Evaluation
Overall Score: 8.2/10
A weighty, pastor facing Deuteronomy commentary that strengthens preaching through covenant clarity.
Summary
At a Glance
- Length
- 880 pages
- Type
- Application
- Theo. Perspective
- Broadly Evangelical
- Overall score
- 8.2 / 10
- Strength
- Strong grasp of Deuteronomy’s pastoral aim and covenant logic.
- Limitation
- Best paired with a more technical work for language detail and a more confessional work for fuller synthesis.
We find Daniel I. Block’s Deuteronomy in the NIV Application Commentary series a weighty and pastorally alert treatment of Moses’ preaching. Block helps us hear Deuteronomy as covenant summons, pressing the heart as well as the mind, and he keeps the book’s call to love the Lord with whole life seriousness.
The volume serves us well because it refuses to treat Deuteronomy as a mere law code. It traces argument, repeated themes, and covenant logic, then moves toward contemporary significance with restraint and moral clarity. For those preaching Deuteronomy, it is a substantial ally.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
We should own this commentary if we want help preaching Deuteronomy as living Scripture for the church. It assists us in handling long speeches, complex legal sections, and the book’s repeated pastoral aim, that God’s people would worship with undivided hearts.
We also benefit from Block’s clear theological instincts. Even where we will want to phrase matters with more explicitly Reformed categories, the volume is pastorally safe and often deeply strengthening for faithful proclamation.
It works best alongside a more technical commentary for language detail, and alongside a more directly redemptive historical resource for fuller Christward synthesis.
Closing Recommendation
We recommend this as one of the stronger NIV Application Commentary volumes, a serious, preacher facing resource for Deuteronomy.
As pastoral next steps, we can go to the Bible Book Overview for Deuteronomy, browse Top Recommendations, and consult the Reformed Commentary Index to build a balanced shelf for preaching.
Classification
- Level: Mid-level
- Best For: Busy pastors, Pastors-in-training
- Priority: Strong recommendation
Build your shelf for this Bible book
Top picks connected to this Bible book, plus a few trusted global staples.