Deuteronomy

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Bible Book: Deuteronomy
Publisher: IVP
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary
Last updated: February 5, 2026
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Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.3/10

A strong mid level Deuteronomy commentary that helps us stay close to the text and speak with clear pastoral purpose.

Publication Date(s): 2011
Pages: 333
ISBN: 9780830842810
Faithfulness to the Text: 8/10
We find a close reading that keeps us tied to Deuteronomy's argument and structure, with a steady concern to let the passage speak first.
Christ Centredness: 8.8/10
We are regularly guided to read Deuteronomy in light of God's saving purposes, with lines that naturally lead us to Christ.
Depth of Insight: 8.7/10
There is thoughtful engagement with interpretive questions, often giving us the best of scholarly work in a pastor friendly register.
Clarity of Writing: 8/10
The prose is controlled and readable, with good signposting that supports quick consultation as well as deeper study.
Pastoral Usefulness: 8.2/10
The volume serves sermon preparation well, especially when we want to press truth home without drifting into moralism.
Readability: 8/10
Readable in steady portions, with a layout that suits both sustained study and selective consultation.

Summary

At a Glance

Length
333 pages
Type
Expository (Mid-Level)
Theo. Perspective
Broadly Evangelical
Overall score
8.3 / 10
Strength
Balanced explanation that supports preaching and teaching week by week.
Limitation
Not designed to replace a fully technical commentary when specialist detail is required.

We find Hess’s work on Deuteronomy in the Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries series a steady guide for understanding what the text says and what it means. It keeps the main line of the book clear, while still slowing down over the points that often trip us up in preaching and teaching.

The best of this kind of commentary is its balance. We are given enough orientation to read Deuteronomy responsibly, then we are brought back to the passage itself, section by section, with an eye on the theological stakes and the shape of the argument.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this volume when we need a clear mid level guide that is both teachable and usable. It supports our movement from careful exegesis toward proclamation, and it helps us avoid both thin readings and needless complexity.

We especially appreciate the way it highlights recurring themes and repeated words, helping us preach paragraphs rather than isolated phrases. It also tends to keep application tethered to the text, which is a gift when Deuteronomy is familiar and we are tempted toward shortcuts.

In practice, it sits well alongside a more technical commentary. We can do our heavier lifting elsewhere when needed, then return here for clarity, theological orientation, and a steady sense of what we should say to the church from Deuteronomy.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong mid level commentary for preaching and teaching Deuteronomy. It will not answer every specialist question, but it consistently helps us handle the text with integrity and bring its truth to bear on the people entrusted to us.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.


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Classification

  • Level: Mid-level
  • Best For: Busy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-training
  • Priority: Strong recommendation

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