Few authors are uniquely gifted with the ability of explaining Old Testament texts on a level that is accessible to the layman. Dale Ralph Davis is one of those men. He serves as a pastor at Woodlands Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He has written commentaries on several other Old Testament books including Judges, I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings, and II Kings. His pastoral ministry has impacted the manner in which he presents the materials of his commentaries.
This commentary contains exegetical insight and theological examinations of the highest quality while leaving behind the soigné style and scholastic vocabulary that often accompany a work of this caliber. Davis explains in his preface that he desired for this book to achieve the highest level of "instructability." He succeeded. There are two specific qualities of his book that stand out as unique and refreshing. Theologically there is one area of concern that must be addressed.
Accessible Approach
The first of these qualities is Davis' style. His writing is perhaps best described as pastoral exegesis. Each chapter is like a miniature sermon with clear illustrations that illuminate the original intent of the text. The regular use of pneumonic devices such as alliteration and idioms bring a delightfully light feeling to heavy topics. This practice can be observed even in weighty passages such as Joshua chapter two concerning Rahab the harlot and Joshua chapter fifteen concerning the geographical division of the land.
Davis' accessible style goes beyond his mastery of illustrations and wordplay. His content is specifically aimed to avoid higher level scholastic debates that do not alter the onus of the text. He would rather determine what Rahab's story tells us about the Sovereignty of God than spend many pages debating whether her lie was sinful. He is more concerned with the Israelites response to Yahweh's gifts than tribal geography. By focusing on the heart of the text Davis has helped to make the book of Joshua accessible to those who are too uninformed, unintelligent, or unmotivated to understand such higher level debates.
Pastoral Purpose
This book is undeniably aimed to do more than educate the mind; it seeks to ameliorate the soul. Just like a skilled preacher pleads with the hearts of men, Davis' words elicit a response. His words are both convicting and encouraging. He achieves this through two specific methods.
Conversational Introductions. Each chapter commences with a compendious preamble. These opening lines are by no means aimless formalities. Davis utilizes the opening page of each chapter to draw the reader's attention to the value of the text. His down-to-earth style and engaging metaphors suffuse the reader with eager anticipation for the meaning of the passage to be revealed. The average Christian may be intimidated by an Old Testament book like Joshua, but Davis relinquishes the reader's fears by plainly enunciating the treasure that is to be found within. On certain occasions he utilizes the imagery of a Christian cartoon comic, a ramshackle chair , and even airline food to lasso the attention of the reader. On other occasions he simply reminds the reader not to get bogged down in the "tedium" of the details and search for the big picture. These introductions allow the reader to enter into the passage in a fearless manner as they desire to mine the depths of the text.
Study Questions. Each chapter concludes with a quintuplet of study questions. These questions have two pronounced purposes. First, they seek to make the reader certain that they have grasped the main point of the chapter. Secondly, and more importantly, these questions solicit the reader to apply the text to their spiritual life. These questions are often devotional in nature. They implore the reader's mind to observe the grace of God that they have experienced in their own life. This can be seen in questions such as, "Are you amazed when God answers your prayers? If so, why?" These study questions also indirectly give the reader practical ways to apply the text. One example can be found at the close of chapter 18, "Does Yahweh's fidelity to you cause you to worship him or do you simply expect fidelity?" Such questions drive the reader to a humble response of obedience and worship.
Doctrinal Dispute
The only area of theological concern that arises throughout this book stems from Davis' biblical theology. It is clear that, as a Presbyterian, he holds to a strong continuity between the Old and New Testament. His comparison of the conquest of Canaan to the New Testament sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper was confusing and concerning. Where Davis sees strong continuity, I believe there is cause to observe indomitable discontinuity between the testaments concerning the nation of Israel and the church. This is a minor dispute on the scale of importance, but it is the one aspect of this book that I believe could be improved upon.
Conclusion
I highly recommend this book, especially to those who would like to spend a season devotionally studying the Old Testament. Davis's superb exegesis and simple format would be a welcome addition to the library of scholars and laymen alike. I have personally been blessed beyond measure by devoting a short season of my life to the study of this short book. This work is God honoring, Christ magnifying, and waiting to be used by the Spirit in the life of the reader.
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Amazon Customer
Dale Ralph Davis is now my favourite
Reviewed in India on April 26, 2021
Amazon Customer
Reviewed in India on April 26, 2021
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denden39
A perfect study aid for my bible study
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 25, 2021G. Heath
highly recommended commentary on Joshua
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 12, 2012