Evaluation

Overall Score: 7.7/10

A substantial technical companion on Ecclesiastes that strengthens careful exposition.

Publication Date(s): To be confirmed

ISBN: 9780849902222

Faithfulness to the Text: 8.2/10

We find a steady focus on the passage, with careful attention to meaning and structure.

Christ Centredness: 7.6/10

This is not written as a preaching guide, yet it supports Christward proclamation by strengthening exegesis.

Depth of Insight: 8.5/10

We benefit from detailed engagement that clarifies options and presses us toward careful reading.

Clarity of Writing: 7.4/10

Clear for a technical volume, though it requires focused reading.

Pastoral Usefulness: 7.6/10

Most useful as a study tool that undergirds faithful preaching, especially when paired with an expositional work.

Readability: 7/10

Best used in planned preparation rather than in the final hour.

Summary

At a Glance

Length: —
Type: Exegetical (Technical)
Theo. Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Overall score: 7.7 / 10
Strength: Strong text level detail for serious preparation.
Limitation: Less direct help with sermon shaping and immediate application.

We find Murphy’s Ecclesiastes a serious Word Biblical Commentary volume that serves careful preparation. It keeps us close to the passage, attending to structure, key terms, and the flow of argument so we can handle the text with greater honesty.

Because it is written for detailed work, it is strongest when we have time to study. It is less about ready made sermon outlines, and more about giving us the textual footing we need for faithful proclamation.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want a technical companion that helps us slow down and read with discipline. It is particularly useful when a passage is disputed, dense, or easy to mishandle through hurried assumptions.

We also benefit when careful scholarship tests our instincts. Even where we do not follow every proposal, the work often strengthens our reasoning and sharpens our awareness of what the text actually says.

For Reformed preaching, the gain is often indirect. Strong exegesis supports clearer Christward proclamation, and it helps us serve the church with confidence rather than guesswork.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a robust desk resource for pastors and students who want depth. It works best alongside a more directly expositional commentary that assists with sermon shape and application.

As pastoral next steps, we can read the Bible Book Overview, consult Top Recommendations, and browse the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser shelf.

Where to buy

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