Ezra and Nehemiah (The Two Horizons Old Testament Commentary | THOTC)
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
Two features especially distinguish the Two Horizons Old Testament Commentary series: theological exegesis and theological reflection. Both of these features are fully realized in this THOTC volume on Ezra and Nehemiah by David J. Shepherd and Christopher J.H. Wright.
Following an introduction and concise, verse-by-verse commentary on both books, Shepherd and Wright highlight key ways in which these Old Testament texts continue to speak to us today. They closely examine what Ezra and Nehemiah tell us about God and the people of Israel, reflect practically on leadership, and engage critically with those portions of the text (such as Ezra’s dissolution of the Judeans’ marriages with foreigners) that present special problems for contemporary readers.
Offering deep theological insight throughout, this volume will prove essential for students, pastors, and other Christian leaders seeking to engage in theological interpretation of Scripture.
For more from the Two Horizons commentary series, see here.
- Discusses the literary structure and style of Ezra & Nehemiah
- Features reflection on Ezra & Nehemiah in relation to the Old Testament
- Provides insights for students, pastors, scholars, as well as laity
- Commentary on Ezra
- Commentary on Nehemiah
- Reading Ezra-Nehemiah Canonically
- Who Is This God?
- Who Is This People?
- Reading Ezra-Nehemiah Theologically Today
- Leadership and Ezra-Nehemiah
Top Highlights
“,’ a visible sign of mourning and emotional distress comparable” (Page 83)
“Ezra’s and Nehemiah’s stories of the past are presented as their own stories” (Page 6)
“in Goldingay’s words, ‘the portrayal of the specificity of life with God.’” (Page 8)
“ sitting posture (Neh 1:4; Ezra 9:3, 4, 15) and weeps (Neh 1:4; Ezra 10:1) in keeping with the practice of mourning” (Page 50)
“Echoes of the exodus narrative are there in the opening chapter of Ezra—though with some ironic twists.” (Page 117)
Christopher J.H. Wright is international ministries director for Langham Partnership. His other books include Old Testament Ethics for the People of God and The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative.
Dr. David J. Shepherd is assistant professor in Hebrew Bible/Old Testament at Trinity College Dublin. Dr. Shepherd was previously worked in the department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Chester. In addition to founding and cochairing the Bible and Moving Image programme unit of the Society of Biblical Literature’s International Meeting, Dr. Shepherd is currently a member of the board of the International Organization for Targum Studies as well as the committee of the Society for Old Testament Studies (UK).