★★★★★ 5
The Final Volume of An Excellent Commentary Series Does Not Disappoint
Format: Hardcover
After 7 years, Crossway has completed their ESV Expository Commentary set. Ironically, Vol. 1, was the last of the twelve volumes to be completed. It fully lives up to the standard the other eleven set. Like the other volumes, it focuses on a passage by passage commentary of each book, followed by a ‘Response’ section that is usually some form of practical application of belief or behavior. For example, in my copy, the ribbon marker was already in Exodus 17:1-7’s ‘Response’ page, and it discussed the question of ‘Why Does God Test His People?’. Jay Sklar’s response includes this wisdom: ‘testing not only gives us an opportunity to show faithfulness; it also helps us to to become more faithful.’ (pg. 578). While I have not yet read the whole thing, Crossway seems to have balanced some well-known scholars with other lesser known ones. Genesis in this volume is covered by Iain Duguid, noted OT scholar currently teaching at Westminster Seminary. Exodus is examined by Covenant Seminary Professor of Old Testament, Jay Sklar, who is a well-known expert on all five books of the Pentateuch. I had not heard of Christine Palmer (Leviticus) or Ronald Bergey (Numbers) before, but Crossway has earned my trust, and I presume their contributions will live up to the standards of others in this series. The commentary is pretty beefy, and the hardcover binding (if my previous volumes are any indication) will need to be handled with care - especially if you are like me, and sometimes try to photocopy pages so you don’t have to carry the whole commentary to a coffee shop or library! All in all, if you are a pastor, Bible student, or lead a Bible study, this series, and this volume, will be a benefit to you.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2025