Focus on the Bible Commentaries (32 Vols.)

Deuteronomy: The Commands of a Covenant God

• Author: Allan Harman
• 320 pages
• 2007

The word ‘Deuteronomy’ is a misnomer. It means ‘the second law’. The name is taken from Deuteronomy 17:18 where the expression really means having a copy of the law. Deuteronomy is therefore not a second, different law, but a renewal of the covenant made on Mount Sinai. For a people on the brink of entering the Promised Land, Deuteronomy confirmed God’s gracious promises as they prepared for new horizons and adventures.

Allan Harman has recently retired from the posts of Principal and Professor of Old Testament at the Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. He has taught graduate courses at Ontario Theological Seminary, Toronto and Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson.

He keeps the connectedness of the text before us and yet can dash off to capture a Hebrew participle or suffix, pilfer a bit of Near Eastern background, or serve up the succinct result of a word study—all to light up a passage.
—Dale Ralph Davis

Joshua: No Falling Words

• Author: Dale Ralph Davis
• 208 pages
• 2008

This exposition is rooted first in a thorough analysis of the Hebrew text, employing helpful insights from archaeology and linguistics, and second in the major theological and literary themes discovered in each section. Finally the author brings the fragments together in an expository treatment which addresses the important topics of application.

Dale Ralph Davis is pastor of Woodland Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Previously he was Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi.

A happy blend of exegetical and historical study on the one hand, and homiletical treatment and application on the other. Ideas pop out everywhere, even in the most unlikely places. New insights abound. No one who reads this book will ever find Joshua dull and tedious again.
—Richard A. Bodey, Professor of Homiletics, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Judges: Such Great Salvation

• Author: Dale Ralph Davis
• 240 pages
• 2006

The Church has a problem with the book of Judges. It is so earthy, puzzling, primitive and violent—so much so that the Church can barely stomach it. It falls under the category of “embarrassing scripture.” Such an attitude is, of course, wrong, so Ralph Davis here makes Judges digestible by analyzing the major literary and theological themes discovered in each section, providing a theocentric exposition.

Dale Ralph Davis is pastor of Woodland Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Previously he was Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi.

Dr. Davis has a great sense of fun. He must often have his class or his congregation in stitches!
—Christian Arena

The most practical expository work that this reviewer has ever encountered.
—Southwestern Journal of Theology

An excellent… crisp, lively… exposition on Judges.
—Bibliotheca Sacra

Judges & Ruth

• Author: Stephen Dray
• 160 pages
• 2006

In the lawless period of the history of Israel between the invasion of Canaan and the establishment of the monarchy there existed military leaders, national heroes called the Judges. The lesson of the book of Judges is that Israel's survival depended upon loyalty to God and that disloyalty always ended in disaster. It also shows God's faithfulness to his people when they turned in repentance.

The story of Ruth is set in the times of the Judges. It shows the blessings that came upon a foreigner when she turned to Israel's God at a time when Israel was turning away.

Stephen Dray is Minister of Ferndale Baptist Church, Southend-on-Sea.

Ruth & Esther: God Behind the Seen

• Author: Barry C. Davis and A. Boyd Luter
• 384 pages
• 2003

Tragedy and triumph—the books of Ruth and Esther tell the stories of two women who achieve success against all odds. One woman overcomes a personal tragedy, the other a nationwide crisis. The roads they take to succeed, however, are quite different.

This fascinating study provides a practical commentary on the lives of two women as it shows readers the providential care of the unseen God for his people—not only in past history, but in our day as well. Even seemingly out-of-control crises are under his watchful care.

Teachers of Bible study groups as well as pastors will find this volume a rich source of insight into the text and a real inspiration for living.

Barry C. Davis is Associate Professor of Bible and Hebrew at Multnomah Biblical Seminary in Portland Oregon. He holds degrees from the University of Hawaii, Western Conservative Baptist Seminary, the University of Southern California, Talbot School of Theology and Trinity International University.

A. Boyd Luter is Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at the Criswell College. A father of three, he lives in Texas.

They did an excellent job in presenting the facts and commenting on them rather than filling our ears with unnecessary personal interpretation. I came away completely satisfied…
—Tricia Bleu, Teens 4 Jesus Library

1 Samuel: Looking on the Heart

• Author: Dale Ralph Davis
• 336 pages
• 2007

Davis brings cultural and historical color to the task of interpretation and adds a pastor's heart for personal application. You will find a point of contact with the lives of Samuel, Saul, Jonathan and David as Davis answers the question, “What does God seek when he looks on the heart?” Davis presents a simple exposition of the literary and theological character of the text in a bright and fascinating way.

Dale Ralph Davis is pastor of Woodland Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Previously he was Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi.

…presents historical and theological material in a way that can only excite the expositor.
—Warren Wiersbe

A great feast of biblical truth made so digestible, garnished with so many apt illustrations.
—Alec Motyer

2 Samuel: Out of Every Adversity

• Author: Dale Ralph Davis
• 336 pages
• 2007

Davis brings cultural and historical color to the task of interpreting one of the most studied parts of the Bible. The lessons in 2 Samuel from the life of Israel, and David in particular, have obvious modern parallels. Davis writes with a pastor's heart and the incisive brain of a respected theologian specializing in the Old Testament texts.

Dale Ralph Davis is pastor of Woodland Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Previously he was Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi.

He combines the depth of understanding of a thorough-going Old Testament scholar with the breadth of insight of a biblical theologian and the perception of a preacher well-used to addressing contemporary audiences to provide us with a commentary that brings the preaching potential of these books to life.
—Mark Johnston, Banner of Truth Magazine

Such sensitivity to the biblical theology of the text is a crucial correction to much of modern exposition...Reading the commentary is itself a devotional exercise.
—John W. Hilder, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society

1 Kings: The Wisdom and the Folly

• Author: Dale Ralph Davis
• 352 pages
• 2008

1 Kings is a continuation of a narrative of the history of Israel which begins in 1 Samuel and continues through into 1 & 2 Kings. While we so often struggle with the events and issues of the book of 1 Kings, Ralph Davis helps us to see how it we can apply to the contemporary settings of the twenty-first century. As usual, Ralph Davis uses pastoral application and laces it with his own sense of humor. He is noted for tackling scholarship head on.

Dale Ralph Davis is pastor of Woodland Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Previously he was Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi.

No preacher should be without them. No thoughtful Christian can fail to be excited and edified by them. Hence, I hurried to get a review copy of his work on 1 Kings. As with his other Old Testament commentaries, the author is able to mix page-turning writing skills which make for easy reading, with the most rigorous and orthodox scholarship.
—Evangelicals Now

One of the reasons I enjoy Davis’s exposition so much is that I feel confident that he has done his exegetical homework, and so is not just delivering blessed, unhistorical thoughts on the text. Yet at the same time, he applies the text so well.
—Simon Gathercole

2 Kings: The Power and the Fury

• Author: Dale Ralph Davis
• 352 pages
• 2005

2 Kings provides a fast-paced narrative of insight into the history of Israel under its monarchy. This book is a continuation of the narrative begun in 1 Samuel, and continued through 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. Ralph finishes it off with a captivating and rewarding journey through 2 Kings.

Written between 561 B.C. and 538 B.C., 2 Kings gives us a warning about the consequences of sin, especially the catastrophic repercussions of Israel's love affair with idolatry. Despite struggling with other problems, we see that the Jewish people learned from their experience. They never made a mistake of this enormity again.

Through prophets such as Elisha and Elijah, we see God's compassion for his people and the opportunity for repentance. An opportunity spoilt by Judah, climaxing with the subjugation of the kingdom by the Babylonians.

Illuminating, accessible, and laced with his unique sense of humor, Davis' practical devotional expository applies events to the contemporary reader providing parallels to alert us in the twenty-first century.

Dale Ralph Davis is pastor of Woodland Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Previously he was Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi.

Davis is a helpful guide, not least because he explains the issues with the needs of contemporary Christians in mind.
—Matthew Mason, The Churchman

Today there is a renewed emphasis on the preaching of Old Testament narrative in evangelical circles… The six volumes of Ralph Dale Davis of which 2 Kings: The Power and Fury is the culmination are excellent guides for contemporary expositor as he preaches from the “former prophets.” Davis has laid an excellent foundation; may many expositors build upon his work as they preach Old Testament narrative.
—Keith Essex, Assistant Professor of Bible Exposition, The Master’s Seminary

1 Chronicles: God's Faithfulness to the People of Judah

• Author: Cyril J. Barber
• 256 pages
• 2004

The books of Chronicles have had a checkered past. Neglected for many years under the unfortunate name paraleipomenon or “things omitted,” meant that they occupied a subordinate position in the scriptures until the fourth century A.D. when the title “A Chronicle of the whole of Sacred History” was suggested instead. This has since been shortened to Chronicles and the rest is, literally, history.

Probably penned by Ezra, Chronicles is a selective history of the Jews encouraging them to trust that God is intimately involved in their story. Written at a time when the Jews were newly out of captivity and with their capital city in ruins, Chronicles assures them of God's faithfulness. If they would obey and serve him then his people would still enjoy his blessing.

Cyril J. Barber has authored more than thirty books including eight on Old Testament books of the Bible. He taught for over twenty-five years at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Talbot Theological Seminary and Trinity International University.

This title is an invaluable addition to the commentary shelves, and yet reads like a good book.
—Tabernacle Bookshop

2 Chronicles: God's Blessing of His Faith People

• Author: Cyril J. Barber
• 352 pages
• 2004

This volume continues Cyril J. Barber’s examination and exposition of the history of Israel as depicted in the Chronicles. Beginning with the life of Solomon, Barber outlines the ebb and flow of good and evil kings, the building—and subsequent desecration—of the temple, the split between Judah and the ten tribes of Israel, and the disastrous consequences of sin and the agony of exile. In this accessible exposition, discover what we can learn from Israel’s history, and learn the nature of the God who speaks through prophets, who displays both justice and mercy, and who preserves his people.

Cyril J. Barber has authored more than thirty books including eight on Old Testament books of the Bible. He taught for over twenty-five years at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Talbot Theological Seminary and Trinity International University.

Job: Will You Torment a Windblown Leaf?

• Author: Bill Cotton
• 176 pages
• 2001

The poet Alfred Lord Tennyson is reputed to have called the book of Job “the greatest poem of ancient or modern times.” It is, indeed, a poetic masterpiece—one of the most original poems in the history of mankind—and it is also is one of the most dramatic illustrations in the Bible of the interrelationship of God, mankind and Satan.

There is much argument as to what is the basic theme of Job. There are many opinions—the patience of a good man under testing, the suffering of the innocent, the tragedy of life in a fallen world, justification by faith, the incomprehensibility of God’s dealings with people, and even a parable of the suffering of Israel—all have been suggested.

One reason why it may be difficult to find a unifying theme is that it really happened! This is not someone’s opinion about spiritual matters but an event that is reported in detail and then set in a different literary style.

Bill Cotton has put together a fascinating study of the book of Job. To aid the reader he has added highlight boxes throughout the commentary that discuss basic problems and the flow of thought.

Psalms 1–89: The Lord Saves

• Author: Eric Lane
• 416 pages
• 2006

A Psalm is basically a poem set to music and sung. This sets the book of Psalms apart from other Scripture. You will find other Psalms and songs scattered throughout scripture—some are also used for worship—but they tend to be part of a narrative. Because people think of the Psalms purely as a songbook, they have tended to overlook them as a place to look for teaching, and many have even considered them as a less important part of the Bible.

Yet, for many centuries the Psalms would have been the most familiar part of scripture to people who had no access to books. They are not only an integral part of the shared experience of the church but they also communicate God’s guidance to this world, unfurl his character, and encourage his people.

The range of subjects covered is staggering! They extol God’s greatness and invite repentance, express commitment to his covenants and adherence to his law—and look forward to the coming Messianic kingdom. The style is predominantly praise but includes prayers, complaints, and even curses! Many were composed as liturgy, to be sung by God’s people together, others are private and personal—yet have still found a place as shared worship in the church.

All of which makes them fascinating! This volume covers the first three books of the Psalms (Psalms 1 to 89). The second volume on the book of Psalms, also included in this collection, covers books four and five (Psalms 90 to 150) and includes an appendix with a suggested chronological order.

Eric Lane trained to be a minister in the Church of England where he remained for seven years. He was then called to be the minister of an Independent Evangelical Church where he pastored for thirty further years. Now retired, Eric's special interest is in the Wisdom books of the Old Testament.

Without a doubt this commentary will be of great practical help to all students of the psalms.
—New Life

Psalms 90–150: The Lord Reigns

• Author: Eric Lane
• 320 pages
• 2006

In his previous volume—also included in this collection—Eric Lane teaches about the first three books of the Psalms (Psalms 1 to 89). In it he introduces us to the staggering range of subjects covered in the Psalms.

This volume continues his exposition with the last two books of the Psalms, which include the earliest Psalm (Psalm 90—attributed to Moses), and the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120 to 134). Each of these two books ends with their own doxology.

This collection of Psalms is ancient—at least as old as the second or third century B.C. This volume also contains an appendix, giving a suggested chronological order for the Psalms. All of which makes this a fascinating book to seek guidance from, with the experienced help of Eric Lane.

Eric Lane trained to be a minister in the Church of England where he remained for seven years. He was then called to be the minister of an Independent Evangelical Church where he pastored for thirty further years. Now retired, Eric's special interest is in the Wisdom books of the Old Testament.

A commentator of yesteryear once said that he never wrote a commentary on a Bible book before he had read the book through at least fifty times. Eric Lane shows the same extensive direct contact with the text and this gives his work an attractive and stimulating freshness. His views on the chronological order of the psalms are somewhat controversial but will likewise stimulate the reader.
—Dr. Geoffrey Grogan

Proverbs: Everyday Wisdom for Everyone

• Author: Eric Lane
• 432 pages
• 2007

Whatever the question, the answer is in Proverbs!

No book of the Bible gives Christians more practical advice than Proverbs. It covers personal problems like sex, ambition, anxiety, fear, money; family matters such as marriage, parenting, discipline and education; social questions like neighborliness, friendship, disputes and litigation; and even politics, both from the ruler's and citizen's viewpoint!

The revolutionary method employed in this commentary combines two different approaches. Firstly, the verse-by-verse approach and secondly, the thematic style. Most modern commentaries on Proverbs don't cover every verse, as this one does. Most other commentaries also don't show the thematic nature of the book of Proverbs.

Eric Lane shows his long investigation into the text by giving a comprehensive thematic index of topics covered. This means that whilst every verse is covered, each chapter is arranged topically, making it more reader-friendly.

Eric Lane succeeds brilliantly in bringing us a study of Proverbs that can be used as a devotional aid or bible study companion. He reveals Proverbs as something more than a disconnected collection of inspired sayings!

Eric Lane trained to be a minister in the Church of England where he remained for seven years. He was then called to be the minister of an Independent Evangelical Church where he pastored for thirty further years. Now retired, Eric's special interest is in the Wisdom books of the Old Testament.

Here is a book which is orthodox, evangelical, and reformed. It is characterized throughout by a profound sense of seriousness—manifestly written from a depth of personal experience and written not simply to inform the mind but to transform life... useful material for discussion and for study groups as well as for personal thought and meditation...I warmly commend this book.
—Evangelicals Now

Song of Songs

• Author: Richard Brooks
• 224 pages
• 1999

The Song of Songs is a love poem attributable to Solomon and the first of the Hebrew Megilloth. Originally these scrolls were read in connection with the different feasts and fasts of the Jews, in the case of the Song of Songs, it was read at Passover time.

This commentary takes a stance. It was at one time the consistent evangelical stance but that has changed with many in recent years, taking the Song to be a book dealing with marriage and sexuality. This opinion appears to be gaining less favor of late, so it is time for a modern commentary which takes this viewpoint into account, but which re-establishes the line that the Song of Songs is primarily an exposition of the spiritual relationship between Christ and the believer.

Although it was written before the time of the incarnation, it is Jesus himself who explains that the Old Testament scriptures are “they which testify of me” (John 5:39). It is not denied that we can learn from the Song at a human level, since Paul set the relationship between husband and wife in the context of the relationship between Christ and the church. At the heart of the Song is a beautiful relationship for us to explore.

Richard Brooks is the pastor of York Evangelical Church in England.

Isaiah: A Covenant to be Kept for the Sake of the Church

• Author: Allan Harman
• 480 pages
• 2005

Isaiah has been called the “fifth gospel.” Why? Because in it, God speaks through his prophet of his people's departure from truth, the need for repentance, and the redemption provided by a coming Savior. Isaiah's imagery is some of the most beautiful, and terrifying, in the Bible.

It was written in the eight century B.C. at a time of material prosperity. This wealth had brought increased literacy and so God's people could be brought back by a book of 66 chapters to understand a world that had spiritual, as well as physical, dimensions.

This is a key Old Testament book, as well as charting a key change in the life of God's people it provides some of the most important prophecies fulfilled only in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Its lessons for the contemporary church are particularly apt.

Too often modern commentaries become a discussion between commentators rather than an exploration of what the text has to say to contemporary readers. Allan Harman's methods follow those of Leon Morris and Allan McRae in that he devotes most of his energy to discovering what God is saying through his prophet, rather than what we are saying amongst ourselves.

Allan Harman has recently retired from the posts of Principal and Professor of Old Testament at the Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne Australia. He has taught graduate courses at Ontario Theological Seminary, Toronto and Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson.

Outstanding. What I mean by that is that he has been able to do the work of a first class exegete, yet make it understandable to a wide audience. As I train my theological students in the prophets of the Bible I will send them to this book immediately.
—John D. Currid, Carl McMurray Professor of Old Testament, Reformed Theological Seminary

With Allan Harman's Isaiah before me, I know what the saying means that ‘even a cat can look at the queen!’ His work has made me wish wholeheartedly that I could start all over again. The detailed interpretative work is superb, and Harman's defense of the unity of Isaiah is robust (to say the least), and, in my view, unanswerable. I thrill to a commentator whose prime aim is to understand and explain the Hebrew Text, not just to distil the opinions of others. Thank God for this book—and its author.
—Alec Motyer

Daniel: Tail of Two Cities

• Author: Bob Fyall
• 208 pages
• 2006

Frenetic scholarly activity has raged over differing interpretations of the book of Daniel. Many liberal scholars claim that it is full of fanciful accounts, some that the prophecies were written after the events occurred. Bob Fyall deals with such questions in his introduction before he goes on to explain the text. He shows us why it was written and when it was written.

Daniel is an excellent example of godly living, and there is a theme throughout the book of Daniel that God reigns sovereignly and that he will use those who know him to do his will in history.

The book of Daniel is also a book which contains prophecy and visions. Some of the prophecies are remarkably detailed and are fulfilled in history, while others concern the coming kingdom of the Messiah. Fyall provides guidelines for us to use in coming to a biblical understanding of God's plan for the world.

Bob Fyall is Senior Tutor in Ministry for the Cornhill Training Course (Scotland). Prior to that, he was the Director of Rutherford House, Edinburgh. He is an experienced pastor, preacher, and Old Testament scholar, having formerly ministered in a parish church in Scotland. He also pastored a large student church in Durham, where he also taught Old Testament at Cranmer Hall, a training college for Anglican clergy. His passion is scholarship that genuinely feeds and equips the bible teacher.

In the face of many liberal and destructive attitudes towards this great Old Testament book, Fyall highlights the example of godly living which it brings to our attention, and shows that all of history is subject to the sovereign control of God.
—Iain D. Campbell, The Monthly Record

Hosea

• Author: Michael Eaton
• 208 pages
• 2001

The breakdown of family values is having a devastating effect on society. Older people are no longer re