Resource Type: Commentary

A volume offering verse-by-verse or section-by-section exposition of a biblical book, written to help pastors, teachers, and serious students understand the meaning of Scripture in its context.

1 Chronicles, ESV Expository Commentary (8.5)

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingTop choice
Author: John Olley
Bible Book: 1 Chronicles
Series: ESV Expository Commentary
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: Crossway
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

1 Chronicles, ESV Expository Commentary offers a clear, church facing exposition of 1 Chronicles. John Olley writes with a calm, Bible first instinct, and the format is geared toward weekly preparation. Volume 3.

We are helped by the way the commentary keeps the passage in front of us. It does not try to impress, it tries to serve, and that makes it easier to use with confidence.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this volume for seasons when we need a trustworthy handrail. It helps us see how paragraphs hang together, it keeps key themes recurring, and it gives us language that can be carried into sermons and studies.

It is a strong tool for training others. The method is not showy, but it models careful reading and helps newer teachers learn how to move from meaning to message.

When we need deeper detail, we can add a more technical work alongside it. Even then, this volume often gives the clearest path from study to sermon shape.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend 1 Chronicles, ESV Expository Commentary as a strong mid level expositional resource for 1 Chronicles. It is clear, restrained, and consistently oriented toward the ministry of the Word.

Used alongside prayerful study, it helps us speak with greater clarity and conviction, and it keeps our application tied to the text.

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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2 Kings, ESV Expository Commentary (8.5)

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingTop choice
Author: Gary Millar
Bible Book: 2 Kings
Series: ESV Expository Commentary
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: Crossway
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

In 2 Kings, ESV Expository Commentary, Gary Millar helps us trace the message of 2 Kings with patience and balance. The series is designed for pastors and teachers, so it keeps explanation moving toward proclamation. Volume 3.

We are helped by the way the commentary keeps the passage in front of us. It does not try to impress, it tries to serve, and that makes it easier to use with confidence.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own it because it helps us do the basic work well. It keeps the main line of the passage in view, it highlights patterns worth preaching, and it guards us from hobby horses and clever shortcuts.

It serves well at the desk on a busy week. We can consult it quickly for the shape of a passage, then return to the text with better questions and sharper focus.

When we need deeper detail, we can add a more technical work alongside it. Even then, this volume often gives the clearest path from study to sermon shape.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this volume for pastors and teachers who want an accessible guide to 2 Kings that keeps theology and application tied to the passage.

Used alongside prayerful study, it helps us speak with greater clarity and conviction, and it keeps our application tied to the text.

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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1 Kings, ESV Expository Commentary (8.5)

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingTop choice
Author: Gary Millar
Bible Book: 1 Kings
Series: ESV Expository Commentary
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: Crossway
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

We find Gary Millar a steady guide for reading 1 Kings in the life of the church. As part of ESV Expository Commentary, this volume aims to keep us close to the passage while still helping us preach with clarity. Volume 3.

We are helped by the way the commentary keeps the passage in front of us. It does not try to impress, it tries to serve, and that makes it easier to use with confidence.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want a reliable mid level companion that follows the text, respects context, and still speaks to ordinary believers. It gives us help with structure and emphasis, then nudges us toward faithful application.

It is especially useful when we are planning a series. The outlines and section summaries help us decide where to linger, where to move more quickly, and what the congregation most needs to hear.

When we need deeper detail, we can add a more technical work alongside it. Even then, this volume often gives the clearest path from study to sermon shape.

Closing Recommendation

We commend 1 Kings, ESV Expository Commentary for regular ministry use. It will not replace slow work in the text, but it will sharpen it and steady it.

Used alongside prayerful study, it helps us speak with greater clarity and conviction, and it keeps our application tied to the text.

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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Purchase here

2 Samuel, ESV Expository Commentary (8.1)

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Author: John L. Mackay
Bible Book: 2 Samuel
Series: ESV Expository Commentary
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: Crossway
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

We find John L. Mackay’s contribution to ESV Expository Commentary a steady companion for preaching and teaching 2 Samuel. Volume 4.

The series is not trying to win every debate. It aims to make the text plain, to honour context, and to send us back to Scripture with sharper questions and steadier instincts.

We appreciate the way it avoids gimmicks. It keeps the emphasis on God’s character, God’s promises, and God’s demands, then draws out implications for worship and obedience.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want an expositional guide that keeps us close to the text and still helps us preach to real people. It supports careful reading, then encourages clear, direct application.

It serves pastors and teachers who want to be both accurate and accessible. The explanations are not fussy, but they are careful, and they often expose the heart level stakes of the text.

If we are training others to handle Scripture, this is a helpful model. It shows how to read a passage in context and then speak to the church with warmth and restraint.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend 2 Samuel, ESV Expository Commentary as a strong mid level expositional resource for 2 Samuel. It rewards steady reading, and it will serve us well as we move from study to preaching.

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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1 Samuel, ESV Expository Commentary (8.4)

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Author: John L. Mackay
Bible Book: 1 Samuel
Series: ESV Expository Commentary
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: Crossway
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

1 Samuel, ESV Expository Commentary gives us a clear, church facing exposition of 1 Samuel. John L. Mackay writes with a calm hand, and the ESV Expository Commentary series aims to serve the pulpit as much as the study. Volume 4.

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 1 Samuel speaks with its own voice within the story of redemption.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own it for weekly ministry. It is written with the assumption that we will teach 1 Samuel 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 1 Samuel, ESV Expository Commentary as a dependable guide for preaching 1 Samuel 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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Purchase here

Ruth, ESV Expository Commentary (8.1)

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Author: Mary Willson Hannah
Bible Book: Ruth
Series: ESV Expository Commentary
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: Crossway
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

In Ruth, ESV Expository Commentary, Mary Willson Hannah helps us read Ruth with care and confidence, and the wider ESV Expository Commentary framework keeps us moving from explanation toward proclamation. Volume 3.

We are given a workable blend of explanation and pastoral direction. It is the kind of volume we can keep open on the desk while preparing sermons, studies, and teaching plans.

We appreciate the way it avoids gimmicks. It keeps the emphasis on God’s character, God’s promises, and God’s demands, then draws out implications for worship and obedience.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this volume because it helps us prepare sermons with fewer shortcuts. It points us back to context, highlights the flow of argument and narrative, and keeps the centre of the passage in view.

We benefit from the way it keeps gospel contours visible. It does not force Christ into every paragraph, but it does keep the promises, patterns, and purposes of God moving toward their fulfilment.

As part of a working library, it pairs well with more detailed resources. It keeps us oriented, and it stops us getting lost in detail that never reaches the congregation.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this volume for pastors and teachers who want an accessible, Scripture shaped guide to Ruth. It is especially useful when we need help with structure, emphasis, and faithful application.

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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Purchase here

Judges, ESV Expository Commentary (8.2)

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Author: Miles V. Van Pelt
Bible Book: Judges
Series: ESV Expository Commentary
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: Crossway
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

We find Miles V. Van Pelt’s contribution to ESV Expository Commentary a steady companion for preaching and teaching Judges. Volume 3.

The series is not trying to win every debate. It aims to make the text plain, to honour context, and to send us back to Scripture with sharper questions and steadier instincts.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want an expositional guide that keeps us close to the text and still helps us preach to real people. It supports careful reading, then encourages clear, direct application.

It serves pastors and teachers who want to be both accurate and accessible. The explanations are not fussy, but they are careful, and they often expose the heart level stakes of the text.

If we are training others to handle Scripture, this is a helpful model. It shows how to read a passage in context and then speak to the church with warmth and restraint.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend Judges, ESV Expository Commentary as a strong mid level expositional resource for Judges. It rewards steady reading, and it will serve us well as we move from study to preaching.

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.


🛒
Purchase here

Joshua, ESV Expository Commentary (8.1)

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Author: David Reimer
Bible Book: Joshua
Series: ESV Expository Commentary
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: Crossway
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

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.


🛒
Purchase here

Deuteronomy, ESV Expository Commentary (8.3)

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Author: August H. Konkel
Bible Book: Deuteronomy
Series: ESV Expository Commentary
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: Crossway
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

In Deuteronomy, ESV Expository Commentary, August H. Konkel helps us read Deuteronomy with care and confidence, and the wider ESV Expository Commentary framework keeps us moving from explanation toward proclamation. Volume 2.

We are given a workable blend of explanation and pastoral direction. It is the kind of volume we can keep open on the desk while preparing sermons, studies, and teaching plans.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this volume because it helps us prepare sermons with fewer shortcuts. It points us back to context, highlights the flow of argument and narrative, and keeps the centre of the passage in view.

We benefit from the way it keeps gospel contours visible. It does not force Christ into every paragraph, but it does keep the promises, patterns, and purposes of God moving toward their fulfilment.

As part of a working library, it pairs well with more detailed resources. It keeps us oriented, and it stops us getting lost in detail that never reaches the congregation.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this volume for pastors and teachers who want an accessible, Scripture shaped guide to Deuteronomy. It is especially useful when we need help with structure, emphasis, and faithful application.

As always, the best use is to read the passage first, then consult the commentary to test our instincts and refine our sermon shape. It strengthens preparation that aims at worship and obedience.

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.


🛒
Purchase here

Numbers, ESV Expository Commentary (8.2)

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Author: Ronald Bergey
Bible Book: Numbers
Series: ESV Expository Commentary
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: Crossway
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

We find Ronald Bergey’s contribution to ESV Expository Commentary a steady companion for preaching and teaching Numbers. Volume 1.

The series is not trying to win every debate. It aims to make the text plain, to honour context, and to send us back to Scripture with sharper questions and steadier instincts.

Where technical detail is needed, it is supplied without turning the reader into a specialist. The tone is direct and reverent, and the best sections help us feel the weight of God’s voice in Numbers.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want an expositional guide that keeps us close to the text and still helps us preach to real people. It supports careful reading, then encourages clear, direct application.

It serves pastors and teachers who want to be both accurate and accessible. The explanations are not fussy, but they are careful, and they often expose the heart level stakes of the text.

If we are training others to handle Scripture, this is a helpful model. It shows how to read a passage in context and then speak to the church with warmth and restraint.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend Numbers, ESV Expository Commentary as a strong mid level expositional resource for Numbers. It rewards steady reading, and it will serve us well as we move from study to preaching.

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.


🛒
Purchase here