Monday, May 21, 2018

Exodus (Apollos Old Testament Commentary) Hardcover – July 4, 2017 by T. Desmond Alexander (IVP Academic)



Exodus is an Old Testament commentary, written by T.D. Alexander published by IVP Academic, one that this pastor, has been anxiously awaiting for since it’s announcement. It has been a long time since a conservative yet highly scholarly work has been published on the Book of Exodus and T.D. Alexander did not disappoint, weighing in at almost 800 pages.

This commentary is the newest edition of the Apollos Old Testament Commentary Series with editors David W. Baker and Gordon J. Wenham, a series which is synonymous with excellent exegesis and superior application, this volume not only continues this legacy, but truly propels it to new heights. This volume is one of the most articulate and practical commentaries on the second book of the Pentateuch which is usually bogged down by from criticism and JPL theory. Yet while Alexander does answer these critical issues, something he does flawlessly by the way, he interacts with critical scholarship in a way most conservative commentators don’t. From this it is easy to see why Alexander is a highly regarded scholar and superior exegete.

Exodus has two main sections the typical general introduction, and then followed by a insightful exegetical commentaries on the second book of the Pentateuch. With regard to the general introduction it is the typical study into the introductory matters of the book and how they relate to the Bible as a whole. This is a serious scholarly work which dives into contextual as well as the as the different methodical approaches to study of this book Hawk takes great care in carefully showing the original context of passage while applying it directly to the modern day reader. He also uses his own translation of the Hebrew text, which demonstrates his depth of knowledge of the text itself. I do wish though that there was more application to some of the more difficult passages

While I disagree with Alexander on a few minor issues with regard to Old Testament interpretation, the arguments he makes are sound and brought up new ideas I had never considered before. Alexander is innovate in his interpretation and application while staying stalwart in his commitment to orthodoxy. In the vein of recommending, Exodus, to others I would recommend this commentary to pastors and scholars, yet I would highly recommend pastors, such as myself, to pair this scholarly commentary with one that is one that has more of a pastoral tone. There are many commentaries about Exodus available at this moment but Exodus of the Apollos Old Testament Commentary series is a very scholarly works worthy of your time.

No comments:

Post a Comment