Exodus

Adopts a critical stance.

When I first studied Exodus 18 years ago, I went through many commentaries that left me totally unsatisfied. Even Childs' commentary, which at that time was the top of everyone's list, left me dry. Though I could see why it was an especially important commentary in its day in terms of interpretation issues, it rarely gave me new insights or got me excited about the text. Very technical. Today there are much better commentaries. This commentary might be beneficial for the very serious theology student, but those just looking to understand and love the book of Exodus, see Fretheim, Janzen and Sarna.

Because of the author's critical stance and the book's technical nature, I can only recommend this commentary to discerning pastors and teachers. Childs begins each section of the commentary with his own translation of the Hebrew. He then offers textual and philological notes on that section. The discussion titled "Old Testament context" contains his exegesis of the text itself. The remaining three segments are what really set Childs' commentary apart. For each section of text, he discusses the New Testament use of the Old Testament text, the history of its interpretation, and any related theological issues. [Full Review]

The application of the canonical approach to a higher critical commentary. Includes a history of interpretation for each passage. [Full Review]

The application of the canonical approach to a higher critical commentary. Includes a history of interpretation for each passage. [Full Review]