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Luke

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readersStrong recommendation

Summary

William Hendriksen’s volume on Luke in the New Testament Commentary series (Baker Book House, 1978) is a full-length, verse-by-verse exposition written from a clearly Reformed, evangelical standpoint. Running to over a thousand pages, it aims to walk carefully through the whole Gospel, explaining the text in its context and tracing Luke’s distinctive emphases on salvation history, the work of the Spirit, and the compassion of Christ.

Hendriksen brings together careful exegesis, interaction with the Greek text, and a concern that the message of Luke should be understood and proclaimed in the life of the church. The commentary is designed primarily for pastors and serious Bible students, but committed lay readers willing to work through a substantial volume will also find rich help here.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We value this commentary first for its theological reliability. Hendriksen writes as a convinced Reformed pastor-theologian, treating Luke as the inspired and historically trustworthy word of God. He is alert to questions of authorship, structure, and background, yet he never allows technical discussion to unsettle confidence in the text. His treatment of key themes—the Son of Man, the kingdom of God, reversal for the poor and lowly, the cost of discipleship—is consistently anchored in historic orthodox convictions.

Second, the volume offers substantial help for exposition. Hendriksen moves steadily through the text, section by section, explaining difficult phrases, highlighting Old Testament allusions, and drawing out the flow of argument. Greek is referenced where it genuinely clarifies meaning, but never in a way that excludes non-specialists. Preachers will appreciate the way he marks transitions, gathers parallels, and shows how individual stories fit Luke’s larger narrative purpose.

Third, there is real pastoral warmth. This is not a dry academic treatise; Hendriksen writes as someone who expects Luke’s Gospel to be preached, believed, and obeyed. Alongside doctrinal clarity there are frequent notes that suggest lines of application, comfort, and exhortation. While the work does not read like a sermon series, it consistently nudges the reader toward worship and obedience rather than mere information-gathering.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend Hendriksen on Luke warmly for pastors, elders, Bible teachers, and serious students who want a substantial, trustworthy companion to the Gospel. It will particularly serve those in Reformed and conservative evangelical settings who desire robust exegesis joined to confessional conviction and pastoral concern.

Readers needing exhaustive engagement with the latest critical scholarship may wish to pair this with a more recent technical volume, but as a primary preaching commentary—especially for those who share its theological instincts—this remains a richly rewarding and dependable choice.


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Matthew

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readersStrong recommendation

Summary

The commentary on Matthew by William Hendriksen offers a verse-by-verse exposition of the Gospel of Matthew from a firmly Reformed perspective. Published in 1973 by Baker Book House, this volume spans over 1,000 pages and integrates thoughtful commentary, Greek textual notes, and application sidebars.

Hendriksen writes with the dual conviction that Scripture is God’s word and that the expository task is both faithful and practical. Within this narrative gospel he highlights the kingdom of heaven, the fulfilment of Old-Testament prophecy, and the Lord’s authority, all while guiding the reader through the text with clarity and pastoral warmth.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

First, this commentary stands out for its theological consistency. Hendriksen remains committed to Reformed doctrines of salvation, covenant and Christ’s lordship—he brings these into his commentary without overt polemics, making the book helpful for preaching and teaching in a confessional evangelical context. Because of this, we find it very reliable for pastors and church-leaders who want a commentary rooted in historic orthodoxy, not simply modern thematic commentary.

Second, practical value is high. The book offers not only scholarly insight (including Greek textual references and bibliographies) but also application sections that help bridge from text to congregation. That makes it especially worth owning for those who both teach and preach. Third, although it was written some decades ago, its form and language remain accessible: Hendriksen avoids overly technical jargon while still unpacking key theological and exegetical points—so it serves both seasoned and developing expositors.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this volume with confidence for those pastors, teachers, and serious students who desire to dig into Matthew with theological depth and pastoral sensitivity. If you are looking for a commentary that supports faithful preaching and robust exegesis from a Reformed perspective, this Hendriksen volume is a solid cornerstone of any commentary library.

For those whose budget or time restricts them, there may be more recent volumes with fuller engagement of current scholarship—but for core use in Reformed pulpit work, this remains a dependable choice.


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Matthew

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation

Summary

Grant Osborne’s Matthew volume in the Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series offers a richly informed, pastorally sensitive, and academically responsible treatment of the first Gospel. Osborne combines careful exegesis, well-chosen background material, and clear theological insight, making the work accessible for pastors while grounded enough for serious students. His approach consistently seeks to unfold Matthew’s structure, highlight the evangelist’s theological priorities, and connect the text to the life of the church.

We appreciate that Osborne writes with warmth and clarity, never losing sight of the Gospel’s central focus on Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah and authoritative Lord. His engagement with Greek grammar, literary features, and first-century context strengthens the reader’s ability to understand Matthew as both history and proclamation. This makes the commentary a trustworthy companion for expositors who want depth without technical overload.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

This commentary is particularly strong in its structural insights. Osborne excels at showing how Matthew arranges his material in purposeful, thematic ways. His frequent attention to discourse structure, narrative flow, and intertextual patterns helps preachers grasp not only what Matthew says but how and why he says it. This proves invaluable for sermon series planning and for avoiding a disjointed, verse-by-verse treatment of the Gospel.

We find his balance of exegetical rigor and pastoral application especially commendable. Osborne does not shy away from academic questions, but he communicates his conclusions with clarity and humility. His comments often move naturally from interpretive explanation to pastoral implication, making the commentary immediately useful for those preparing sermons, Bible studies, or discipleship material.

The volume also gives significant attention to the Christology of Matthew, emphasising Jesus as fulfilment of Old Testament promise, authoritative teacher, suffering servant, and risen King. Osborne’s theological reflections remain anchored in the text and avoid speculative tendencies, making this a dependable resource for doctrinally careful preaching.

Closing Recommendation

We warmly recommend Osborne’s Matthew commentary to pastors, students, and serious lay readers who want an exegetically robust and pastorally grounded treatment of the first Gospel. It provides clarity, depth, and steady guidance through both familiar passages and difficult texts.

While highly technical specialists may supplement it with more narrowly academic works, this volume offers a superb blend of scholarship and usefulness—an excellent addition to any expositor’s library.


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Ruth

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastorsTop choice
9.2Author: Daniel I. Block Bible Book: Ruth Series: Exegetical Commentary On The Old Testament (Zondervan) Publisher: Zondervan Type: Exegetical (Technical) Theological Perspective: Reformed

Summary

Daniel I. Block’s Ruth in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament series provides a rich, text-driven, and theologically sensitive exposition of this beloved book. As one of the finest evangelical Old Testament scholars of our day, Block brings together linguistic expertise, literary insight, and pastoral warmth. His treatment honours the narrative’s beauty, its historical context, and its theological message while remaining highly usable for preachers and teachers.

The commentary walks through each unit of the text with clarity, highlighting structure, grammar, key terms, and narrative movement. Block’s goal is to help the reader understand not only what the text says, but how it says it—revealing the artistry and theological depth embedded in the story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We value how Block combines technical skill with genuine pastoral sensitivity. His attention to Hebrew narrative, wordplay, and character development gives preachers a deeper appreciation of the text’s craftsmanship. At the same time, his exposition remains warm, clear, and spiritually compelling. He highlights the book’s themes of covenant faithfulness, loyal love, providence, and the surprising grace of God displayed in ordinary lives.

Block is especially strong in showing how the book of Ruth points forward to the redemptive purposes of God—culminating in David’s line and ultimately in Christ. Without forcing connections, he draws out the theological implications with balance and insight. His reflections on the cultural and legal background (kinsman-redeemer, gleaning laws, family loyalty) equip preachers to explain Ruth with clarity and confidence.

The commentary’s layout—combining structural analysis, exegetical detail, and pastoral reflection—makes it particularly useful for sermon preparation. It provides both the depth needed for careful study and the clarity needed for faithful communication. Block’s sensitivity to the emotional tone of the narrative, especially Naomi’s journey from emptiness to restoration, makes his work pastorally powerful.

Closing Recommendation

We warmly commend Block’s *Ruth* to pastors, teachers, and serious students of Scripture. It stands among the very best resources available on this book—deeply faithful, beautifully written, and rich in theological insight.

If you want a commentary that combines technical strength with pastoral usefulness and literary sensitivity, Block’s work is an exceptional choice.


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The Gospel According To John

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, General readers, Lay readers / small groups, Pastors-in-trainingTop choice
9.6Author: D.A. Carson Bible Book: John Series: Pillar New Testament Commentary Publisher: Eerdmans Type: Exegetical (Technical), Expository (Mid-Level) Theological Perspective: Reformed

Summary

D. A. Carson’s commentary on John in the Pillar New Testament Commentary series is one of the finest evangelical treatments of the Fourth Gospel. Scholarly yet warmly pastoral, Carson offers a rigorous exposition rooted in the original text, careful theological synthesis, and a clear understanding of John’s literary and historical context. His aim is to help readers see the glory of Christ—His identity, mission, signs, and saving work—and to understand how John’s Gospel calls us to believe and live.

This commentary provides substantial exegetical depth without losing accessibility. Carson handles major themes—such as Jesus’ deity, the meaning of the signs, the “I am” statements, the nature of true belief, the role of the Spirit, and the unfolding of Jesus’ hour—with clarity and balance. Though academically capable, he writes in a way that serves the pastor, serious student, and lay reader alike.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We appreciate Carson’s ability to combine scholarly rigour with doctrinal clarity. His deep commitment to the authority of Scripture and the centrality of Christ shines throughout. He interacts with a broad range of scholarship, offering thoughtful evaluations while maintaining a confident, evangelical stance. This makes the commentary exceptionally reliable for those who desire both depth and theological steadiness.

Carson excels in explaining difficult passages—John 1:1–18, the new birth in John 3, the living water in John 4, the Bread of Life discourse, the Good Shepherd teaching, and the Farewell Discourse. His insights into first-century Judaism, the symbolism of John’s narrative, and the theological unity of the Gospel are consistently rich and illuminating.

For preachers, the commentary offers a wealth of exegetical and theological material that supports faithful, Christ-centred preaching. Carson does not merely provide technical analysis; he shows how John’s Gospel reveals Jesus in His glory, inviting the reader to trust Him more deeply.

Closing Recommendation

We strongly commend Carson’s John as an essential commentary for anyone teaching or studying the Fourth Gospel. It is reliable, spiritually penetrating, and intellectually rigorous—an outstanding resource for both ministry and personal growth.

If you want a commentary that combines careful exegesis, doctrinal clarity, and devotion to Christ, Carson’s contribution in the Pillar series remains one of the very best available.


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The Gospel Of Matthew

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation

Summary

R. T. France’s commentary on Matthew in the New International Commentary on the New Testament series is widely regarded as one of the finest modern expositions of the First Gospel. France brings a lifetime of scholarship to the task, handling Matthew’s narrative shape, Old Testament foundations, and theological emphases with remarkable clarity. This commentary is thorough without being bloated, scholarly without being obscure, and deeply attentive to the text as Scripture.

France approaches Matthew with keen literary sensitivity. He pays close attention to structure, theme, and context, helping readers see how Matthew crafts his portrait of Jesus as Israel’s Messiah, the fulfilment of God’s promises, and the authoritative teacher of the kingdom. His analysis is balanced, careful, and refreshingly free from speculative tangents.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We value France’s mastery of Matthew’s use of the Old Testament. His insights into fulfilment motifs, typology, and intertextual echoes give teachers a richer understanding of how Matthew presents Jesus as the consummation of Israel’s story. This is one of the commentary’s greatest strengths and a major reason why it continues to be so widely respected.

Pastors will appreciate France’s clarity. Though primarily academic, the commentary is highly readable, and France communicates complex material with a steady simplicity. His methodical explanations help preachers trace Matthew’s argument, understand difficult passages, and teach the Gospel with confidence. While he does not offer much direct application, the theological weight and exegetical precision provide more than enough material for thoughtful sermon work.

France also demonstrates a commendable restraint. He is honest where the text is disputed, careful not to overreach, and consistently charitable in presenting alternative views. This makes the commentary particularly valuable for ministry contexts where clarity, fairness, and steady exposition are needed.

Closing Recommendation

We warmly recommend France’s Matthew to pastors, teachers, and serious students of Scripture. It is one of the strongest full-length commentaries available on this Gospel and remains a dependable companion for both study and preaching.

If you want a commentary that combines depth, clarity, and theological steadiness, France’s contribution stands near the top of any Matthew bibliography—an outstanding resource for long-term ministry use.


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Revelation 17-22

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholarsUse with caution
6.8Author: David E. Aune Bible Book: Revelation Series: Word Biblical Commentary Publisher: Thomas Nelson Type: Exegetical (Technical), Specialised Theological Perspective: Non-Evangelical / Critical

Summary

David Aune’s third volume in the Word Biblical Commentary on Revelation brings his massive, scholarly investigation to its conclusion. Covering chapters 17–22, he traces the fall of Babylon, the final judgment, the triumph of the Lamb, and the glory of the new creation with the same rigorous historical and literary method that marks the whole set. This is a densely researched, academically oriented commentary intended for readers who want to understand Revelation within its ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman context.

We find here detailed discussions of symbolism, intertextual echoes, and first-century background material. Aune’s analysis is meticulous and often illuminating, even when we may differ at interpretive points. Pastors and teachers will not find devotional warmth or pastoral application, but they will find a treasure trove of data and historical insight.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

This volume stands out for its encyclopaedic scope. Aune’s command of ancient sources allows him to clarify images and terms that can otherwise feel opaque. His treatment of Babylon, the Beast, the New Jerusalem, and the consummation of all things is rich with historical detail, making this an invaluable resource for anyone preparing sermons or teaching series on Revelation.

We particularly appreciate the precision of his textual work. His interaction with the Greek text is careful, his footnotes are thorough, and his analysis of literary structure helps readers make sense of Revelation’s complex movement. For those who value deep background knowledge, this commentary consistently delivers.

Although it offers little in terms of pastoral direction, its academic strength makes it a useful supplement alongside more theological or pastoral treatments. When paired with Reformed or broadly evangelical expositions, Aune’s research can help preachers avoid anachronism and anchor their teaching in the first-century world.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this commentary for pastors, teachers, and students who want a serious academic companion to Revelation 17–22. It is not written from a Reformed or even explicitly evangelical perspective, but it remains one of the strongest historical-critical resources available.

If you already own volumes that offer theological clarity and pastoral warmth, Aune’s work will deepen your background understanding and strengthen your exposition when handled with discernment.


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Judges

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastorsStrong recommendation

Summary

We review Judges by Mark J. Boda and Mary L. Conway, published by Zondervan in the Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament series. This substantial volume—well over 900 pages—offers a disciplined, text-driven approach designed for pastors, teachers and serious students who want to understand the structure, flow and theology of Judges. It is a commentary written with academic precision but shaped with ministry use in mind.

The authors combine original-language engagement, discourse analysis and theological reflection in a format that walks through the book of Judges unit by unit. Each section provides translation, movement through the Hebrew text, an explanation of structure, and reflections on canonical significance. This makes it an excellent resource for those who want more than surface-level exposition while still needing clarity for sermon preparation.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

First, this commentary excels in helping the reader understand the internal logic and literary design of Judges. The book is not simply a sequence of isolated stories; it is a spiralling narrative of Israel’s increasing moral collapse and God’s persistent, gracious intervention. Boda and Conway make this structure clear, showing how each judge contributes to the overall theological burden of the book. For Reformed preachers, this helps illuminate themes of covenant faithfulness, human depravity and the need for a righteous king.

Second, its handling of the Hebrew text is robust without becoming inaccessible. The authors consistently explain textual decisions, structural markers and linguistic features in a way that benefits pastors who may not be fluent in Hebrew but desire depth. Their work fosters confidence: when preparing a sermon, you have a trusted companion who helps you understand not only what the text says but why it is written the way it is.

Third, this commentary is particularly strong in its theological reflections. The cyclical pattern of sin, judgment and deliverance in Judges is traced with care, helping preachers draw out redemptive-historical trajectories without forcing connections. While the Christological implications are not always explicitly developed, they are present—especially in the movement from flawed human deliverers to the need for a true and righteous Deliverer.

Closing Recommendation

We warmly recommend this commentary for pastors, elders, teachers and students committed to preaching or teaching Judges with clarity and conviction. Its depth, structural analysis and theological integrity make it one of the stronger modern resources for handling this challenging book.

If you are looking for a lighter, devotional-style commentary, this volume may feel demanding. But for those who want to honour the Hebrew text and shepherd their congregation through the message of Judges with seriousness and insight, this commentary is a worthy investment.


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The Book Of Job

AdvancedBusy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingUseful supplement
8.0Author: John E. Hartley Bible Book: Job Series: New International Commentary On The Old Testament Publisher: Eerdmans Type: Exegetical (Technical) Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical

Short Verdict: A solid, reliable scholarly-evangelical commentary on The Book of Job that faithfully engages the Hebrew text and the theological challenge of suffering, though it stops short of the most overtly Reformed thematic integration.

Summary

In terms of approach, Hartley begins with an extensive introduction into the book’s authorship, date, structure, textual and linguistic issues, and Ancient Near Eastern background. The main body presents a verse-by-verse (or section-by-section) commentary, with a translation of the Hebrew text and careful attention to textual criticism, syntax, literary structure, and theological significance. While the volume leans toward an academic consumption—especially for pastors or teachers desiring depth—it retains sufficient exposition and application to be of use beyond specialist-only audiences.

It is especially suited to pastors, seminary students, and serious Bible-teachers who are willing to engage technical material in order to ground faithful preaching and teaching of Job’s complex themes of suffering, divine justice, and restoration.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

Firstly, the work’s strength lies in its careful and disciplined attention to the text of Job. Hartley does not treat Job superficially; instead he wrestles with the Hebrew, explores textual variants, engages the ancient Near Eastern parallels, and tracks the book’s structure so that we are not merely reading isolated verses but seeing how the poetry, narrative and wisdom elements function together. For a Reformed-minded pastor, this is indispensable: the doctrine of God’s sovereignty, human suffering, and ultimate restoration requires careful attention to how Job says it rather than just what we wish it said.

Secondly, the theological and pastoral insights are commendable. Hartley repeatedly emphasizes how Job’s experience confronts the presumption of easy retributive justice and draws believers into the deeper reality of a sovereign, inscrutable yet loving God who redeems his people amid suffering. While his Reformed theology may not always be fully spelled out in the language of covenant or TULIP, the themes he handles resonate deeply with the Five Solas: the Lord’s initiative, Christ-centred redemption implicitly present, and the call to corrupted human creatureliness. In the context of a sermon series on Job, this commentary gives robust material to unpack Job’s confession, divine speeches, and restoration.

Thirdly, in practical terms this volume stands out for usability. It is more manageable than multi-volume commentaries, making it realistic for pastors on a schedule. The English translation of the Hebrew that accompanies the commentary helps those less fluent in Hebrew. The commentary’s layout—introductions, section summaries, theological cross-references and application pointers—makes it a good preparation tool for preaching. That said, readers with minimal Hebrew or without appetite for technical detail may find some sections dense; and Hartley occasionally leaves major theological threads (for example the New Testament-Christological implications of Job) more implicit than explicit.

Closing Recommendation

We warmly recommend this volume to pastors, church-teachers and serious students who intend to shepherd a series through the Book of Job or want a dependable resource for deeper study. If you are preparing sermons or lectures and want to ground yourself in the Hebrew text while maintaining evangelical fidelity and theological depth, Hartley is a wise choice.

However, if you are looking for light devotional reading or a commentary with full-blown Reformed covenant-theological mapping, you may prefer a more pithy or explicitly covenantal work alongside this. Even so, this remains one of the better single-volume commentaries on Job from an evangelical vantage and is well worth the shelf-space.


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Leviticus

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingTop choice

Short Verdict: This is one of the most helpful modern commentaries on Leviticus for pastors, combining deep Hebrew-sensitive exegesis with immediate application in a clear, Christ-centred way.

Summary

The commentary in question is Leviticus by Jay Sklar, part of the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament (ZECOT) series, published by Zondervan in 2023. This volume spans approximately 864 pages.
In terms of approach, Sklar provides for each pericope a Hebrew-English translation, a detailed exegetical outline of the passage, commentary that engages the Hebrew text (though not requiring full proficiency), and a “Canonical and Theological Significance” section that bridges the ancient text with contemporary pastoral concerns. The structure places discourse analysis, textual structure and literary context at the forefront—reflecting the series’s emphasis on how an author says something as well as what is said.

It is aimed primarily at pastors, Bible-teachers, ministry leaders and serious students of Scripture who are willing to engage with the Hebrew text and desire a trustworthy resource for preaching and teaching. While technical in places, it strives for accessibility. :

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

First, its strengths lie in its combination of rigorous exegesis and a pastor-friendly framework. Sklar does not shy away from Hebrew, syntax and discourse-analysis, yet the commentary remains readable and oriented toward preaching and teaching. Reviewers note that whereas many commentaries on Leviticus become heavy in technical minutiae, this commentary retains the “why it matters” dimension for church ministry. For you as a pastor and Bible-teacher, this means a deeper grasp of the text’s structure—especially around key Levitical concepts like holiness, atonement, presence and purity—and the capacity to craft sermons that honour the text without being dry or inaccessible.

Secondly, the volume’s theological content is commendable from a Reformed vantage. Sklar consistently points to the presence of a holy God dwelling among a redeemed people, the necessity of substitutionary atonement (implicit in Leviticus’s sacrifices) and the forward-looking purpose of the law in covenant-community formation. While he does not always explicitly carry out a full covenantally-Reformed theology, the framework supports it well. This makes the commentary valuable for sermon preparation: the “Canonical and Theological Significance” sections often give you ready-to-go homiletic headings and theological insights rooted in the original context.

Thirdly, in practical usefulness this volume excels. Given how many find the Book of Leviticus difficult to preach, this commentary gives you clarity on structure and purpose—why the rituals matter, what they teach this covenant-people about God and neighbour—and then invites modern application. Reviewers emphasise that the layout (translations + outline + commentary + application) supports sermon-craft. For the busy pastor you get both depth and usable scaffolding.

Of course no commentary is perfect: some readers with little Hebrew may find parts dense, and there are times when the theological motifs (e.g., sin-wrath-atonement) could be more coherently developed. A reviewer noted that the motif of law functioning to ‘protect the people from divine wrath’ was touched on but not fully integrated. So while this is an excellent resource, it still requires you to engage with the text and draw out the connections pastorally.

Closing Recommendation

In our judgment, this commentary is strongly recommended for pastors, teachers and serious students who plan to preach or teach through the Book of Leviticus. If your aim is to do more than survey the book and instead to guide your congregation through it faithfully—honouring the Hebrew text, engaging its theological weight and crafting relevant application—then this belongs on your shelf.

For those who only need a very brief introduction, or have limited Hebrew interest, a more summary commentary might suffice (and this work may feel detailed). But if you value a high-quality Reformed-friendly resource that marries sound exegesis with homiletic insight, then we regard this as one of the better recent options for Leviticus.


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