Joshua, ESV Expository Commentary

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Author: David Reimer
Bible Book: Joshua
Publisher: Crossway
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary
Last updated: February 17, 2026
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Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.1/10

A useful mid level commentary on Joshua that supports faithful exposition and practical application.

Publication Date(s): 2022
Pages: 1056
ISBN: 9781433546334
Faithfulness to the Text: 8.2/10
We find David Reimer careful to follow the flow of Joshua, with consistent attention to context and to the passage’s own emphasis.
Christ Centredness: 8/10
We are helped to preach Christ from Joshua with restraint and confidence, tracing promise and fulfilment without forcing connections.
Depth of Insight: 8.1/10
We gain solid insight into structure and themes, with enough engagement to sharpen our judgment for preaching and teaching.
Clarity of Writing: 8/10
The writing is clear and well organised, making it workable for weekly preparation and easy to consult in the study.
Pastoral Usefulness: 8.3/10
The volume repeatedly helps us move from explanation to congregational use, with application that is direct, wise, and not gimmicky.
Readability: 8/10
It is a substantial read, but it is paced for pastors and teachers, and it rewards steady use over time.

Summary

At a Glance

Length
1056 pages
Type
Expository (Mid-Level)
Theo. Perspective
Broadly Evangelical
Overall score
8.1 / 10
Strength
Clear expositional flow with consistent pastoral application.
Limitation
Less expansive on original language detail than more technical series.

Joshua, ESV Expository Commentary gives us a clear, church facing exposition of Joshua. David Reimer writes with a calm hand, and the ESV Expository Commentary series aims to serve the pulpit as much as the study. Volume 3.

The writing is structured to keep the main line of the passage in view. We are helped to see how the chapters fit together, and how Joshua speaks with its own voice within the story of redemption.

At its best, it keeps us from flattening Joshua into slogans. It presses us to listen, then to speak with the passage rather than merely about it.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own it for weekly ministry. It is written with the assumption that we will teach Joshua to ordinary believers, and it gives us help that is concrete without being shallow.

It is also useful for shaping a series plan. The outlines and emphasis points help us see where to slow down, where to join sections, and where the author has placed the main stress.

For deeper technical work we will still want a specialist volume at points, but this book earns its place as a primary companion for sermon preparation.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend Joshua, ESV Expository Commentary as a dependable guide for preaching Joshua in the life of the church. It is clear enough for weekly use, and serious enough to keep us honest in the text.

It is not a replacement for close reading of the passage, but it is a wise partner. Used alongside prayerful study, it helps us speak with greater clarity and conviction.

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, Pastors-in-training
  • Priority: Strong recommendation

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