New International Biblical Commentary (NIBC), Joshua, Judges, and Ruth
By J. Harris / Hendrickson Publishers

Based on the widely used New International Version, the NIBC presents careful section by section exposition with key terms and phrases highlighted and all Greek transliterated. A separate section of notes at the close of each chapter provides additional textual and technical comments. Each commentary also includes a selected bibliography as well as Scripture and subject indexes.

Judges & Ruth: Holman Old Testament Commentary Volume 5
By W. Gary Phillips & Max Anders / Broadman / Holman

It was a time not unlike our own. Everybody was doing what seemed right to them. God, who had delivered them from Egypt and given them a good land, was far from the center of their attention and affection. Because He loved them. He disciplined them by allowing their enemies to oppress them. The book of Judges is an account of the repeated cycle of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and restoration by judges whom God appointed between the years of Joshua's death and Samuel's anointing of Saul, Israel's first king. The events of the Book of Ruth take place during this period. It begins with famine and death and shows how God can work through the most devastating events of life to bring good that is both beyond our ability to imagine and far-reaching. Through the characters and events of Ruth, God put in place the human lineage of His Son, Jesus Christ.

The Holman Old Testament Commentary Series is comprised of easy-to-use volumes that give you the freedom to prayerfully appropriate the Scripture as you spend more time directly with the text. It's like having a team of researchers doing the legwork for you.

Judges & Ruth, Tyndale Old Testament Commentary
By Arthur Cundall / Inter-varsity Press

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentary series is designed to be a conservative, scholarly and yet readable, analysis of the Bible. This work on Judges and Ruth, by Cundall and Morris, discusses the dating and historical aspects of the books, as well as the messages communicated in these works. Focus is also placed on the composition and structure of both Judges and Ruth. Following these introductory articles are verse by verse analyses of the scriptures, drawing out the meaning of the Word of God. This is a good commentary for lay people. [TOP]

Judges & Ruth: The New Cambridge Bible Commentary
By Victor H. Matthews / Cambridge University Press

Bringing to life the world portrayed in the stories in Judges and Ruth, this commentary offers readers an "insider" perspective on the narratives. After establishing a cultural and literary context, Victor Matthews analyzes each episode separately and as a whole.

Judges & Ruth: The New Cambridge Bible Commentary
By Victor H. Matthews / Cambridge University Press

Providing critical background information about social norms and customs such as hospitality codes, marriage traditions, inheritance laws, and agricultural practices, Matthews establishes a cultural and literary context for the Books of Judges and Ruth. Having laid this essential foundation, his accessible commentary then treats each episode separately and as a whole. Includes the complete NRSV text. 270 pages, softcover.

The Preacher's Commentary Vol 7: Judges/Ruth
By David Jackman / Thomas Nelson / W

Volume 7: Judges & Ruth THE COMMENTARY FOR PREACHERS! For those on the firing line - in pulpits, classes, Bible study programs, and fellowships there is a distinctly different kind of commentary. The Preachers Commentary Series combines rich resources of historical setting and textual interpretation with spiritual insights and contemporary illustrations specifically designed for communicators. The result is a resource by preachers/teachers for preachers/teachers. It is complete with outlines section by section expositions, illustrations and applications This authoritative commentary provides the ultimate resource for sermon and lesson preparations. General editor Lloyd J. Ogilvie brings together a team of skilled and exceptional communicators blending sound scholarship with life related instructions. Their insights can guide you through every chapter and book of the Bible. And their organization and presentation of the material can help you share God's Word more effectively with others.

Features include:

• Paragraph by paragraph exposition
• Fresh insights into Scripture
• Contemporary application
• Rich outlines and illustrations
• Innovative ideas for communicating
• God's Word with vigor and vitality
• 355 page softcover from Thomas Nelson.

Dr. David Jackman is president of the Proclamation Trust and director of the Cornhill Training Course, London-based ministries dedicated to training and equipping preachers around the world. He previously served as senior minister of Above Bar Church in Southampton, England, ans was on the staff of the Universities and College Christian Fellowship. He is author of more than ten books. He and his wife, Heather, have two children.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary, Volume 4: 1 Kings - Job
By Frank E. Gaebelein / Zondervan Corp.

Evangelical in viewpoint, the Expositor's Bible Commentary discusses current theological and critical issues using the NIV text. This new volume is characterized by the same careful exegesis and clarity that mark previous volumes. Contains R.D. Patterson and Hermann J. Austel on 1 & 2 Kings, J. Barton Payne on 1 & 2 Chronicles, Edwin Yamauchi on Ezra & Nehemiah, F.B. Huey Jr. on Esther, and Elmer Smick on Job. 1,088 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.

NIV Application Commentary Judges/Ruth
By K. Lawson Younger / Zondervan Corp.

Most commentary series take you back to the world of the Bible and leave you there. This one helps you return to contemporary life equipped with plenty of encouragement and practical applications. The newest edition, Judges--Ruth, explores the drama, turmoil, and passion of these literary masterpieces, bringing their ancient message into our postmodern context. 528 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.

Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, New International Biblical Commentary
By Leslie C. Allen / Hendrickson Publishers

This book is incredibly useful for both general readers and serious students. Leslie Allen explores Ezra and Nehemiah as a single narrative beginning with the exiles' return to Judah and ending with Nehemiah's return to rebuild Jerusalem. Timothy Laniak explores the many layers of meaning in the story of Esther. This clear and concise volume should be found in every pastor's and church leader's office!

Leslie C. Allen is Professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. He has written many books including commentaries on Ezekiel, 1 and 2 Chronicles, and Psalms.

Timothy S. Laniak is Associate Professor of Old Testament at Gordon-Conwell theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is the author of Shame and Honor in the Book of Esther. [TOP]

Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther, New American Commentary
By Mervin Breneman / Broadman / Holman

The New American Commentary assumes the inerrancy of Scripture, focuses on the intrinsic theological and exegetical concerns of each biblical book, and engages the range of issues raised in contemporary biblical scholarship. Drawing on the skills and insights of over forty scholars and encompassing forty volumes, the NAC brings together scholarship and piety to produce a tool that enchances and supports the life of the church.

The Preacher's Commentary Vol 11 Ezra/Nehemiah/Esther
By Mark Roberts / Thomas Nelson / W

Mark D. Roberts writes this illustration-filled volume on Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther focusing on three questions and offering the answering to the questions which are: what did the text mean in its original context, what does the text mean for us and how can we illustrate the textso that it will come alive today?

The Preachers Commentary Series combines rich resources of historical setting and textual interpretation with spiritual insights and contemporary illustrations specifically designed for communicators.

Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther: Holman Old Testament Commentary Volume 9
By Knute Larson & Kathy Dahlen / Broadman / Holman

One of the major themes of Scripture is God's dependability and His covenant love to His people in good times and bad. Ezra and Nehemiah together show how God chose Cyrus, a pagan king, to defeat the Babylonians and to be His servant in restoring many of his people from captivity in Babylon back to Judah. Esther is the thrilling account of how God raised up a young Jewish woman to become queen of the Persian Empire. Knute Larson and Kathy Dahlen have made these marvelous books accessible to pastors and lay Bible teachers alike for preaching, teaching, and personal Bible study.

Ruth, Esther, Word Biblical Commentary
By Frederic Bush / Thomas Nelson / W

They are the only books in the Bible named after women---one who stood in the line of David and Jesus, and one who saved her people from an early holocaust. Bush provides a thorough exegetical treatment of both books that will help you better understand the scriptural and historical significance of Queen Esther and Ruth the Moabitess. 450 pages, hardcover from Word.

Joshua: Holman Old Testament Commentary Volume 4
By Kenneth O. Gangel / Broadman / Holman

Save preparation time when you teach and preach from Joshua. In this newest addition to the acclaimed series, Gangel clearly explains the biblical story of God's promises to Israel, giving you the tools you need to interpret and apply the Scriptures. Special features include choice quotations, compelling illustrations, verse-by-verse exposition, practical applications, teaching plans, and discussion starters. 400 pages, hardcover. [TOP]

The Preacher's Commentary Vol 6: Joshua
By John Huffman / Thomas Nelson / W

Volume 6: Joshua THE COMMENTARY FOR PREACHERS! For those on the firing line - in pulpits, classes, Bible study programs, and fellowships there is a distinctly different kind of commentary. The Preachers Commentary Series combines rich resources of historical setting and textual interpretation with spiritual insights and contemporary illustrations specifically designed for communicators. The result is a resource by preachers/teachers for preachers/teachers. It is complete with outlines section by section expositions, illustrations and applications This authoritative commentary provides the ultimate resource for sermon and lesson preparations. General editor Lloyd J. Ogilvie brings together a team of skilled and exceptional communicators blending sound scholarship with life related instructions. Their insights can guide you through every chapter and book of the Bible. And their organization and presentation of the material can help you share God's Word more effectively with others.

• Paragraph by paragraph exposition
• Fresh insights into Scripture
• Contemporary application
• Rich outlines and illustrations
• Innovative ideas for communicating God's Word with vigor and vitality
• 266 page softcover from Thomas Nelson.

Dr. John A. Huffman, Jr., is pastor of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach California. He has pastored several churches, held Presbyterian moderator positions and was on the board of various organizations. He currently serves on the boards of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Christianity Today. He has written nine books and each week 5,000 of his printed sermons are mailed each week. He and his wife, Ann, have three daughters.

Joshua, New American Commentary
By David Howard, Jr. / Broadman / Holman

Volume 5, Joshua, of The New American Commentary is for those who have been seeking a commentary that honors the Scriptures, represents the finest in contempory evangelical scholarship, and lends itself to the practical work of preaching and teaching. This series serves as a minister's friend and a student's guide.The New American Commentary assumes the inerrancy of Scripture, focuses on the intrinsic theological and exegetical concerns of each biblical book, and engages the range of issues raised in contemporary biblical scholarship. Drawing on the skills and insights of over forty scholars and encompassing forty volumes, the NAC brings together scholarship and piety to produce a tool that enhances and supports the life of the church.

Joshua, Tyndale Old Testament Commentary
By Richard Hess / Inter-varsity Press

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. 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 BCE.

Joshua, New International Commentary on the Old Testament
By Marten Woudstra / Eerdmans Publishing Co.

The New International Commentary on the Old Testament is a conservative and scholarly treatment of the sciptures. This volume on Joshua by M.H. Woudstra begins with an introductory section which discusses the authorship, date, unity and theology of the book. The commentary is an in- depth analysis of the text based on linguistic and historical research. A good work for scholars.

Joshua, Interpretation Commentary
By Jerome Creach / Westminster / John Knox

This commentary clearly presents the episodes in the book of Joshua as the people of Israel face the challenges of entering into the land of promise. Both the historical and theological meanings of the book are presented throughout this most helpful commentary. This is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this outstanding biblical commentary is a major contribution to the general ministry of the Word in today's world. [TOP]

Judges, Interpretation Commentary
By J. Clinton McCann / Westminster / John Knox

In this striking commentary, McCann interprets Judges for the church and for the present time. The book shows that when we do not worship and serve God, the results are destructive and ultimately deadly. The story of the book of Judges is the story of a long deterioration in Israel's history when its leaders and people continued to turn away from God and worship false gods or idols. The painful lessons of this unfaithfulness were destruction, time and time again. Yet McCann contends that the book of Judges provides a warning grounded in hope. The book of Judges is a call to repentance from injustices and abuses that result from self-assertion, idolatry, and the refusal to submit to God's will and ways. Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this outstanding biblical commentary is a major contribution to the general ministry of the Word in today's world.

Ruth, New International Commentary on the Old Testament
By Robert Hubbard, Jr. / Eerdmans Publishing Co.

This thorough commentary mines recent research to give the Book of Ruth's literary, grammatical, and theological dimensions a rigorous treatment. Hubbard pays particular attention to the skillful literary devices and unique theological perspective of Ruth, using them to propose a new date and purpose for the book. By affirming the story's outcome as a divine providence, Hubbard says, the writer of Ruth sought to counter opposition to the Davidic monarchy during Solomon's reign. 316 pages, hardcover from Eerdmans.

Ruth, Interpretation Commentary
By Katharine Doob Sakenfeld / Westminster / John Knox

Addressing the human and divine dimensions of the account of Ruth, this thoughtful commentary discusses all the significant questions of origin and purpose. Sakenfeld's interpretation is at once sociological and theological, and reflects the profundity of this ancient story. The latest addition to the Interpretation series, which takes a critical-scholarly approach to Scripture. 120 pages, hardcover from Westminster/John Knox.

The Romance of Redemption: A Commentary on Ruth
By M.R. DeHaan / Kregel Publications

Dr. M.R. De Haan, one of America's most beloved Bible teachers, explores the main themes and important prophetic message of the book of Ruth in this devotional exposition. Adapted from his popular ministry on the Radio Bible Class broadcast, these twenty-four chapter studies reflect the author's thorough and biblical approach. They are practical in application, however, and are accessible to Christian readers of all levels.

This Ruth Olive Press Bible Commentary
By Harold S. Paisley / Olive Press

The title This Ruth is based on the question of Boaz, "Whose damsel is this?" Ruth is the name of one of the most delightful books in the Old Testament. Remarkable for its brevity, its eighty-five verses are easily read in twenty minutes. Precious for is deep unfolding of the Person of Christ, the mysteries of redemption, and the future of Israel, the charming and beautifully written story is both simple and sublime--a gem of literature and a veritable wonder of language. Apart from its literary excellence, historical importance, typical import, prophetic pictures and doctrinal shadows, the story of Ruth is rich in moral and spiritual lessons. If there is one lesson above another in the spiritual life that the book of Ruth teaches, it is the emphasis placed upon the results of placing full confidence and trust in God. When life's greatest choice came to Ruth, she abandoned all past interests, choosing God as her God, and His people as her people. Mr. Paisley writes with insight and tenderness. He brilliantly expounds and lifts the reader's spirit in this remarkable work.

New International Biblical Commentary (NIBC), 1 & 2 Samuel
By Mary Evans / Hendrickson Publishers

The New International Biblical commentary offers the best of contemporary scholarship in a format that both general readers and serious students can use with profit. Based on the widely used New International Version translation, the NIBC presents careful section by section exposition with key terms and phrases high lighted and all hebrew transliterated. A separate section of notes at the close of each chapter provides addtional textual and technical comments. Each commentary also includes a selected bibliography as well as scripture and subject indexes. [TOP]

1 & 2 Samuel: NIV Application Commentary
By William Arnold / Zondervan Corp.

Why do the books of Samuel pack such a broad appeal? Taken together as a single narrative , they certainly offer something for everyone: kings and prophets, great battles and greater heroes, action and romance, loyalty and betrayal, the mundane and the miraculous. In Samuel, we meet Saul, David, Goliath, Jonathan, Bathsheba, the witch of Endor, and other unforgettable characters. And we encounter ourselves. For while the culture and conditions of Israel under its first kings is vastly different from our own, the basic issues of humans in reltaion to God, the Great King, have not changed. Sin, repentance, forgiveness, adversity, prayer, faith, and the promises of God-these continue to play out in our lives today.

1st & 2nd Samuel, Interpretation Commentary
By Walter Brueggemann / Westminster / John Knox

With critical scholarship and theological sensitivity, Walter Brueggemann traces the people of God through the books of Samuel as they shift from marginalized tribalism to oppressive monarchy. He carefully opens the literature of the books, sketching a narrative filled with historical realism but also bursting with an awareness that more than human action is being presented. Finding three influences essential to the books of Samuel, Brueggeman explores the influence of political power, social pressure, technological possibilites; the influence of David's personality; and the influence of Yahweh. Brueggemann uses literary analysis to show how the writer of Samuel describes God's actions in human history. He is not so much interested in how the books of Samuel were put together, as in how they communicate God's care to his people.

1 & 2 Samuel, Tyndale Old Testament Commentary
By Joyce Baldwin / Inter-varsity Press

Joyce Baldwin's commentary gives the reader an understanding of 1 and 2 Samuel's theological significance with sound exegesis and study. While excellent scholarship lies behind the commentary, it is written with the lay reader in mind. The result is a volume that both scholars and non-scholars alike will find valuable. 299 pages, softcover from InterVarsity.

Preacher's Commentary Vol 8: 1,2 Samuel
By Kenneth L. Chafin / Thomas Nelson / W

Volume 8: 1 & 2 Samuel THE COMMENTARY FOR PREACHERS! For those on the firing line - in pulpits, classes, Bible study programs, and fellowships there is a distinctly different kind of commentary. The Preachers Commentary Series combines rich resources of historical setting and textual interpretation with spiritual insights and contemporary illustrations specifically designed for communicators. The result is a resource by preachers/teachers for preachers/teachers. It is complete with outlines section by section expositions, illustrations and applications This authoritative commentary provides the ultimate resource for sermon and lesson preparations. General editor Lloyd J. Ogilvie brings together a team of skilled and exceptional communicators blending sound scholarship with life related instructions. Their insights can guide you through every chapter and book of the Bible. And their organization and presentation of the material can help you share God's Word more effectively with others.

Features include:

• Paragraph by paragraph exposition
• Fresh insights into Scripture
• Contemporary application
• Rich outlines and illustrations
• Innovative ideas for communicating God's Word with vigor and vitality
• 371 page softcover from Thomas Nelson

Dr. Kenneth L. Chafin died in 2001 after a distinguished career committed to evangelism and ministry. He taught at two Southern Baptist seminaries, including serving as the first Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He also had lenghty pastorates at South Main Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, and Walnit Street Baptist Church IN Louisville. He and his wife, Barbara, were married 46 years and had three children.

1st & 2nd Samuel, New American Commentary
By Robert Bergen / Broadman / Holman

The New American Commentary is for those who have been seeking a commentary that honors the Scriptures, represents the finest in contemporary evangelical scholarship, and lends itself to the practical work of preaching and teaching. This series serves as a minister's friend and a student guide. [TOP]

1 & 2 Kings, New International Bible Commentary
By Iain Provan / Hendrickson Publishers

New! Add the best of contemporary conservative scholarship to your commentary library with this just-technical-enough new volume of the NIBCOT. Provan succeeds in making Kings a more easily navigable book for both lay readers and serious students by treating it as a unified whole, highlighting repeated themes, and giving particular attention to the canonical and historical contexts. With end-of-chapter notes and bibliographies. 352 pages, softcover from Hendrickson.

1 & 2 Kings, Holman Old Testament Commentary Volume 7
By Gary Inrig / Broadman / Holman

In the years to come millions of people from all over the world will visit the site of Ground Zero in New York City. There they will tell themselves the story of what used to be there, of how it came to disappear, and how we need to make sure that such a thing can never happen again. Ruins can cause us to look back in remembrance so that we can move forward in wisdom.

The Preacher's Commentary Vol 9: 1,2 Kings
By Russell H. Dilday / Thomas Nelson / W

Russell H. Dilday writes this volume on 1, 2 Kings from a pastor's heart and strives to create a commentary that is relevant to pastors today.

The Preachers Commentary Series combines rich resources of historical setting and textual interpretation with spiritual insights and contemporary illustrations specifically designed for communicators.

1st & 2nd Kings, New American Commentary
By Paul House / Broadman / Holman

The New American commentary is for those who have been seeking a commentary that honors the Scriptures, represents the finest in contempory evangelical scholarship, and lends itself to the practical work of preaching and teaching. This series serves as a minister's friend and a student's guide. The New American Commentary assumes the inerrancy of Scripture, focuses on the intrinsic theological and exegetical concerns of each biblical book, and engages the range of issues raised in contemporary biblical scholarship. Drawing on the skills and insights of over forty scholars and encompassing forty volumes, the NAC brings together scholarship and piety to produce a tool that enhances and supports the life of the church.

1 & 2 Chronicles - Holman Old Testament Commentary
By Winfried Corduan / Broadman / Holman

[TOP]

1 & 2 Chronicles, NIV Application Commentary
By Andrew Hill / Zondervan Corp.

The Chronicles are more than a history of ancient Israel under the ascent and rule of the Davidic dynasty. They are a story whose grand theme is hope. Great battles are fought, heroes and tyrants vie for power, Israel splits into rival kingdoms, and the soul of God's holy nation oscillates between faithlessness and revival. Yet above this tossing sea of human events, God's covenant promises reign untroubled and supreme. First and Second Chronicles are also a revelation of Yahweh at work, forwarding his purposes in the midst of fallible people. God has a plan to which he is committed. Today, as then, God redirects our vision from our circumstances in this turbulent world to the surety of his kingdom and to himself as our source of confidence and peace. Exploring the links between the Bible and our own times, Dr. Hill shares perspectives on 1 and 2 Chronicles that reveal ageless truths for our twenty-first-century lives.

Abingdon Old Testament Commentary: 1,2 Chronicles
By Steven McKenzie / Abingdon Press

This up-to-date, accessible commentary covers critical issues section by section while emphasizing the larger theological and literary significance.

The Preacher's Commentary Vol 10: 1,2 Chronicles
By Leslie Allen / Thomas Nelson / W

In this volume Old Testament scholar Leslie Allen offers in-depth analysis of Chronicles showing its connections to the New Testament. Dr. Allen'swork is based on his mastery of Hebrew, of Israelite culture, and of Old Testament theology.

The Preachers Commentary Series combines rich resources of historical setting and textual interpretation with spiritual insights and contemporary illustrations specifically designed for communicators.

1st & 2nd Chronicles, Interpretation Commentary
By Steven S. Tuell / Westminster / John Knox

The great Christian scholar St. Jerome said that in First and Second Chronicles we find "the meaning of the whole of sacred history." Yet these two Old Testament books are not popular and are seldom studied or preached upon in Christian churches. Steven Tuell shows how the books of Chronicles present the revelation of God's plan and purposes through the story of Israel, emphasizing the important place that King David and his line play within that story. Using up-to-date scholarship, Tuell focuses on the theological message of these books-that the purpose of life is to seek God in the words of Scripture and in the worship of the temple: that those who seek and find God's will and purpose for their lives, and live accordingly, experience blessing; and that God's presence and activity are found in the events of ordinary life.

Ezra, Nehemiah, Word Biblical Commentary
By H.G.M. Williamson / Thomas Nelson / W

Williamson, an excellent evangelical scholar, has written a very good and comprehensive commentary on Ezra and Nehemiah. This excellent commentary will be helpful to both the layperson and the scholar. H.G.M. Williamson is Lecturer in Hebrew and Aramaic at Cambridge University. He holds degrees from Trinity College, Cambridge, and St.John's College, Cambridge.

Ezra & Nehemiah, Tyndale Old Testament Commentary
By Derek Kidner / Inter-varsity Press

The Tyndale Old Testament Commentary series is an evangelical and scholarly treatment of the Scriptures. This volume on Ezra and Nehemiah, by Derek Kidner, begins with an introductory section discussing the history of Persia and the Jewish people, as well as the theology stated in these prophetic books. The commentary analyzes each book on the basis of linguistic and historical research. A good work for pastors and lay people. [TOP]

The Long Road Home: A Devotional Commentary on the books of Ezra and Nehemiah
By Samuel Carson / Ambassador-emerld , Intl

This devotional commentary on the books of Ezra and Nehemiah tells how God turned the humanly impossible dreams of a conquered people into a reality of triumph. It traces the spiritual dimensions behind the return of the Israelites from captivity and shows how these spiritual realities apply to the Christian life today.

Doing a Great Work (Ezra & Nehemiah), Welwyn Commentary Series
By Stan Evers / Evangelical Press

Stan K. Evers explores the historical books of Ezra and Nehemiah as the continuation of the story of God's people after the exile in Babylon. Evers draws us to these books that direct our thoughts to a holy God who demands reverent worship and uncompromising loyalty in this age of experience-centered worship and entertainment-orientated evanglism. This commentary is presented in an easy to read style, suitable for all readers seeking to learn more about these books. Stan Evers studied at Kensit Memorial College in London and the London Reformed Baptist Seminary. He is a regular contributor to the Geneva Bible Notes, Grace Magazine, and the Gospel Magazine.

Esther, NIV Application Commentary
By Karen H. Jobes / Zondervan Corp.

Most commentaries on Esther take you back to the first century to meet her---and then leave you there. This study is different. Forming a bridge between Esther's culture and today's society, it helps you understand the original meaning of the biblical text and reveals the story's contemporary relevance as a source of guidance and inspiration. 288 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.

Esther - Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries
By Linda Day / Abingdon Press

Esther, Interpretation Commentary
By Carol Bechtel / Westminster / John Knox

A superlative guide for studying an often neglected---yet rewarding---book of the Old Testament. Providing critical background information on Esther's historical setting and literary construction, Bechtel expertly captures the drama of the narrative and prompts contemporary readers to explore theological themes such as the challenge of living faithfully in an unfaithful culture. 120 pages, hardcover. [TOP]

Esther: JPS Bible Commentary Includes a Leader's Guide.
By Adele Berlin / Jewish Pub Society

Using the same format as the much-admired JPS Torah Commentary, Berlin evaluates the language, plot, historical framework, and importance of Esther to later tradition, seeing it as a comedy used in the festival of Purim. Explains the role of the megillah in the holiday and how women are viewed in the Bible. 212 pages, hardcover.