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Eerdmans

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 Joshua

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
8.2
Author: Marten H. Woudstra
Bible Book: Joshua
Series: New International Commentary On The Old Testament
Type: Exegetical (Technical) Expositional
Publisher: Eerdmans
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

Marten H. Woudstra’s Joshua in the NICOT series is a careful, reverent, and deeply informed exposition of Israel’s entry into the land. We find it a commentary marked by confessional steadiness, linguistic competence, and a clear understanding of Joshua’s place within the unfolding covenant story. Written from a broadly Reformed perspective, it offers pastors and students a reliable guide through a book often misunderstood or mishandled in the contemporary church.

Woudstra balances detailed exegesis with theological attentiveness, setting the narratives of conquest and inheritance within the larger framework of God’s promises to Abraham and the covenantal faithfulness that shapes Israel’s identity.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

This volume excels in its sensitivity to the theological pulse of Joshua. Woudstra shows how the book is not primarily about military triumphs but about God’s sovereign fulfilment of His word and the call to courageous obedience. His careful attention to structure—especially the division between conquest, allotment, and covenant renewal—provides preachers with clarity and confidence when planning a series.

Woudstra engages critical scholarship without being dominated by it. He treats the canonical text with respect, avoiding speculative reconstructions and instead emphasising the theological coherence of the book. His exposition illuminates key themes such as holiness, inheritance, leadership, and the faithfulness of God across generations.

Although written several decades ago, the commentary remains fresh in tone, rich in substance, and enduringly helpful for those who want to preach Joshua with integrity. It offers depth without obscurity and serves both the academy and the church with commendable clarity.

Closing Recommendation

We warmly commend Woudstra’s *Joshua* as one of the finest evangelical expositions of this book. It is especially valuable for pastors and advanced students who desire a commentary that is academically responsible, theologically grounded, and pastorally beneficial.

For anyone preparing to teach Joshua in the local church, this volume will prove a steady companion—clear, faithful, and deeply nourishing.


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The Book Of Deuteronomy

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
8.2
Author: Peter C. Craigie
Bible Book: Deuteronomy
Series: New International Commentary On The Old Testament
Type: Exegetical (Technical) Expositional
Publisher: Eerdmans
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

Peter C. Craigie’s The Book of Deuteronomy in the NICOT series is a thoughtful, disciplined exposition of one of Scripture’s most formative books. We find it a model of careful evangelical scholarship—rich in historical insight, attentive to literary structure, and deeply aware of Deuteronomy’s covenantal heartbeat. Written with clarity and restraint, it serves pastors, students, and serious readers who want to understand how Deuteronomy speaks both in its ancient setting and within the whole counsel of God.

Craigie approaches the text with reverence, working closely with the Hebrew while keeping the commentary readable. His handling of Moses’ sermons, the law sections, and the theological emphases of the book consistently reflects a commitment to Scripture’s authority and unity.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We value Craigie’s ability to synthesise scholarship without overwhelming the reader. He brings out the pastoral and theological pulse of Deuteronomy—its call to remember, obey, and walk in covenant fidelity—while avoiding speculative reconstructions. His discussions of structure, setting, and key themes give preachers solid footing when navigating the book’s density.

The commentary is especially strong in showing how Deuteronomy frames the Old Testament story and shapes Israel’s worship, ethics, and identity. Craigie’s exposition helps readers see why this book stands at the threshold of the Old Testament canon, echoing throughout the prophets, the Psalms, and the ministry of Jesus.

Although more concise than later NICOT volumes, its very simplicity makes it a dependable companion for sermon preparation, Bible study leadership, and personal study. Craigie’s even-handed judgement and theological steadiness make this a trustworthy guide for those seeking clarity and depth.

Closing Recommendation

We warmly commend this volume as an excellent entry point into preaching or studying Deuteronomy. It may not answer every technical question, but its clarity, reliability, and pastoral usefulness make it one of the most accessible and enduring commentaries on this foundational book.

Pastors, students, and thoughtful readers alike will benefit from Craigie’s careful exposition and his evident desire to help the church hear the living voice of God in Deuteronomy.


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The Book Of Numbers

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
8.2
Author: Timothy R. Ashley
Bible Book: Numbers
Series: New International Commentary On The Old Testament
Type: Academic
Publisher: Eerdmans
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

Timothy R. Ashley’s The Book of Numbers in the NICOT series is a substantial, academically informed commentary that combines careful exegesis with a broadly evangelical commitment to the authority of Scripture. We find it a comprehensive and steady guide through one of the Old Testament’s more complex books, serving pastors, students, and serious readers who want to wrestle with the text in its literary and theological depth.

Ashley works closely with the Hebrew text, attends to structure, narrative flow, and historical context, and offers a balanced engagement with scholarly debates without overwhelming the reader. While primarily technical in orientation, the commentary remains attentive to the theological message of Numbers and its place within the Pentateuch.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We appreciate Ashley’s combination of philological care and theological awareness. His explanations of difficult passages—whether in the wilderness narratives, the laws, or the census materials—give preachers confidence that they are handling the text responsibly. He regularly clarifies interpretive options and demonstrates why one reading better accounts for the literary and theological shape of the book.

The commentary’s strength lies in its even-handedness: Ashley neither flattens difficulties nor indulges speculative reconstruction. He treats the canonical form of Numbers with respect, helping readers see its coherence, movement, and ongoing significance for the people of God.

Pastors will benefit from his discussions of structure and intention, especially in sections where preaching can feel daunting. Though not overtly devotional, the commentary repeatedly draws attention to God’s holiness, patience, discipline, and covenant faithfulness.

Closing Recommendation

For those preaching or studying Numbers at depth, this is a reliable, weighty companion. It requires slow reading but rewards it richly, especially for ministers and advanced students wanting a detailed, text-driven exposition grounded in sound evangelical scholarship.

We warmly commend it as a strong resource for sustained study of Numbers and an excellent addition to any serious Old Testament library.


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The Gospel According To John

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

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
8.8
Author: R.T. France
Bible Book: Matthew
Series: New International Commentary On The New Testament
Type: Academic Exegetical (Technical) Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: Eerdmans
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical Reformed
Resource Type: Commentary

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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The Book Of Job

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

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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