Preface

Evangelicals believe that the Bible is the Word of God. This means that when the Bible is read with care and joined to the work of the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:16–18), it can become an unparalleled source of strength, wisdom, and instruction in the ways of God (Ps. 19:7–8; 2 Tim. 3:16). Each generation needs to reexamine God’s Word and ask how it can be effectively applied to the specific needs that exist. To assist in this task, commentaries are written. They are designed not to replace Scripture but to aid the understanding of it. That is the purpose of this commentary. It was written to help the average reader understand what the biblical text says.

All of the writers for this commentary are evangelical Christians who are technical scholars in their field. They all have a knowledge of the original language of the text and have studied it extensively; many have already written elsewhere on the same material that they address in this volume.

The commentators have also written so that persons without technical training can understand the Bible. Many excellent books have been written by scholars for scholars, but that was not the design of this work. Certainly, if scholars read this commentary, they will see the academic scaffolding behind it. But this commentary was written primarily to assist the pastor, student, church school teacher, or interested layperson in grasping the meaning of Scripture and applying it to his or her life.

This commentary tackles problematic questions but also calls attention to the spiritual and personal aspects of the biblical message. The authors have certainly attempted to clarify existing difficulties, but that, in itself, was not deemed a sufficient goal. That the Word be allowed to speak to our needs was also considered an important purpose.

Although this commentary is not a textbook on systematic theology, important points of biblical theology are brought out. The great doctrines of the faith, relating to matters such as creation, redemption, sanctification, and resurrection, are discussed in the appropriate places.

The writers were encouraged to include material from their latest research when this would be helpful, so fresh material and ideas can be found here for the reader’s interest and benefit.

The writers were chosen for their knowledge of the biblical text, not for their denominational point of view. Hence, writers representing a variety of theological perspectives are included in this volume. It could well be that at certain points differences might exist, but no attempt was made to impose an artificial unity on what is here. Charitable disagreement is common to our life as Christians and you may find such disagreements within these pages. The one thing that binds all the writers together is a common fidelity to the Bible as the Word of God. The sincere desire of the writers of this commentary is that its use will make the Scriptures more intelligible and that by knowing God’s Word believers will come to a more penetrating, meaningful, and life-changing understanding of God and his purposes.

The present volume is a complete revision of the Evangelical Commentary on the Bible (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1989), edited by Dr. Walter Elwell and published almost twenty-five years ago. Every commentary section that was retained has been revised and updated. But in addition we have made way for new scholars whose expertise in the Scriptures and vibrant faith in Christ are well known. This edition is generously supplemented with maps, charts, photos, and illustrations intended to further enrich and inform personal study by complementing the analysis of the biblical text with visual perspectives.

Our prayer is that these efforts will strengthen the church and its mission in the world. We believe that an enduring faith is established by a devout and sincere knowledge of the Scriptures through which we understand our God and may follow him rightly.

Andrew E. Hill, PhD, Old Testament Editor

Gary M. Burge, PhD, New Testament Editor