Publisher: Eerdmans

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Eerdmans

Founded in 1911 by William B. Eerdmans in Grand Rapids, Michigan, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company has long been recognised as one of the leading publishers of serious Christian scholarship in the English-speaking world. Independent and interdenominational, Eerdmans maintains a strong evangelical heritage while engaging a broad academic readership. Its editorial ethos combines fidelity to Scripture with intellectual honesty, aiming to serve both the church and the academy through thoughtful, well-edited works in biblical studies, theology, and Christian history.

Eerdmans commentaries are distinguished by their scholarly depth, clarity of exposition, and enduring production quality. Series such as The New International Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (NICOT/NICNT) exemplify its commitment to rigorous exegesis joined with theological conviction. Many of its volumes have become standard reference points for pastors, seminarians, and scholars seeking trustworthy, text-focused engagement with the Word of God.

Volumes from this publisher are consistently dependable for serious students of Scripture.

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The Book Of Lamentations

Mid-levelAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
8.4
Author: John Goldingay
Bible Book: Lamentations
Series: New International Commentary On The Old Testament
Type: Exegetical (Technical) Expository (Mid-Level) Homiletical
Publisher: Eerdmans
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical Reformed
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

The Book of Lamentations by John Goldingay (NICOT) is a thoughtful, pastorally sensitive yet scholarly commentary on one of the Bible’s most moving books. Goldingay begins with a robust introduction exploring background, authorship, textual issues, theology, and the social-historical context behind Lamentations. Then he provides his own English translation based on the Masoretic Text and delivers a verse-by-verse commentary. The commentary reflects deep engagement with the Hebrew, literary features such as the acrostic structure, ancient Near Eastern parallels, and theological themes — all while never losing sight of the grief, protest, and hope embedded in the poems.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

First, this volume serves the preacher’s task with real care. Goldingay does not burden the text with endless linguistic minutiae that obscure the message. Instead he draws out how Lamentations confronts trauma, judgment, grief, and trust in Yahweh, themes that speak powerfully to churches facing suffering or uncertainty. The style is accessible yet serious, making it usable not just for seminaries but for busy pastors preparing sermons or group teaching.

Second, Goldingay brings a mature balance between historical-critical insight and reverent faith. He acknowledges uncertain matters responsibly, for example about authorship and dating, without forcing neat conclusions. He also helps the reader feel the emotional and theological weight of the poems. The “Reader’s Response” sections after each poem help the preacher imagine how original worshipers might have heard and lived these laments, a feature rare in academic commentaries.

Closing Recommendation

We believe this commentary is a strong addition to any pastor’s or teacher’s library. It stands as a bridge between scholarly insight and pastoral application, a resource that honours the original text and yet speaks to real hearts. For those wanting to preach or teach Lamentations with care, clarity, and theological weight, Goldingay’s work will not disappoint.

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The Book Of Jeremiah

Mid-levelAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
7.9
Author: John Goldingay
Bible Book: Jeremiah
Series: New International Commentary On The Old Testament
Type: Exegetical (Technical) Expository (Mid-Level) Homiletical
Publisher: Eerdmans
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical Reformed
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

John Goldingay’s Jeremiah in the New International Commentary on the Old Testament is a large, careful, and often searching walk through a difficult prophetic book. Jeremiah is long, uneven in tone, and full of sorrow and confrontation, yet Goldingay works steadily through the whole text with his own translation, detailed notes, and sustained exposition. He pays attention to shifts between prose and poetry, to the different kinds of material in the book, and to the way Jeremiah’s words arise out of concrete historical moments in Judah’s final years.

Goldingay is an experienced Old Testament scholar, and that shows. He is willing to engage questions of composition, redaction, and structure, yet he treats Jeremiah as Christian Scripture rather than as an archaeological specimen. The book’s theology of covenant, judgement, mercy, and new heart is brought into view, and he helps readers see how these themes are woven through oracles, narratives, and symbolic actions. This is not a light read, but it is a serious attempt to listen carefully to what Jeremiah actually says and why it still matters.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

If you are planning to preach or teach Jeremiah, this volume gives you something pastors rarely have with this book: a steady guide. When you come to a confusing chapter, a harsh oracle, or a tangled sequence of events, Goldingay maps the terrain, explains the likely flow, and sets out the main interpretive options with reasons. That does not remove all difficulty, but it does mean you are not guessing in the dark when you stand up to preach.

From a Reformed and evangelical perspective, there is much to appreciate and a few things to watch. Goldingay is broadly evangelical in tone and treats Jeremiah as the Word of God, but he is also comfortable with some critical questions about how the book has been shaped. For many pastors that will be acceptable and even stimulating, though some may wish to read with discernment at points where he is more open to complex compositional history. What is encouraging is that he does not hollow out the message of judgement, sin, and grace that runs through the book.

Jeremiah is also a book where Christ centred preaching can feel difficult. Goldingay does not press hard into explicit Christological readings, but he gives you the theological scaffolding you need. The new covenant promises, the theme of a faithful remnant, the hope of restored hearts and a renewed relationship with God, all receive careful attention. A Reformed preacher can then trace how these strands find their fulfilment in Christ and the gospel, without feeling that they are ignoring the text’s own structure and emphasis.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend John Goldingay’s Jeremiah in NICOT as a substantial, thoughtful companion for pastors, students, and serious Bible readers. It is not a quick reference or a sermon outline factory. It is a deep resource that will help you handle Jeremiah with more confidence and more care. Used alongside more explicitly Christ focused and pastoral works, it can play a very valuable role in a well rounded preaching library on the prophets.

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The Book Of Isaiah 40–66

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
8.2
Author: John N. Oswalt
Bible Book: Isaiah
Series: New International Commentary On The Old Testament
Type: Exegetical (Technical) Expository (Mid-Level) Homiletical
Publisher: Eerdmans
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical Reformed
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

Isaiah 40–66 by John N. Oswalt offers a weighty and pastorally aware interpretation of the second half of Isaiah. The volume begins with a careful survey of critical debates: Questions of authorship, date, structure, and the unity of the book, and then proceeds to a verse-by-verse commentary grounded in a fresh translation. Oswalt balances respect for the Hebrew text and its ancient context with the conviction that this prophetic word still speaks to modern believers. He does not shy away from the grand promises of restoration, the warnings of judgment, nor the messianic and eschatological overtones that echo into the New Testament.

Throughout the commentary, the prophetic narrative is treated as both historically rooted and theologically profound. Oswalt draws attention to the themes of exile and return, the suffering and vindication of the Servant, and the sovereignty and comfort of God, placing Isaiah’s message in its canonical context. He helps readers appreciate the tension and hope contained in the text, and leaves space for preaching that honours the prophetic voice while bridging to gospel realities.

This volume is not a devotional handbook nor a sermon workbook; rather it provides the exegetical and theological foundation any preacher needs before building application. Used carefully, it ensures that prophecy is preached with reverence, clarity, and a sense of gospel-anchored hope.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

If you are regularly preaching or teaching in Isaiah, this commentary is indispensable. When you face complex prophecy, with difficult Hebrew, rich imagery, and shifting horizons between immediate judgement and ultimate redemption, Oswalt gives you a sure footing. His translation and notes clarify grammar, poetic structure, and variant readings so you are not forced to guess. That reliability is a pastor’s friend.

For Reformed preachers who want to handle the Old Testament with theological integrity and gospel sensitivity, this volume does strong service. Oswalt defends the unity of Isaiah and treats 40–66 as part of one prophetic message. That guards against fragmented or arbitrary interpretation and encourages preaching that honours the consistency of God’s redemptive revelation across covenant, exile, and promise.

Though dense, the book is organised and navigable. For pastors with limited preparation time, the combination of translation, structured commentary, and accessible prose makes it feasible to consult during sermon planning. It will repay repeated use over many years, a worthy foundation for faithful, text-driven preaching on Isaiah.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend Isaiah 40–66 by John N. Oswalt (NICOT) as a premier commentary for serious exposition and preaching. It combines textual fidelity, theological depth, and canonical awareness in a way that honours Scripture and serves the church. For any pastor determined to preach Isaiah with clarity, conviction and gospel-grounded hope, this volume belongs on the shelf.

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The Book Of Isaiah 1–39

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
8.2
Author: John N. Oswalt
Bible Book: Isaiah
Series: New International Commentary On The Old Testament
Type: Exegetical (Technical) Expository (Mid-Level) Homiletical
Publisher: Eerdmans
Theological Perspective: Reformed
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

Isaiah 1–39 by John N. Oswalt is a substantial, verse-by-verse commentary that treats the first portion of the book of Isaiah with seriousness, depth, and pastoral concern. Oswalt offers a full introduction covering authorship, textual history, canonical status, structure, theology, and interpretive challenges. His own translation of the Hebrew is used throughout, accompanied by detailed notes and discussion of alternate readings where appropriate. The result is a commentary that honours the text’s complexity, respects its prophetic context, and invites the preacher to wrestle with its demands rather than slide into cheap easy application.

Throughout the volume Oswalt balances historical-grammatical sensitivity with theological urgency. He does not shy from difficult passages, whether judgment or promise, wrath or comfort, but reads them as part of a unified prophetic book, written by (or ultimately grounded in) the eighth-century prophet Isaiah. The commentary shows strong grasp of Old Testament theology, covenant history, and the interplay between prophecy, judgment, and hope. It positions the text in its ancient setting, yet leaves open how the preacher may draw canonical and covenantal implications for the church today.

At the same time, this is not a devotional or sermon-ready commentary. Oswalt gives minimal homiletical shaping. What he provides is the exegetical and theological foundation; from there, the preacher must prayerfully build gospel-centred proclamation. For those who want depth and integrity before application, this commentary stands firm.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

For any preacher, teacher, or serious student working through Isaiah 1–39, this volume is indispensable. When the text grows dense, with judgment oracles, theological complexity, or prophetic imagery, Oswalt provides a sure footing. His translation helps reading and preaching, and his footnotes and discussions give clarity where Hebrew idiom or textual tradition is obscure. Relying on Oswalt helps avoid superficial readings and ensures that sermons are grounded in solid exegesis.

Moreover, for a Reformed preacher wanting to handle the Old Testament with care, Oswalt’s theological seriousness is refreshing. He argues for the unity of Isaiah, pushing back against overly fragmented or skeptical critical approaches. That gives confidence that preaching from Isaiah is not preaching a patchwork, but a coherent prophetic vision, worthy of the pulpit and rooted in divine inspiration.

Finally, though dense, the book remains usable in a preacher’s library. Its organisation and clarity make it possible to work through a passage within a reasonable preparation window. For pastors balancing sermon preparation, pastoral care, and study demands, this volume offers real value without being unwieldy.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend Isaiah 1–39 by John N. Oswalt (NICOT) as one of the strongest single-volume Old Testament commentaries available for serious exposition. If you intend to preach or teach Isaiah with faithfulness to the Hebrew, theological integrity, and a gospel-aware heart, this book is well worth owning and consulting often. It belongs in the shelf of every preacher who wishes to let Isaiah speak with authority to the church today.

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The Book Of Song of Songs

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
7.9
Author: Tremper Longman
Bible Book: Song Of Songs
Series: New International Commentary On The Old Testament
Type: Exegetical (Technical) Expository (Mid-Level) Homiletical
Publisher: Eerdmans
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

Tremper Longman’s Song of Songs in the New International Commentary on the Old Testament takes seriously the poetic, sensual, and theological challenges of the book. He begins with a full introduction—addressing authorship, date, language, literary style, genre, structure, the Song’s place in the canon and the history of interpretation. He does not shy away from the book’s frank romantic and erotic imagery, yet brings to it a thoughtful, respectful, and evangelical hermeneutic that reads the Song as part of God’s Word without forcing it into categories it never claims for itself.

In the commentary proper Longman proceeds carefully, dividing the text into poetic units and offering verse-by-verse exposition that attends to Hebrew idiom, metaphor, and imagery. He works to show what the lovers’ language meant in its ancient Near Eastern context, and what it may legitimately say to believers who long to honour marriage, sexuality and covenant love under the Lordship of Christ. His tone is honest about difficulties; he rarely proposes speculative allegory, but he also does not reduce the book to a purely secular romance. Instead, he leaves space for preachers and teachers to bring the gospel and covenant-wisdom convictions to bear even while respecting the poetic integrity of the text.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

If you are a pastor or Bible-teacher who needs to preach or teach the Song of Songs faithfully and sensitively, this commentary is among the most balanced you can own. Longman helps you navigate the erotic imagery, ancient linguistic and cultural background, and interpretive history with clarity and caution. That frees you to preach the Song without embarrassment—aware of its beauty and complexity, yet anchored in Scripture’s authority.

Moreover, for a Reformed preacher who wants to avoid a cheap allegorizing or trivialising of the Song, this volume offers a healthy middle path. Longman does not demand that every phrase point to Christ, but he holds open the possibility of using the Song within a covenant-redemptive framework. That makes it a helpful companion when preparing a sermon or a series on marriage, covenant love, or biblical sexuality. It helps you honour both the text and the gospel at once.

Finally, the book’s brevity and clarity make it useful for regular ministry use. With only about 250 pages, it is manageable for pastors who want a serious, text-rooted treatment without wading through multi-volume tomes. In a busy preaching calendar, that balance of scholarship and readability is a real strength.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend Tremper Longman’s Song of Songs (NICOT) as a very worthwhile addition to the preacher’s or teacher’s library. It gives you thorough exegesis, sober reflection, and an opportunity to handle one of Scripture’s most intimate and challenging books with reverence, discernment, and pastoral care. For those who want to honour both Scripture and the gospel while teaching on love, marriage, and covenant intimacy, this volume is a strong and wise investment.

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The Book Of Ecclesiastes

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
7.8
Author: Tremper Longman
Bible Book: Ecclesiastes
Series: New International Commentary On The Old Testament
Type: Exegetical (Technical) Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: Eerdmans
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

Tremper Longman’s Ecclesiastes volume in the New International Commentary on the Old Testament is a serious, careful attempt to make sense of one of the most puzzling books in Scripture. Longman reads Ecclesiastes as a unified work framed by a narrator, with Qohelet’s voice set within that frame. He works carefully through questions of authorship, structure, genre, and theology, and he writes with a steady, evangelical confidence in Scripture as God’s Word. The introduction is substantial, and the commentary itself moves verse by verse with constant attention to language, literary shape, and the book’s place in the canon.

Longman sees Qohelet as a wise but ultimately frustrated observer whose under the sun perspective is intentionally limited. The frame narrator then redirects the reader, pressing us toward a God centred fear of the Lord that makes sense of life in a fallen world. That reading allows him to take the darker, more troubling parts of Ecclesiastes seriously, while still showing how the book sits within the wider story of Scripture. The tone is thoughtful and honest about the tensions in the text, yet confident that Ecclesiastes belongs in the canon for the strengthening of God’s people.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

Ecclesiastes is a book that easily slides into either bleak cynicism or breezy optimism. Longman helps us steer between both errors. He gives you enough literary and theological scaffolding to see what Qohelet is doing and why, without drowning you in technical detail. For preachers, that means you can track the argument of a passage, understand how a section fits within the whole, and know what you can and cannot legitimately claim from the text when you stand in the pulpit.

Another strength is his canonical and Christward instinct. Longman does not rush to Christ in every paragraph, but he consistently asks how Ecclesiastes functions within the whole Bible and how its questions push us toward the gospel. That is invaluable for Reformed preachers who want to preach Christ from all Scripture without flattening the distinct voice of wisdom literature. His approach helps you preach Ecclesiastes as part of the one story of redemption, not as a detached philosophical essay.

At the same time, this is not a homiletical or devotional commentary. You will not find worked sermon outlines, contemporary illustrations, or extended application sections. The value here is in the exegesis and the theological framing. It partners well with more pastoral or explicitly Christ centred resources, giving you the exegetical backbone and big picture that will keep your preaching honest. Used like that, it is a very helpful volume for the working pastor.

Closing Recommendation

We are glad to recommend Tremper Longman’s Ecclesiastes in NICOT as a strong, thoughtful, and pastorally useful commentary on a demanding book. It combines careful exegesis, literary awareness, and a clear desire to read Ecclesiastes within the whole counsel of God. For pastors, students, and serious Bible readers who want to preach and teach Ecclesiastes with integrity, this is a volume worth owning and returning to.

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The Book Of Proverbs 15–31

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
8.2
Author: Bruce K. Waltke
Bible Book: Proverbs
Series: New International Commentary On The Old Testament
Type: Exegetical (Technical) Expository (Mid-Level) Homiletical
Publisher: Eerdmans
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical Reformed
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

This volume on Proverbs 15–31 by Bruce K. Waltke continues his masterful exposition of Israel’s wisdom literature. From the opening chapters through to the end, Waltke brings to life the Hebrew text — with translation, textual notes, and patient commentary — so that we sense Proverbs not as a string of detached maxims but as coherent wisdom shaped for God’s people. He handles linguistic features, parallelism, word-play, and moral theology with scholarly care, yet writes in a way that pastors and Bible-teachers can follow without needing to master Hebrew syntax.

Waltke treats Proverbs as theological literature rather than mere ancient “self-help.” He invites the reader to see the fear of the Lord as the foundation of wisdom and moral discipline. Throughout Proverbs 15–31 he patiently explores the nuances of the sayings: their moral weight, their social and covenantal implications, and their rootedness in wisdom rooted in God’s design for life. He explores the structure and flow across sections and locates recurring themes, helping readers see how chapters cohere around the life of the wise and the consequences of folly.

The tone remains reverent and measured. Waltke resists the temptation to make every proverb a Christian sermon in itself. Instead, he sets the groundwork: faithful exegesis and theological clarity, leaving the preacher or teacher the task of drawing contemporary applications under the guidance of Scripture and the Spirit.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

This commentary is indispensable if you want to preach or teach Proverbs with integrity. When you face a difficult proverb, ambiguous phrase, or surprising moral teaching, Waltke’s careful rendering and discussion of alternatives give you the confidence to interpret responsibly. Rather than depending on modern clichés or devotional paraphrase, you have access to the ancient mind behind the text — the Hebrew wisdom tradition, its worldview, and its covenant ethic.

For sermon-preparation or Bible-study preparation, the volume offers a strong foundation. It helps you avoid spiritualizing or modernising Proverbs indiscriminately, and instead invites you to bring the text’s own moral and theological vision to bear on contemporary life. It trains the preacher’s mind to ask “What did this mean for ancient Israel?” and then “How does this wisdom speak to God’s people now?”

In a ministry library, it sits well alongside more devotional or Christ-centred commentaries. Use it as the rigorous backbone for wise, gospel-shaped preaching and teaching; then build on its foundation with doctrinal clarity and gospel application. That makes it a wise investment for anyone serious about handling Proverbs with respect and care.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend The Book of Proverbs: Chapters 15–31 by Bruce K. Waltke as a top-tier exegetical resource for pastors, teachers, and serious students. It combines Hebrew-based insight, theological sobriety, and pastoral usefulness — a rare blend. For preaching Proverbs with depth and faithfulness, this commentary is hard to beat and worthy of a central place on your shelf.

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The Book Of Proverbs 1–15

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
8.2
Author: Bruce K. Waltke
Bible Book: Proverbs
Series: New International Commentary On The Old Testament
Type: Exegetical (Technical) Expository (Mid-Level) Homiletical
Publisher: Eerdmans
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical Reformed
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

The Book of Proverbs 1–15 by Bruce K. Waltke gives us a richly textured and deeply informed exposition of Israel’s wisdom. Waltke works carefully from the Hebrew, explaining vocabulary, structure, and literary shape with skill and clarity. Each section begins with his translation, followed by concise notes and substantial commentary that helps us hear Proverbs as theological instruction, not simply as practical advice. We are guided through the inner logic of each proverb and shown how the fear of the Lord frames the whole book.

What stands out is the blend of scholarship and pastoral concern. Waltke is an expert in the field, yet he writes so that pastors and thoughtful readers can follow without stumbling through layers of technical jargon. His approach brings out the texture of Hebrew poetry, the covenantal background, and the moral vision of Proverbs with admirable steadiness. This is a commentary shaped by reverence for Scripture and clarity of purpose.

The tone throughout is careful, reasoned, and respectful of the authority of the text. While not overtly devotional or Christ centred, it lays a solid exegetical foundation that serves preachers well when moving from text to proclamation. Preachers who want to avoid superficial moralism will find here the grounding needed for faithful exposition.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

This volume serves pastors by giving them reliable footing in a book that can otherwise feel scattered and opaque. Waltke is particularly helpful in explaining the logic of Hebrew parallelism, the nuance of key terms, and the theological threads that hold the book together. If you have ever struggled to understand how a proverb works or why it is phrased as it is, this commentary will steady your footing.

Those preparing sermons will appreciate Waltke’s ability to map interpretive options with fairness and then arrive at a thoughtful conclusion. He approaches Proverbs as Scripture that shapes the life of God’s people, not as clever sayings collected for modern self-help. That alone makes his work immensely valuable for any preacher who wants to guard the pulpit from shallow or moralistic readings.

For serious students, this commentary also helps you grasp how Proverbs participates in the broader theological story of Scripture. Waltke shows how themes develop, how the structure of the first fifteen chapters guides the reader, and how wisdom reflects the character of God. It is not a homiletical handbook, but it equips the preacher with the exegetical work needed to preach wisely and faithfully.

Closing Recommendation

We gladly commend Waltke’s work on Proverbs 1–15 as one of the finest exegetical tools available for this portion of Scripture. It offers depth without fog, clarity without oversimplification, and theological steadiness throughout. Preachers and teachers who want to handle Proverbs with integrity will benefit immensely from having this volume close at hand.


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The Book Of Psalms

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
8.2
Author: Beth LaNeel Tanner Nancy deClaissé-Walford Rolf A. Jacobson
Bible Book: Psalms
Series: New International Commentary On The Old Testament
Type: Academic Exegetical (Technical) Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: Eerdmans
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical Reformed
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

This Psalms volume in the New International Commentary on the Old Testament, by Nancy L DeClaissé-Walford, Rolf A Jacobson and Beth LaNeel Tanner, gives us a serious and detailed walk through the whole Psalter. Each psalm is introduced with its own fresh English translation, notes on key textual questions, and careful comments on structure, imagery and movement of thought. The authors are attentive to Hebrew poetry, parallelism and the shaping of the book as a whole, so we are helped to see not just favourite verses but the argument of each psalm.

We are dealing here with scholars who are comfortable with the world of academic discussion and critical questions, yet they write in a way that pastors and thoughtful Bible teachers can still follow. They work steadily from the text outward, giving historical, literary and theological observations that shed light on what the psalmist is actually saying. The tone is measured, not speculative, and there is a clear desire to hear the psalms on their own terms before we rush to use them.

That said, this is not a strongly confessional or explicitly Reformed reading of the Psalter. The authors make good and regular use of historical-critical tools, and they tend to be modest and restrained when it comes to tracing lines forward to Christ. As long as we know that, this can sit very fruitfully alongside more explicitly conservative and Christ centred Psalms resources.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

For preachers, this commentary offers a reliable foundation when you are working through a psalm and want to be sure you have really understood the text. The translation is thoughtful, the comments are rooted in the Hebrew even when the script itself is not on the page, and difficult phrases are given patient attention. When you are staring at an obscure image or a puzzling line, you will usually find that the authors have at least mapped the options and given reasons for their preferred reading.

Another strength is the way the book treats the Psalter as an intentionally shaped collection. The authors highlight superscriptions, editing seams, the five book structure and recurring themes. For the working preacher, that helps you avoid preaching each psalm as a stand alone hymn and instead see patterns across clusters of psalms, movements in the book and the big theological currents that run from Psalm 1 to Psalm 150. That is especially valuable if you are planning a series and want to know how individual psalms hang together.

At the same time, this is not a homiletical commentary that hands you outlines and illustrations. The authors rarely press into explicit application, and they are quite restrained in drawing explicit connections to the Lord Jesus and the life of the church. As Reformed preachers we will want to do more work to connect exegesis to Christ centred proclamation and to the life of the local congregation. Used with that expectation, this volume serves as a solid exegetical base on which better preaching can be built.

Closing Recommendation

If you are looking for one serious, modern volume on Psalms that will help you handle the text with care, this NICOT contribution is well worth owning. It is especially useful for pastors and students who want to grapple with the Hebrew text and with questions about the shape and theology of the Psalter, but who still need writing that is clear enough to use in week to week preparation.

We would not lean on it alone for Christ centred preaching or for clear doctrinal anchoring, yet as an exegetical companion it is a strong and helpful resource. Placed alongside more explicitly Reformed and pastoral works on the Psalms, it can make a valuable contribution to a well rounded preaching library.


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The Books Of Ezra & Nehemiah

Mid-levelAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingTop choice
9.0
Author: Hannah K. Harrington
Bible Book: Ezra Nehemiah
Series: New International Commentary On The Old Testament
Type: Academic Expository (Mid-Level) Homiletical
Publisher: Eerdmans
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical Reformed
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

Ezra & Nehemiah by Hannah K. Harrington brings renewed life and clarity to the story of Israel’s return from exile. Harrington reads these books as the account of a people restored — temple rebuilt, walls raised, faith renewed — and unfolds the narrative as part of God’s faithful unfolding of covenant promises. She refuses simplistic restoration-myths; instead she shows the complex social, political, and spiritual pressures at work and highlights how God’s mercy and sovereignty preserve his people amid brokenness and struggle.

The commentary engages carefully with the Hebrew-Aramaic text, background history, and literary structure. Where passages pose difficulties — genealogies, reforms, community identity — Harrington does not dodge the questions but treats them with honesty and respect for the text. Yet her primary concern remains pastoral and ecclesial: she draws lines from the original context to the needs of Christ’s church, showing how themes of holiness, corporate identity, covenant, worship, and community renewal resonate for believers today.

For pastors, Bible-teachers, and serious students, this volume offers not only reliable exegesis but a vision for applying Ezra and Nehemiah in a gospel-shaped, church-oriented way. It helps readers see the exile isn’t just ancient history — it’s part of God’s unfolding redemption story, and a reminder of the calling of God’s people in every age.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

First, it is rooted firmly in the original languages and solid historical-cultural scholarship. Harrington carefully treats linguistic issues, Persian-period context, and the challenges inherent in restoration narratives. This makes the book reliable for preaching or teaching with confidence in the text’s meaning and background.

Second, it is deeply pastorally sensitive and church-centred. Harrington writes with concern for believers, churches, and communities, emphasising how the themes of Ezra and Nehemiah — covenant renewal, communal holiness, worship, identity under God — speak into modern church life. For a preacher wrestling with how to teach restoration, repentance, and community rebuilding, this commentary provides wise guidance.

Third, the prose remains accessible and uncluttered. Harrington avoids unnecessary technical jargon or over-complex scholarly detours, making the volume serve not just scholars but pastors, small-group leaders, and lay readers. Its balance of depth and clarity makes it a practical addition to any teacher’s library.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend Ezra & Nehemiah by Hannah K. Harrington as a top-tier, preacher-friendly commentary. It combines solid exegesis, thoughtful historical grounding, and pastoral insight in a way that honours Scripture and serves the church. For anyone seeking to teach or preach these challenging but hopeful books, this volume is a lasting treasure.

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