The Lord’s Prayer (Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary Supplemental Series)
Overview
The Lord’s Prayer is the most recited, most memorized, and most studied text in the Bible. This prayer of Jesus, found in two versions in Matthew and Luke, has been extolled for its simplicity and beauty, for its reflection of “real life,” and for its vision of the consummated kingdom. It also contains several conundrums: what does it mean to “hallow” the Father’s name? What relationship does our forgiveness of others have with God’s forgiveness for us? If God does not tempt, why would we pray “Lead us not into temptation”? This commentary not only addresses these important questions but also offers insight into how the global church throughout generations has interacted with the Lord’s Prayer and has found in it inspiration and hope.
Top Highlights
“First, Israel considered itself a ‘son’ adopted by God, and this adoptive grace was especially associated with the exodus from Egypt where they were freed from slavery.” (Page 39)
“Scholars consider three possible nuances that may come into play regarding God as ‘heavenly’ or ‘in heaven’: his omnipresence, his supremacy, and his perfection.” (Page 46)
“children were expected to imitate the likeness of the father” (Page 41)
“This text has played a central role in the history of Jewish worship for many centuries. Its use in Jewish prayer is discussed in early rabbinic texts, but most scholars presume that the regular practice of praying the Shema daily goes back even further.10 Josephus appears to make reference to the recitation of the Shema ‘twice daily’ out of commemoration and gratitude to God for his freeing them from slavery in Egypt and bestowal of many blessings (Ant. 4.212).11 The Letter of Aristeas also mentions the placement of ‘oracles upon our gates and doors as a remembrance to God, and upon our hands too’ (Aristeas 158–59). Furthermore, Jews are to meditate on the works of God when lying down and rising again (Aristeas 160).” (Page 5)
“‘Prayer is the quintessential dialogue of faith in which God and humanity work in partnership to maintain covenant relationship.’” (Page 4)
Smyth & Helwys is proud to announce a new supplement to the renowned Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary series. Covering issues that cross books and testaments, this addition to the series will offer pastors, professors, and any student of the Bible guidance into the depths of these rich texts.
Expected volumes of the Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary Supplemental series include:
- A Journey through the Language of the Old Testament by Bryan D. Bibb
- The Kingdom Of God In The Proclamation Of Jesus by Hulitt Gloer
- The Lord’s Prayer by Nijay K. Gupta
- The Divine Council, Angels, and Satan by Kathryn Lopez
- The Internal Conversation of the Old Testament by Mark McEntire
What a delight to have such a thoughtful and stimulating commentary dedicated to the Lord’s Prayer! Gupta’s depth of research and clear prose will serve readers for years to come.
—Jonathan Pennington, Associate Professor of New Testament, Southern Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky
Nijay Gupta has written a volume about the Lord’s Prayer that offers a rare combination of solid exegesis with pastoral warmth. Gupta makes the prayer of all prayers come alive with careful exposition combined with insights from literature, history, and art. A truly judicious investigation of the theological dimensions and spiritual depth of the Lord’s prayer.
—Michael F. Bird, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia
Resonating with the rich heritage of prayer, Nijay Gupta’s commentary brings new light and vitality to reading Jesus’ most well-known prayer. Gupta’s approach combines practical wisdom gleaned from the Lord’s Prayer with intellectual depth and spiritual expression. In doing so, he has created a resource that will be meaningful for all kinds of readers!
—Beth M. Stovell Associate Professor of Old Testament, Ambrose Seminary of Ambrose University, Calgary, Alberta
Nijay Gupta has crafted a lovely volume on the Lord’s Prayer. He illumines this well-known prayer with attention to its back and front stories. Readers will appreciate Gupta’s clear exposition of the prayer in its Matthean and Lukan contexts, as well as rich contributions from its reception history—in word and image. This is a gem of a commentary.
—Jeannine K. Brown, Professor of New Testament, Bethel Seminary
- Title: The Lord’s Prayer
- Author: Nijay K. Gupta
- Series: Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary
- Publisher: Smyth & Helwys
- Print Publication Date: 2017
- Logos Release Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Lord’s prayer
- ISBNs: 9781641730068, 1641730064
- Resource ID: LLS:SHCLORDSPRAYER
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T02:58:26Z