Volume 2 in this revised edition of the Expositors Bible Commentary (EBC) now covers from Numbers through Ruth. Its a huge volume of over 1300 pages! You will find the same quality commentary throughout that the series is known for. It is a pastors favorite for many.

The Book of Numbers has been revised by Ronald Allen. He was given more space in the old set and that continues to be true in the 450 pages of quality commentary we have here. Though there has been some updating, the Introduction is still divided into the same 12 parts. Some of the most provocative are the two sections that outline the problem of the large numbers and the suggestion of a solution. I cant personally follow his theory there, but appreciate the overall conservative approach. The commentary itself is one of the better available today.

The commentary on Deuteronomy has been replaced with a new one by Michael Grisanti. The Introduction is short, but covers the basis. The bibliography is extensive, and some helpful maps have been added to the commentary. The commentary itself is successful because of its clarity and conservative conclusions.

The commentary on Joshua also has a new author in Helene Dallaire. Though briefer than Numbers and Deuteronomy above, it has still been well received as a mid-length commentary. The Introduction gives an overview of the book, and one of Joshua, followed by a discussion of authorship and composition, literary form, historical background and dating, the people of the land, and theology. Theres also a bibliography and outline. Since the scholarly world is really varied in dating Joshua, the author gives a good synopsis of both conservative and liberal views. There are some helpful charts throughout the commentary too. I would label this commentary as solid and helpful.

The commentary on Judges also has a new author, this time by highly respected Mark Boda. He stays within the confines of the series, which limits page number, but still succeeds in providing a concise, yet penetrating volume. He approaches Introduction by discussing in turn, its canonical forms, its historical contexts, its sociological dynamics, its a literary shape, its rhetorical purpose, and its theological potential. He also has a nice bibliography and outline. In using it you will easily see the hand of a seasoned commentator.

George Schwab provides a new commentary on the Book of Ruth. I had a lot of trouble agreeing with his conclusions in the Introduction. The chart on page 1308, however, was outstanding. The commentary itself is helpful, but I found a few conclusions in the commentary a little over the top as well. Im not saying it isnt worth consulting, just that it wouldnt be my favorite.

I dont see how you could go wrong with this thick commentary covering five books of the Old Testament. When you think about what youre getting, you could even call it an economical value too. This is really a nice one!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255.

The expositors Bible commentary has been recognized as one of the leading Commentary series for the past quarter-century. Having started in 1978 and completed in 1992 is Commentary series was in sore need of a revised updated Edition. Therefore in 2008 the expositors Bible commentary begin its revised Edition of all of its 13 volumes of commentary. Completed in 2012 this Commentary series included updated commentaries of almost every book included in the previous version as well as fleshing out a previous commentaries as well.

Perhaps one the best updated version in this Commentary series is that of the commentary on the books of Numbers through Ruth by Ronald B. Allen (Numbers), Michael Alan Grisanti (Deutronomy), Helene Dallaire (Joshua), Mark J. Boda (Judges), and George Schwab (Ruth). Weighing in at over 1000 Pages each book gets a mid-level commentary treatment, yet each individual commentary has invaluable exegesis that most pastors will greatly appreciate.

This book touted as one of the best volumes in the series. Each passage is thoroughly treated looking not only at the Hebrew text but dealing with critical questions, exegetical points, and practical application. This commentary truly is for both the pastor and Scholar. Furthermore it is not inaccessible to the Layman who desires to get a thorough treatment of this section of Holy Scripture for their understanding. I highly recommend this commentary as the first pick of any Pastor for a series on the books of Numbers-Ruth as well as to the scholar who is looking to write a paper on a specific theme or passage in these books. You can truly not go wrong with this superb commentary.

With that said are a few issues I have with the commentary on Ruth. Schwab takes an unorthodox view of Ruth and Boaz on the threshing room floor to be a sexual encounter between them. His arguments will interesting do not bear out in the text and makes the rest of his commentary on the book of Ruth unhelpful if used for exegetical preaching, but very helpful if writing a paper on the subject.

This book was provided to me free of charge from Zondervan Academic in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.

Very well written and theologically honest.

This completes my set. I have hardly had a chance to use it yet, but it is by excellent, well qualified commentators, and is up-to-date. I am a retired Old Testament professor now serving as an interim pastor at our church. I'm sure I will consult it regularly.