Harper’s Bible Commentary

Top Highlights

“Matthean Christians do not have to give up their possessions, but they must get their priorities straight.” (Page 959)

“As most modern translations recognize, the P creation account (1:1–2:4a) begins with a temporal clause (‘When, in the beginning, God created’); such a translation puts Gen. 1:1 in agreement with the opening of the J account (2:4b) and with other ancient, Near Eastern creation myths.” (Page 87)

“The one who succeeds in finding her (31:10) does not lack material goods (v. 11), reminding us of those who find Woman Wisdom and are materially rewarded by their association with this sought-for person in 3:13–14 and 8:17, 21 (see Camp, p. 188). Her gift of ‘good’ to her husband (31:12) recalls the proverb of 18:22 where ‘he who finds a wife finds good, and he receives favor from Yahweh.’” (Page 516)

“Unlike Matthew’s nine blessings and no woes, Luke has four each, set in parallels: poor-rich, hungry-full, weeping-laughing, and rejected-accepted. By sharply contrasting life now and in the future, Luke sets the sermon in an eschatological frame of reference.” (Page 1023)

“By way of response to the prophet, God invites Ezekiel to participate directly in the vision rather than simply observing it. He is to prophesy to the bones and command them to reassemble themselves and clothe themselves with flesh.” (Page 691)