractive format with the new cover design for the series.

Reviews

Dive into one of the foundational texts of the Old Testament with Exodus, part of the Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries series. Paul Williamson offers a careful and clear treatment of this foundational text, with its overarching focus on the relationship between the Lord and Israel, Abraham's offspring and heirs to God's promises. Exodus is especially important to Christians because in the New Testament Christ fulfilled its great themes: he accomplished God's greatest act of deliverance, became the Passover lamb and sealed a new covenant with his blood. This commentary shows how the story and theology of Exodus continue to speak of God's faithfulness to his people today. This volume is ideal for the preacher, minister, Bible teacher or anyone serious about studying the Bible who is eager to enhance his or her understanding of Exodus. Deepen your study and grow in your faith as you uncover the rich themes of God's deliverance and covenant with His people.

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries are designed to help the reader of the Bible understand what the text says and what it means. The introduction to each book gives a concise but thorough treatment of its authorship, date, original setting, and purpose. Following a structural analysis, the commentary takes the book section by section, drawing out its main themes, and also comments on individual verses and problems of interpretation. Additional notes provide fuller discussion of particular difficulties.

Reviews

"For most Bible readers Ezekiel is almost a closed book," writes John Taylor. "Their knowledge of him extends little further than his mysterious vision of God's chariot-throne, with its wheels within wheels, and the vision of the valley of the dry bones."

"Otherwise his book is as forbidding in its size as the prophet himself is in the complexity of his make-up," Taylor goes on. "In its structure, however, if not in its thought and language, the book of Ezekiel has a basic simplicity, and its orderly framework makes it easy to analyze."

Taylor, in the introduction to this analysis of Ezekiel, sketches a portrait of the prophet and his times, carefully placing the book and its prophecies within their historical settings. He also provides an overview of the books themes and a clear outline of its contents.

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these volumes retain their original text now retypeset in a larger format. As always, they continue to aim at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.

Reviews

The chequered story of the Kings, lasting nearly five centuries, ended disastrously in 587 BC with the sack of Jerusalem, the fall of the monarchy, and the removal to Babylonia of all that made Judah politically viable. It was a death to make way for a rebirth.

This study of the closely related books of Ezra and Nehemiah charts the Jews' return from exile to Jerusalem and the beginnings of that rebirth. As the drama unfolds, above all and through all, we see the good hand of God at work.

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries are designed to help the reader of the Bible understand what the text says and what it means. The Introduction to each book gives a concise but thorough treatment of its authorship, date, original setting and purpose. Following a structural analysis, the commentary takes the book section by section, drawing out its main themes, and also comments on individual verses and problems of interpretation. Additional notes provide fuller discussion of particular difficulties. In the new Old Testament volumes, the commentary on each section of the text is structured under three headings: 'Content', 'Comment' and 'Meaning'. The goal is to explain the true meaning of the Bible and make its message plain.

Geert W. Lorein is professor of Old Testament studies at Evangelische Theologische Faculteit, Leuven, Belgium. He is the author of The Antichrist Theme in the Intertestamental Period and a contributor to Presence, Power and Promise.

"The chequered story of the Kings, a matter of nearly five centuries, had ended disastrously in 587 B.C. with the sack of Jerusalem, the fall of the monarchy and the removal to Babylonia of all that made Judah politically viable. It was a death to make way for a rebirth." So begins Derek Kidner in this introduction and commentary to the books of Ezra and Nehemiah which chart the Jews' return from exile to Jerusalem and the beginnings of that rebirth.

As the drama unfolds, we see how international politics, nationalist pride, wise leadership, political intrigue and opportunism, internal dissension and compromise all shape events. But above all and through all we see the good hand of God at work.

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these volumes retain their original text now retypeset in a larger format. As always, they continue to aim at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.

Reviews

Genesis--the Bible's account of human origins and the harbinger of human destiny--is a book teeming with critical problems. Who wrote it? When? Does the account of creation square with modern science? What about Adam and Eve? Derek Kidner not only provides a running exegetical commentary, but lucidly handles the tough issues that Genesis raises. His clear prose and theological insight will expand readers' understanding of God's character and of human nature and destiny.

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these volumes retain their original text now retypeset in a larger format. As always, they continue to aim at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.

Reviews

Genesis is a book of origins: of the world, of sin, of God's promise of redemption, and of the people of Israel. It traces God's pledge of a Savior through Abraham's line down to his great-grandson Judah. It serves as a foundation for the New Testament and its teaching that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise to save humankind from sin and death. In this Tyndale Commentary, Andrew Steinmann offers a thorough exegetical commentary on Genesis, including a reconstructed timeline of events from Abraham's life through to the death of Joseph.

The Tyndale Commentaries are designed to help the reader of the Bible understand what the text says and what it means. The Introduction to each book gives a concise but thorough treatment of its authorship, date, original setting, and purpose. Following a structural Analysis, the Commentary takes the book section by section, drawing out its main themes, and also comments on individual verses and problems of interpretation. Additional Notes provide fuller discussion of particular difficulties.

In the new Old Testament volumes, the commentary on each section of the text is structured under three headings: Context, Comment, and Meaning. The goal is to explain the true meaning of the Bible and make its message plain.

Andrew E. Steinmann is Distinguished Professor of Theology and Hebrew at Concordia University, Chicago. He is the author of numerous books including From Abraham to Paul: A Biblical Chronology, and commentaries on 1 and 2 Samuel, Ezra and Nehemiah, Proverbs and Daniel.

Despite the return of the Hebrews from the Babylonian exile, selfishness, apathy and despair crippled their community spirit. In response to this distress, God raised up three prophetic voices in Jerusalem. Haggai rallied the people to rebuild the Second Temple. Zechariah was given visions of the return of the glory of the Lord to Zion. Malachi preached repentance, covenant justice and restoration of proper temple worship. Andrew Hill's excellent commentary on these oracles shows how they remain timely for the Christian church’s worship and mission in the world.

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these volumes retain their original text now retypeset in a larger format. As always, they continue to aim at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.

Reviews

A wanton and adulterous woman repeatedly spurns the love of her youth. Her betrayed and grieving husband offers forgiveness and seeks to restore the intimacy of their first love.

Bold imagery indeed for telling the story of God and his people. Bolder still when God calls a prophet to enflesh this divine suffering and redeeming forgiveness in his own marriage. Yet this remarkable story sets the stage for Hosea's message of God's enduring love, his righteous judgement and his persistent offer of reconciliation.

This commentary explores the historical, cultural, literary and theological dimensions of the book of Hosea. Distilled from a career of biblical scholarship, theological reflection and masterful teaching, David Hubbard has been studying, teaching and thinking about Hosea for a long time. He frankly admits he can't imagine himself "as a human being, let alone as a believing person, without the deposit of Hosea's political, moral and spiritual insights." Find out why.

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these volumes retain their original text now retypeset in a larger format. As always, they continue to aim at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.

Reviews

An adulterous woman repeatedly spurns the love of her youth, while her betrayed husband offers forgiveness and seeks to win her back and restore the intimacy of their first love. With this bold and uncomfortable imagery, Hosea tells the story of God and his people. The message is made more poignant as God calls the prophet to embody this divine suffering and redeeming forgiveness in his own marriage. Hosea’s own story thus sets the stage for his message of God’s faithful and enduring love, his righteous judgement and also his continuing offer of reconciliation and a new beginning. Robin Routledge’s commentary explores the historical, cultural, literary and theological dimensions of the book, and offers a guide to its continuing message of judgement, hope and restoration.

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, they continue to aim at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.

Robin Routledge is formerly the Senior Lecturer in Old Testament, Director of Research and Academic Dean at Mattersey Hall. He is the author of Old Testament Introduction and Old Testament Theology and the co-editor of As Long as the Earth Endures and Bible and Mission. He is also a contributor to Presence, Power and Promise and the IVP Dictionary of the Old Testament: Prophets.

The book of Isaiah is perhaps the most compelling of all Old Testament prophecy. No other prophet rivals Isaiah's brilliance of style, powerful imagery and clear vision of the messianic hope.

Isaiah's prophetic ministry begins with his temple vision and calling: "I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send?'" Through a series of oracles Isaiah calls Israel and the nations to turn to the Lord, for judgment is coming. He announces that redemption is found in the Davidic Servant alone. Finally, in the "day of vengeance and the year of redemption" the Anointed Conqueror will punish rebellious peoples, comfort the contrite and reestablish the glory of Zion.

Unlike many Isaiah commentators who divide the book between chapters 1-39 and 40-66, Motyer instead identifies three messianic portraits: the King (Isaiah 1-37), the Servant (Isaiah 38-55), and the Anointed Conqueror (Isaiah 56-66). This volume provides Motyer's lucid exposition on these three portraits, examining Isaiah with insightful and probing passage-by-passage commentary.

All who study the text of Isaiah will find here expert scholarship and solid footing for unraveling difficult issues of exegesis and interpretation.

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these volumes retain their original text now retypeset in a larger format. As always, they continue to aim at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.

Reviews

No other prophetic book rivals Isaiah's clear message, powerful imagery and confident hope in God's future deliverance. In this cogent, section-by-section commentary, Wegner explores Isaiah's vision of God's glory and holiness, highlighting the unified message of the book with its three introductions and refrains. Showing how both parts illuminate God's glorious plan for his people and its relevance for today, this book is perfect for anyone wanting to dig deeper into Isaiah.

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, they continue to aim at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.

Paul D. Wegner (PhD, Kings College, University of London) is Distinguished Professor of Old Testament at Gateway Seminary, Ontario, California, USA, with a speciality in the study of Isaiah. He taught at Phoenix Seminary for eleven years and, before that, at Moody Bible Institute for nearly thirteen years. He is the author of A Student´s Guide to Textual Criticism, The Journey from Texts to Translations, Using Old Testament Hebrew in Preaching and An Examination of Kingship and Messianic Expectation in Isaiah 1-35.

Despite the themes of doom and destruction, the primary message of Jeremiah is one of the love and grace of a God who never gives up on those he has called to be his own. The prophet's life is characterized by suffering, but he points to a new beginning, a new covenant and a new hope, eventually made possible through the unique Suffering Servant. Lamentations powerfully expresses personal and national suffering. Yet, even in these utterances of desperate grief, there are glimpses of hope.

Lifting out these significant but understated themes in Jeremiah and Lamentations, this commentary by Hetty Lalleman opens our eyes to an important chapter in salvation history.

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these volumes retain their original text now retypeset in a larger format. As always, they continue to aim at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.

Reviews

For Francis Andersen, the Old Testament book about Job is one of the supreme offerings of the human mind to the living God, and one of the best gifts of God to humanity. "The task of understanding it is as rewarding as it is strenuous. . . . One is constantly amazed at its audacious theology and at the magnitude of its intellectual achievement. Job is a prodigious book in the vast range of its ideas, in its broad coverage of human experience, in the intensity of its passion, in the immensity of its concept of God, and not least in its superb literary craftsmanship. . . . From one man's agony it reaches out to the mystery of God, beyond words and explanations."

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these volumes retain their original text now retypeset in a larger format. As always, they continue to aim at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.

Reviews

Joel's arresting imagery – blasting trumpet, darkened sun and marching hosts – has shaped the church's eschatological vision of a day of wrath. Amos's ringing indictments – callous oppression, heartless worship and self-seeking gain – have periodically awakened the conscience of God's people. Two thousand five hundred years later, those prophetic words still speak powerfully. Tchavdar Hadjiev’s commentary on the books of Joel and Amos examines their literary features, historical context, theology and ethics.

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, they continue to aim at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.

Tchavdar Hadjiev is a lecturer in Old Testament and Hebrew, Belfast Bible College, an Honorary Lecturer at Queen's University, Belfast, and a visiting Lecturer at the Continental Theological Seminary, Brussels, Belgium. Prior to joining BBC in 2011 he taught Old Testament at the Bulgarian Evangelical Theological Institute and served as the Academic Dean of the United Theological Faculty. He is the author of The Composition and Redaction of the Book of Amos (de Gruyter) and the Joel, Obadiah, Habakkuk and Zephaniah volume of the T & T Clark Study Guide to the Old Testament.

Joel's arresting imagery--blasting trumpet, darkened sun and marching hosts--has shaped the church's eschatological vision of a day of wrath.

Amos's ringing indictments--callous oppression, heartless worship and self-seeking gain--have periodically awakened the conscience of God's people.

Twenty-five-hundred years after they were first born, those prophetic words never fail to awaken and arrest. Viewed against the background of their culture and society, artistry and context, these visions and oracles take on even more vibrant colors and cleaner lines.

This commentary is a valuable guide to the fascinating world and challenging word of these two prophets. Ever mindful of the wider context and composition of these ancient but living texts, David Hubbard shows how Joel and Amos addressed Israel's mind and heart.

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these volumes retain their original text now retypeset in a larger format. As always, they continue to aim at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.

Reviews

The book of Joshua memorializes a transitional episode in Israel's national history. The heroic figure Joshua, imbued with strength, courage and faith, leads the new generation of Israel across the Jordan and into the land of promise, conquering Canaanites and overseeing the allotment of the inheritance among the tribes.

But the book of Joshua is foremost a story of God, who works powerfully on behalf of Israel and Joshua, fulfilling his covenant promises. It is God who leads Israel across the Jordan, God who defeats Israel's enemies and God who presides over the apportionment of the land. And so in the final chapter it is God who receives Israel's worshipful recommitment at Shechem.

In this Tyndale Old Testament Commentary, Richard S. Hess explores these historical, theological and literary dimensions of the book of Joshua. An exceptional feature of his commentary is his careful consideration of the allocation of the Promised Land and the boundary lists the book of Joshua so prominently displays. And in a day when grave doubts have been raised over the historicity of the "conquest" story, Hess presents historical and archaeological evidence for placing the events of Joshua in the late second millennium B.C.

Reviews

The book of Judges presents Israel's human frailty, the nation's need for both spiritual and political deliverance, and God's use of flawed human leaders to guide and preserve his chosen people through a dark period of their history. The book of Ruth tells a smaller story within this larger narrative, showing God quietly at work in the lives of a few pious individuals, remaining true to his covenant and his people.

Arthur Cundall and Leon Morris join forces in this introduction and commentary to the books of Judges and Ruth. Cundall expounds and comments on Judges in a clear, straightforward style, giving a good overall perspective to the book's varied contents. In the introduction he discusses the place of the book in the canon, its composition structure and date, taking into account pertinent archaeological evidence. He also discusses briefly the political, religious and moral questions raised by the book.

Morris follows the same pattern for Ruth. His introduction and commentary will appeal to both specialist and general reader as he discusses the problems of the book, showing the light shed on it by recent archaeological research. In particular he forcibly brings out the book's present relevance.

Reviews

The book of Judges presents Israel’s frailty, the nation’s need for deliverance, and God’s use of flawed leaders to guide his chosen people through a dark period of their history. The book of Ruth tells a smaller story within this narrative, showing God quietly at work in the lives of a few individuals. Mary Evans’s Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries: Judges and Ruth places each book in its historical and canonical context, examines key theological themes, and addresses issues facing twenty-first-century readers.

The Tyndale Commentaries are designed to help the reader of the Bible understand what the text says and what it means. The introduction to each book gives a concise but thorough treatment of its authorship, date, original setting, and purpose. Following a structural analysis, the commentary takes the book section by section, drawing out its main themes, and also comments on individual verses and problems of interpretation. Additional notes provide fuller discussion of particular difficulties.

In the new Old Testament volumes, the commentary on each section of the text is structured under three headings: Context, Comment, and Meaning. The goal is to explain the true meaning of the Bible and make its message plain.

Reviews

Levitical rules and regulations can at first appear irrelevant to contemporary Christians--but they provide important Old Testament background for understanding large portions of the New Testament. Leviticus describes a point in human history when God came and dwelt in the midst of the ancient Israelites and taught them what their purpose in life really was. Jay Sklar's commentary makes clear what it is that the Lord said to them and, in so doing, makes clear what he says to us today.

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these volumes retain their original text now retypeset in a larger format. As always, they continue to aim at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.

Reviews

• Nahum's prophecy of Nineveh's coming destruction.
• Habakkuk's probing dialogue with the Lord of Israel.
• Zephaniah's warning to Jerusalem's last great king.

The texts of these minor but important prophets receive a fresh analysis in this introduction and commentary. Fanie Snyman considers each book's historical setting, structure and literary features as well as important theological themes.

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, they continue to aim at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.

S. D. (Fanie) Snyman is Research Associate in Old and New Testament Studies, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. Known for his research on The Book of the Twelve, he is author of a commentary on Malachi (Peeters), several books published in South Africa, and numerous articles.

Nahum's prophecy of Nineveh's coming destruction.

Habakkuk's probing dialogue with the Lord of Israel.

Zephaniah's warning to Jerusalem's last great king.

The texts of these minor but important prophets receive a fresh and penetrating analysis in this introduction and commentary. David W. Baker considers each book's historical setting, composition, structure and authorship as well as important themes and issues. Each book is then expounded passage by passage in the concise and informative style that has become the hallmark of the Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries.

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these volumes retain their original text now retypeset in a larger format. As always, they continue to aim at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.

Reviews

The book of Numbers has had something of a renaissance in scholarly engagement in recent years - and this careful and contemporary commentary by Altmann and Peres distils that conversation with sensitivity and rigour.

The joint nature of this commentary by two authors from different contexts helps to illuminate Numbers for the contemporary reader, as it seeks to make God's word a source of blessing, nourishment and hope for all.

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries are designed to help the reader of the Bible understand what the text of the book of Numbers says and what it means. The introduction to this commentary gives a concise but thorough treatment of its authorship, date, original setting and purpose.

Following a structural analysis, the commentary takes the book of Numbers section by section, drawing out its main themes and also commenting on individual verses and problems of interpretation. Additional Notes provide fuller discussion of particular difficulties. In the new Old Testament volumes, the commentary on each section of the text is structured under three headings: Context, Comment and Theology. The goal is to explain the true meaning of the Bible and make its message plain.

Reviews

"I can wholeheartedly endorse this comprehensive and fresh commentary on Numbers. Altmann and Peres offer other scholars, clergy and laypeople a collaborative, ethical and inclusive approach to Numbers in our increasingly pluralistic and complex world. They clearly appreciate and cite numerous scholars, as their bibliography suggests, who are now accessible in this one commentary. The reader can easily discover engaging intertextual references to other parts of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, as well as a detailed outline for major sections of Numbers. While explicitly stating their readings as shaped by their Christian faith, the enlightening comments of Altmann and Peres are useful to people of any faith or none." - Dr Adriane Leveen, Senior Lecturer Emeritus in Hebrew Bible, Hebrew Union College

"Despite containing some of the most memorable texts of the Old Testament - the priestly blessing, the manna, the spies, the bronze serpent, Balaam and his donkey - Numbers is often avoided by modern readers. Altmann and Peres interpret this intriguing and beautiful book with historical and theological sensitivity, explaining its unfamiliar concepts and unravelling its difficulties. Pastors, teachers and missionaries, among others, will find it a sure-footed guide to the contemporary understanding of this text." - Nathan MacDonald, Professor of the Interpretation of the Old Testament, Divinity faculty, and Fellow of St John's College, University of Cambridge

"Altmann and Peres expertly guide the reader through the challenging wilderness landscape of the book of Numbers. They combine an impressive array of perspectives: engagement with the best and most recent scholarship on Numbers, skilful literary sensitivity to how Numbers works as an ancient "book", generative "readings in concert" between two or more biblical texts, theological and pedagogical insights for faith and life, and a Majority World postcolonial lens around issues of identity, empire and justice. One of the best commentaries on Numbers now available." - Dennis Olson, Charles Haley Professor of Old Testament Theology Emeritus, Princeton Theological Seminary, New Jersey

Peter Altmann presently serves as David Allan Hubbard Associate Professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary, California.

Caio Peres is an independent scholar and missionary in Brazil, his home country, with his wife and two children. He holds an MA in Theology and Religious Studies from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

"Guide me, O Thou Great Jehovah" is one of the best-known hymns in the world. Yet the book of numbers, whose story that hymn summarizes, is seldom read. Why?

"Its very title puts the modern reader off," writes Gordon Wenham. "In ancient time numbers were seen as mysterious and symbolic, a key to reality and the mind of God himself. Today they are associated with computers and the depersonalization that threatens our society."

In his effort to bridge the great gulf between the book and our age, Wenham first explains the background of Numbers, discussing its structure, sources, date and authorship as well as its theology and Christian use. A passage-by-passage analysis follows, which draws useful insights on Old Testament ritual from modern social anthropology.

Reviews