Summary
We find in Ezra-Nehemiah by Gary V. Smith a grounded and careful engagement with these two historical books, shaped by discourse analysis and attentive to the Hebrew text. Smith takes us through the narrative and theological contours of Israel’s return from exile, highlighting the flow of argument, structural moves, and the way Ezra and Nehemiah set their sights on covenant renewal, community formation, and faithfulness under pressure. His attention to context and structure helps readers trace the hand of God in both judgment and restoration, making sense of names, dates, and reforms without shrinking from the text’s complexity. He treats Ezra and Nehemiah not merely as history but as purposeful theological narrative that calls God’s people to faithful obedience.
The commentary assumes some knowledge of Hebrew but explains linguistic features clearly and consistently. Each section foregrounds the literary logic and canonical significance so that pastors can preach with confidence and teachers can lead study groups with clarity.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
We recommend this volume for its disciplined approach to Hebrew discourse and narrative structure. Smith guides the reader through the alternations between confession, reform, opposition, and divine provision, and he does so without collapsing the distinct voices of Ezra and Nehemiah into one bland theological summary. We come away with a deeper grasp of how restored community is shaped amid tension, opposition, and divine grace.
Smith’s work excels in balancing technical exegesis with accessible guidance, helping pastors bridge the gap between linguistic detail and homiletic insight. His commitment to authorial intent ensures that exposition flows from what the biblical writers themselves seem to be doing on the page, and this grounds proclamation in the text’s own priorities. Teachers in the local church will find here both exegetical ballast and theological horizon.
Closing Recommendation
We recommend Ezra-Nehemiah for pastors and Bible teachers seeking an exegetical commentary that both deepens understanding of the Hebrew text and enriches proclamation. Its disciplined structure and theological attentiveness make it a significant resource for those preparing sermons or leading advanced study. It stands as a strong representative of the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament series in its combination of care and usefulness.
Gary V. Smith
Gary V. Smith is an American evangelical Old Testament scholar of the late twentieth and early twenty first century, working within a conservative and broadly Reformed theological framework.
He is best known for his substantial work on the prophets, especially Isaiah and the Book of the Twelve. His commentaries combine detailed historical and literary exegesis with careful theological reflection, helping readers follow prophetic argument, structure, and purpose. He has written major commentary volumes that serve both pastors and students who want depth without losing sight of proclamation.
Smith is valued for steadiness and clarity. He reads prophetic texts attentively, resists speculative interpretation, and keeps the focus on the Lord’s character, covenant purposes, and call to faithful response.
Recommended titles include Ezra and Nehemiah: A Discourse Analysis of the Hebrew Bible.