Proverbs (The Two Horizons Old Testament Commentary | THOTC)

by Ernest Lucas

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 2015

Overview

In this erudite yet accessible commentary Ernest Lucas elucidates the book of Proverbs both exegetically and thematically. Explicating the text in light of its ancient Near Eastern context, Lucas also shows the relevance of Proverbs for the twenty-first century, speaking as it does to such issues as character formation, gender relations, wealth and poverty, interpersonal communication, science and religion, and care for the environment.

Lucas uniquely identifies “proverbial clusters” in his critical exegesis of the biblical text and uses them as the basis for interpreting individual proverbs. Several substantial theological essays at the end of the book illuminate major ethical, pastoral, and spiritual themes in Proverbs. Ably unpacking the rich wisdom embedded in the book of Proverbs, Lucas’s accessible theological commentary is perfect for pastors, teachers, and students.

Key Features

• Discusses the literary structure and style of Proverbs
• Features reflection on Proverbs in relation to the Old Testament
• Provides insights for students, pastors, scholars, as well as laity

Contents

Top Highlights

“There is general agreement that 1:1–7 forms a preface, not just to chs. 1–9, but to the whole book. After the heading (v. 1), the purpose of the book is set out in a series of assertions about the benefits that will accrue from paying heed to its contents. Finally, v. 7 sums up the teaching of the whole book.” (Pages 3–4)

“Overall there is a fairly widely held consensus that the Book of Proverbs is a collection of collections, the compilation of which probably stretched over a period of at least five hundred years.” (Page 8)

“‘wisdom’ in the OT is the ability to cope with life” (Page 1)

“The promise to ‘pour out my spirit’ (v. 23) has parallels in God’s promises in Isa. 44:3 and Joel 2:28. In Isa. 11:2 the Spirit of the Lord is linked with ‘the spirit of wisdom’.” (Page 58)

“a Hebrew proverb might be defined as ‘a realistic reflection on life crystallized in a brief, memorable sentence” (Page 205)

Endorsements

A deep and valuable education in biblical wisdom. Lucas has a readable style that will engage students, pastors, and scholars. He bears his impressive scholarship on Proverbs lightly and serves it up winsomely. I especially welcome the essays on the theology and ethics of wisdom that conclude the book. They merit a wide variety of readers — whoever wishes to make the wisdom of Proverbs their own.

—Raymond C. Van Leeuwen, professor emeritus of biblical studies, Eastern University

Offers a window on a fascinating historical topic: ecumenical dialogue between the Catholic and Reformed churches.

Choice

Product Details

• Title: Proverbs
• Author: Ernest Lucas
• Series: The Two Horizons Old Testament Commentary
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Print Publication Date: 2015
• Logos Release Date: 2016
• Pages: 421
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. O.T. Proverbs › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9780802827104, 0802827101
• Resource ID: LLS:TWOHOR20PR
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-05-15T15:38:51Z

About Ernest Lucas

Ernest Lucas worked in biochemical research for a few years before studying theology at Oxford University and becoming ordained as a Baptist minister. He has been the minister of churches in Durham and Liverpool. While at Liverpool, he was awarded a Ph.D. by the university there for his research on the book of Daniel. For several years he worked as Educational Director and the Associate Director at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. In 1994 he moved to Bristol Baptist College, an Affiliated College of Bristol University, where he is Vice-Principal and Tutor in Biblical Studies.