Proverbs (Believer’s Church Bible Commentary | BCBC)

by John W. Miller

Publisher:

Herald Press

, 2004

Overview

The Believers Church Bible Commentary Series is published for all who seek more fully to understand the original message of Scripture and its meaning for today—Sunday school teachers, members of Bible study groups, students, pastors, and other seekers. The series is based on the conviction that God is still speaking to all who will listen, and that the Holy Spirit makes the Word a living and authoritative guide for all who want to know and do God’s will.

Each volume illuminates the Scriptures; provides historical and cultural background; shares necessary theological, sociological, and ethical meanings; and, in general, makes "the rough places plain." Critical issues are not avoided, but neither are they moved into the foreground as debates among scholars. The series aids in the interpretive process, but it does not attempt to supersede the authority of the Word and Spirit as discerned in the gathered church.

The Believers Church Bible Commentary is a cooperative project of Brethren in Christ Church, Brethren Church, Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Brethren Church, and Mennonite Church.

Overall Outline

The commentaries are organized into sections according to the major divisions of the text. Each section comprises five parts:

• An introductory preview
• A summary outline of the section
• Explanatory notes
• The text in its biblical context
• The text in the life of the church

Proverbs

The nineteenth volume in the Believers Church Bible Commentary series is unique for its detailed uncovering of evidence for two editions of Proverbs, a first in the time of Solomon and a second in support of King Hezekiah's historic religious reforms. In this light heretofore puzzling features of the book's design, purpose and message are clarified and the book's relevance for its time and ours greatly enhanced.

Contents

Top Highlights

“What is meant by fear of Yahweh? In Deuteronomy, possibly also published at this time [Hezekiah Reform Literature], the phrase fear of Yahweh is used to characterize those who honor, love, trust, and pray to the God of Israel and obey his teachings as revealed through Moses (Deut 5:29; 6:2; 8:6; 10:12–13; 31:12–13).” (Page 39)

“A mashal is a poem-like composition (either short or long) that states a truth or teaches a lesson in a picturesque, compelling manner.” (Page 15)

“The headings in 1:1 and 10:1 refer to the book’s origins in the days of Solomon. The heading in 25:1 alludes to a supplemental block of proverbs added in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah.” (Page 17)

“They are for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young (1:4).” (Page 16)

“The period of Hezekiah’s reforms is increasingly recognized as a time of intense literary activity. In support of these reforms, a collection of books was produced that would over time be expanded and become the Scriptures of Judaism and Christianity [Hezekiah Reform Literature]. In this light the brief reference in Proverbs 25:1 to the men of Hezekiah producing an enlarged edition of Solomon’s proverbs takes on enhanced importance.” (Page 19)

Praise for the Print Edition

John W. Miller's commentary is a superb piece of work because of its detailed treatment of nearly every proverb, and his careful placement of the development and purpose of the book in the reign of King Hezekiah in the 8th century as a second edition.

—Laurence Boadt, Paulist Press

Here is solid scholarship with certain unpopular twists and interpretations. In place of a pedantic verse by verse approach, this thematic treatment of Proverbs provides a surprisingly contemporary manual on some critical issues of Christian discipleship. Miller offers very helpful pastoral insights for the 21st-century preacher.

—James M. Lapp, Franconia Mennonite Conference

Product Details

• Title: Proverbs
• Author: John W. Miller
• Publisher: Herald Press
• Publication Date: 2004
• Pages: 351

About John W. Miller

John W. Miller is Professor Emeritus at Conrad Grebel University College/University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. He is the author of numerous books, including Jesus at Thirty, Calling God "Father" and most recently, How the Bible Came to Be.