Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 2-144

MY PICK OF BIBLICAL COMMENTARIES

Rod Benson submitted this in response to a request from Rowland Croucher to ‘various biblical scholars for their recommendations for the best contemporary commentary for each book of the Bible (particularly as raw material for preaching, rather than for pure academic scholarship), if they could only afford one.’

Here’s my list of the most helpful commentary that I have on each Biblical book, chosen with expository preaching in mind:

Gen Gordon Wenham (WBC, 2 vols)

Ex John Durham (WBC), although something better should be available

Num James Philip (CC/Mastering OT)

Deut J A Thompson (TOTC)

Jos Richard Hess

Jdg Michael Wilcock (BST)

Ruth Robert Hubbard (NICOT)

1 Sam Joyce Baldwin (TOTC)

2 Sam Joyce Baldwin (TOTC)

1 Kg D J Wiseman (TOTC)

2 Kg D J Wiseman (TOTC)

1 Chr Michael Wilcock (BST)

2 Chr Michael Wilcock (BST)

Ezr D J A Clines (NCBC)

Neh Raymond Brown (BST)

Esth Frederic Bush (WBC)

Job Mike Mason (Crossway) – not exactly a commentary but well worth reading

Ps Walter Brueggemann (Augsburg) & balance it with J M Boice (Baker, 3 vols) or something similar

Prov D A Hubbard (CC/Mastering OT)

Ecc Derek Kidner (BST)

Song Marvin Pope (Anchor)

Isa Alec Motyer (IVP 1993 – not TOTC)

Jer Walter Brueggemann (Eerdmans)

Lam –

Ezk –

Dan John Goldingay (WBC)

Hos D A Hubbard (TOTC)

Joel David Prior (BST)

Amos Alec Motyer (BST)

Oba –

Jonah –

Mic David Prior (BST)

Nah Walter Kaiser (CC/Mastering OT)

Hab David Prior (BST)

Zep Walter Kaiser (CC/Mastering OT)

Hag Walter Kaiser (CC/Mastering OT)

Zec Walter Kaiser (CC/Mastering OT)

Mal Walter Kaiser (CC/Mastering OT)

Mt Leon Morris (Pillar)

Mk Robert Guelich (WBC)

Lk Darrell Bock (IVPNTC)

Jn G R Beasley-Murray (WBC)

Ac John Stott (BST)

Rom Leon Morris (Pillar)

1 Cor Gordon Fee (NICNT)

2 Cor Paul Barnett (BST)

Gal John Stott (BST)

Eph Peter O’Brien (Pillar)

Php Gordon Fee (NICNT)

Col Peter O’Brien (WBC)

1 Th John Stott (BST)

2 Th John Stott (BST)

1 Tim W D Mounce (WBC)

2 Tim W D Mounce (WBC)

Tit W D Mounce (WBC)

Phm –

Heb William Lane (WBC, 2 vols)

Jas Douglas Moo (TNTC)

1 Pet J R Michaels (WBC)

2 Pet Richard Bauckham (WBC)

1,2,3 Jn Colin Kruse (Pillar)

Jude –

Rev J Ramsay Michaels (IVPNTC)

– Rod Benson <>