Baker Commentary on the Old Testament: Wisdom and Psalms | BCOTWP (7 vols.)

by John Goldingay; Tremper Longman III; Craig G. Bartholomew; Richard S. Hess

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2005–2012

Overview

The Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms | BCOTWP (7 vols.) is tailored to the distinctness of poetry and Wisdom literature. It provides students and pastors with a careful reading of the text and its theological implications. These volumes include:

• Emphasis on the message of the biblical book
• Special attention to poetic structure and literary devices
• Incisive comments based on the author’s translation of the Hebrew text
• Exegetical rigor, incorporating linguistic, historical, and canonical insights
• Closing reflections on each section that explore the text’s theological dimensions
• Textual notes that provide resources for advanced readers

Key Features

• Each volume includes an introduction and a bibliography
• Subject index, author index, and an index of Scripture and other ancient writings
• Logos edition provides integrated access to Scripture references

Endorsements

The Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms offers a series of substantial volumes on these OT books. . . . Useful tools for study and teaching.

—PreachingNow

Geared toward clergy and seminary students, this new series is also accessible to nonscholars.

—Interpretation

Product Details

• Title: Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms | BCOTWP (7 vols.)
• Series: Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms
• Publisher: Baker
• Volumes: 7
• Pages: 4,048
• Format: Logos Research Edition
• Resource ID: {14CE5D5B-63ED-4AE9-AD54-BC881C777DF1}

Job

• Author: Tremper Longman III
• Series: Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms
• Publisher: Baker
• Publication Date: 2012
• Pages: 496

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

In this volume, Tremper Longman offers an accessible commentary on one of Scripture’s most intriguing books. With his deft exegetical and expositional skill, the resulting work is full of fresh insight into the meaning of the text.

In addition to the helpful translation and commentary, this volume considers the theological implications of the wisdom texts found in the book of Job as well as their literary, historical, and grammatical dimensions. Footnotes deal with many of the technical matters, allowing readers of varying interest and training levels to read and profit from the commentary and to engage the biblical text at an appropriate level. This built-in versatility has application for both pastors and teachers.

This latest gift from the trusted pen of Tremper Longman evinces the rare combination of stretching the most learned mind and touching the most tender soul. Grappling with the intricacies of this most difficult of biblical texts and the opaqueness of much of its theological argument, Longman offers here a work of inestimable pastoral and practical value.

—Eugene H. Merrill, distinguished professor of Old Testament studies, Dallas Theological Seminary

When a singular biblical text causes an accomplished commentarial hand to tremble in attempting to grasp it, we are struck with respect for both authors. Here a biblicist conversant with Wisdom literature sifts reams of earlier commentary to identify the genius of Job as a pointed poetic challenge to reducing Scripture to ‘retribution theology’ and thus allows the ‘voice from the whirlwind’ to move us from expecting answers to responding to an encounter.

—David B. Burrell, professor of comparative theology, Tangaza College, Nairobi

I have greatly benefited from Longman’s excellent new translation and commentary on Job. He masterfully guides the reader through the book’s challenging, complex grapplings with the question of undeserved suffering. All this grappling with suffering, he argues, is the means to a greater end: debating and exploring the nature of true wisdom. In his interpretations, Longman presents his own penetrating reflections and gleans rich insights from the vast world of Job commentary. He has a rare, enviable talent for presenting solid scholarship in well-written prose that is eminently understandable and immediately relevant. I highly recommend this volume.

—Stephen L. Cook, Catherine N. McBurney Professor of Old Testament Language and Literature, Virginia Theological Seminary

Tremper Longman III is the Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. Before coming to Westmont, he taught at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia for 18 years. He has authored or coauthored numerous books, including An Introduction to the Old Testament, How to Read Proverbs, and commentaries on Daniel, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, Jeremiah and Lamentations, and Song of Songs.

Psalms, vol. 1

• Author: John Goldingay
• Series: Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms
• Publisher: Baker
• Publication Date: 2006
• Pages: 640

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

In this first volume of a three-volume commentary on the book of Psalms, Old Testament scholar John Goldingay provides a lucid introduction to the Psalter and fresh commentary on Psalms 1–41. Writing with a scholar’s eye and a pastor’s heart, Goldingay considers the literary, historical, and grammatical dimensions of the text as well as its theological implications. The resulting commentary will bring the Psalms to life for a new generation of students.

In addition to the commentary on Psalms 1–41, this volume contains Goldingay’s introduction to the entire book of Psalms. This thorough introduction provides unique perspectives on matters such as the purpose of the Psalter, Psalms and history, poetry in the Psalms, the Psalms and worship, the Psalms and spirituality, and the Psalms and theology. Each chapter of the commentary proper contains the author’s translation of a particular psalm, which shows in English some of the salient features of the Hebrew text. An interpretation of the psalm, section-by-section, follows. Also included is an extensive glossary section treating the vocabulary of Psalms 1–41 and noting how certain words are used to convey critical concepts. The discussion of each Psalm ends with a section on theological implications that will help readers discover the contemporary relevance of the message of the Psalms.

This commentary is a worthwhile addition to the library of every Old Testament scholar, theological student, and perhaps especially every minister who needs to prepare sermons from the Psalter. . . . It contains a treasury of learning and recent research into the Psalms.

—Philippus J. Botha, Review of Biblical Literature

This is a fine commentary on the first part of the book of Psalms, combining excellent scholarship and deep, practical spiritual reflection. Readers will find it to be an invaluable resource for their own life journeys, not least in the constructive challenge it presents to some modern Christian understandings of biblical spirituality.

—Iain Provan, Marshall Sheppard Professor of Biblical Studies, Regent College

John Goldingay (PhD, University of Nottingham) is David Allan Hubbard Professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. His books include Models for Scripture, Models for Interpretation of Scripture, Walk On, and commentaries on Psalms, Isaiah and Daniel.

Psalms, vol. 2

• Author: John Goldingay
• Series: Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms
• Publisher: Baker
• Publication Date: 2007
• Pages: 752

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

In the second volume of his three-volume commentary on the book of Psalms, Old Testament scholar John Goldingay provides fresh commentary on Psalms 42–89. He considers the literary, historical, and grammatical dimensions of the text as well as its theological implications. The Book of Psalms is the Bible’s book of prayer and praise that provides us with language and guidance for our communion with God. It provides a vital link between humanity and God—“a link that we ignore to our impoverishment,” says Goldingay.

In this volume, Goldingay seeks to let the Psalms speak their own message and address Christian thinking, theology, and spirituality without being subjugated to a particular way of reading the New Testament. Each chapter of the commentary proper contains the author’s translation of the psalm, showing in English some of the salient features of the Hebrew text. An interpretation of the psalm, section-by-section, follows. Goldingay concludes each chapter with theological reflection that helps readers discover the contemporary relevance of the message of each psalm. This resource also includes a glossary of the vocabulary of Psalms 42–89, noting how certain words are used to convey critical concepts. This insightful commentary will bring the Psalms to life for a new generation of students.

A welcome resource for those interested in the Psalms from the perspective of faith. . . . Well informed, theologically sensitive, and will serve well the audience(s) for which it is intended.

—Jerome F. D. Creach, Robert C. Holland Professor of Old Testament, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Once again, John Goldingay has given us exemplary scholarship that will serve both church and academy very well indeed. The commentary is filled with mature theological insights, fresh ideas, and thoughtful reflections for contemporary appropriation. The clear and imaginative introduction alone is worth the price of the book.

—Terence E. Fretheim, Elva B. Lovell Professor of Old Testament, Luther Seminary

John Goldingay (PhD, University of Nottingham) is David Allan Hubbard Professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. His books include Models for Scripture, Models for Interpretation of Scripture, Walk On, and commentaries on Psalms, Isaiah and Daniel.

Psalms, vol. 3

• Author: John Goldingay
• Series: Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms
• Publisher: Baker
• Publication Date: 2008
• Pages: 816

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The final installment in Goldingay’s comprehensive study! Blending literary, historical, grammatical, and theological insights, the acclaimed scholar offers his own translation of Psalms 90–150, followed by interpretive commentary. An incisive look at the Scriptures Tremper Longman calls “a literary sanctuary: a holy place where humans share their joys and struggles with brutal honesty in God’s presence.”

An excellent addition to an outstanding series. No one interested in preaching, teaching, or researching the Psalms can afford to be without it. I highly recommend it.

—Leonard Mare, Review of Biblical Literature

Pastors will benefit from Goldingay’s lucid discussion of interpretive issues, which is always informed by the faith of the church. Scholars will be well served by the insightful textual notes and extensive bibliography. In sum, this volume is a welcome resource for the study of the Psalms from which many different readers may glean.

—Jerome F. D. Creach, Robert C. Holland Professor of Old Testament, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

John Goldingay (PhD, University of Nottingham) is David Allan Hubbard Professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. His books include Models for Scripture, Models for Interpretation of Scripture, Walk On, and commentaries on Psalms, Isaiah and Daniel.

Proverbs

• Author: Tremper Longman
• Series: Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms
• Publisher: Baker
• Publication Date: 2006
• Pages: 608

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

In Proverbs, Old Testament scholar Tremper Longman III offers an accessible commentary on one of Scripture’s most frequently quoted and visited books. With his deft exegetical and expositional skill, the resulting work is full of fresh insight into the meaning of the text.

In addition to the helpful translation and commentary, Longman considers the theological implications of these wisdom texts, as well as their literary, historical, and grammatical dimensions. Footnotes allow readers of varying interest and training levels to read and profit from the commentary and to engage the biblical text at an appropriate level.

A very thorough and thought-provoking commentary from an experienced scholar in the field. The scholarly and church audiences are both clearly addressed here in a very readable writing style.

—Katharine Dell, senior university lecturer, St. Catharine’s College, Cambridge

Proverbs is a fascinating book, and its instructions and aphorisms virtually compel readers to respond and interpret. Tremper Longman is a good reader and has given us a learned and vigorously argued commentary. I like the way he cites comparative material from the ancient Near East, interacts with fellow scholars, and moves creatively within the conservative tradition.

—Richard J. Clifford, professor of biblical studies, Weston Jesuit School of Theology

Tremper Longman III (PhD, Yale University) is the Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies and the chair of the Religious Studies department at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. He is the Old Testament editor for the revised Expositor’s Bible Commentary and has authored many articles and books on the Psalms and other Old Testament books.

Ecclesiastes

• Author: Craig G. Bartholomew
• Series: Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms
• Publisher: Baker
• Publication Date: 2009
• Pages: 448

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Wrestling with the timeless enigmas of life, Ecclesiastes is a fruitful resource for preaching and teaching in our postmodern age. Bartholomew’s renowned exegetical and theological skills are evident in his translation and verse-by-verse commentary. This volume also includes an introduction, footnotes on technical details, an appendix in reading and applying the “Preacher’s” message today, and an extensive bibliography.

This book is worthy of purchase certainly by Qohelet experts but also by general scholars and educated laypeople. Young scholars will find it especially helpful as an introduction to contemporary issues. It is eminently readable, original, interesting, and deep.

—Mark Sneed, Catholic Biblical Quarterly

It is a rare commentary that is both readable and learned. Even rarer is one that immerses readers in the deep questions of life. Bartholomew’s new book helps us to think our way through Ecclesiastes and its mazes. More than that, it confronts us anew with the mystery and responsibility of human existence before the face of God.

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

Craig G. Bartholomew (PhD, University of Bristol) is professor of philosophy, religion, and theology at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario, where he holds the H. Evan Runner Chair. He is the associate editor of Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible, and the coauthor, with Michael W. Goheen, of The Drama of Scripture and Living at the Crossroads.

Song of Songs

• Author: Richard S. Hess
• Series: Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms
• Publisher: Baker
• Publication Date: 2005
• Pages: 288

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Richard Hess has written an insightful commentary on one of the most intriguing books of the Bible, which celebrates God’s gift of love. Following an introduction to the biblical book and a history of its interpretation, Hess divides his discussion into seven major sections. Each section begins with a fresh translation, followed by paragraph-by-paragraph commentary, and concludes with a summary of the passage’s theological implications. Technical questions related to the Hebrew text or scholarly debate are addressed in the footnotes.

An accomplished, celebrative volume. . . . [Hess] provides helpful and extensive analysis of a passage’s poetic structure. . . . Hess’ enthusiastic presentation and obvious labors furnish an undeniable contribution.

—Jennifer Pfenniger, assistant professor of religious studies, Bradley University, Peoria, IL

Finally, here is an up-to-date commentary on the Song of Songs that is easy to use. With superb clarity and concision, Hess’ commentary makes a world of scholarship about the Song of Songs available to a broad audience. Readers will enjoy Hess’ close attention to the lyrical beauty of the Song of Songs and his discussions of the book’s theological insights.

—Mark S. Smith, Skirball Professor of Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Studies, New York University

Richard S. Hess (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is professor of Old Testament at Denver Seminary. He is the editor or author of a number of works, including the commentary on Joshua in the Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries series, Family in the Bible, and Israel’s Messiah in the Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls.