Ezra and Nehemiah: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition (NBBC)
Overview
Starting over is challenging—especially after the devastating failure that results in exile. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah not only grapple with the effects of failure but also testify to the gracious hand of a compassionate God who restores his people in the face of insurmountable odds.
The stories of rebuilding and reform in Ezra and Nehemiah are expertly handled in this latest volume of the New Beacon Bible Commentary. Dr. Jim Edlin skillfully unpacks the literary design, authorship, and textual analysis of these books, while highlighting significant theological features, such as the role of collective participation in communal restoration.
Key Features
- The latest scholarship from notable experts in the Wesleyan tradition
- Convenient introductory material for each book of the Bible, including information on authorship, dating, history, audience, sociological/cultural issues, purpose, literary features, theological themes, hermeneutical issues, and more
- Comprehensive annotation divided into three sections:
- Background elements behind the text
- Verse-by-verse details and meanings
- Significance, relevance, intertextuality, and application
Contents
- Restoring the Temple: Ezra 1:1–6:22
- Restoring the Law: Ezra 7:1–10:44
- Restoring the Wall: Nehemiah 1:1–6:19
- Restoring the Covenant Community: Nehemiah 7:1–13:31
Top Highlights
“Nehemiah continued praying about this for four months. He not only prayed for himself but also interceded on behalf of the people of Israel.” (Page 141)
“Worship draws upon previous generations. The returning exiles did not have to reinvent patterns of worship for their day. No generation has to do this. They can always look to the past for direction. The exiles adopted times, structures, and liturgies that had been used for centuries, since the times of David and Moses. Undoubtedly these patterns needed to be updated in language and other ways. But the essential elements of regular times of worship as well as timeless words of worship remained instructive to them.” (Page 65)
“These shared a special identity with Israel’s ancient ancestors by coming out of captivity. They had been delivered from Babylon like those who were remembered in the Festival of Tabernacles had been freed from Egypt. Perhaps this is why the Israelites had not celebrated … like this for such a long time.” (Page 197)
“From Nehemiah’s perspective, their condition reflected a spiritual issue. The sins of Israel brought on the devastation of the city (v 6b). So Nehemiah confessed that we have acted very wickedly and have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses (v 7).” (Page 141)
“This chapter highlights how the law of the Lord shaped a community of faith. The reading of the law produced two main effects: unity and joy. The law drew the community of God’s people together and infused them with great gladness.” (Page 198)
Product Details
- Title: Ezra and Nehemiah: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition
- Author: Jim Edlin
- Series: New Beacon Bible Commentary (NBBC)
- Publisher: Beacon Hill
- Publication Date: 2018
- Pages: 256
- Christian Group: Methodist and Wesleyan
- Resource Type: Commentaries
- Topic: Biblical Studies