The Oxford Bible Commentary [Hardcover]

The Bible stands in a category of its own among world literature. How you view the Bible, however, depends on what spectacles you are wearing. Like statistics, the Bible can be used to prove almost anything. As a result Bible commentaries are notorious for giving the author's particular angle on the Bible as if it is the only viewpoint. In the case of The Oxford Bible Commentary the angle is objectively academic. John Muddiman and John Barton are the pair of Oxford dons who have put together the latest weighty book of Biblical scholarship. Happily, they are aware of the limitations of academic comment and don't pretend the book is more than it is.

Contributing scholars are mostly British and American and most of them come from a mainstream Protestant background. The articles are therefore polished, precise and professionally pedantic. No one can fault the meticulous scholarship and wealth of detailed content. That's just what you want from a hefty Bible commentary. On the other hand, what can strike you when dipping into this tome is how slippery Biblical scholarship has become. At the turn of the last century Biblical criticism shot fundamentalism full of holes, but the new generation of scholars have now shot the certainties of old-fashioned Biblical criticism full of holes. As a result the articles exhibit an odd mix of solid content with honest supposition, guesswork and shoulder shrugging. This actually makes the book better. It's refreshing to read academics who admit their uncertainties. Their honesty allows some questions to remain open-ended, and that's exciting for any serious Biblical student. -- Dwight Longenecker

Considering the volume of new publications constantly occurring, it is impressive that material quite recent in terms of the publication date is included. Certainly no institutional academic library should be without this volume, and many individual scholars will likewise consider it a worthwhile investment. (Louvain Studies )

For the "novice", this work is a treasure trove. Expert scholars will likewise find much of interest, particularly in areas other than their own specialities. (Louvain Studies )

This imposing one-volume commentary, the work of 70 international scholars from Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox and Jewish traditions, is impressive in scope. The commentary is offered as a resource for all readers, both "expert and novice". (Louvain Studies )

This book should be a helpful guide to the general reader, for whom it is intended, and it should certainly find a place in every library with any interest in the Bible. (Journal of Theological Studies )

The Oxford Bible Commentary can be recommended as an up-to-date, vast treasury of biblical knowledge. (International Review of Biblical Studies )

Like the best of its kind, it draws on a broad spectrum of critical scholarship to provide an authoritative guide to reading the books of the Bible and is likely to dominate this section of the market for a long time to come ... a milestone in biblical scholarship. The editors deserve our thanks and congratulations - and a wide readership. (The Expository Times )

The emphasis is on reading and understanding the books of the Bible. It puts the resources of scholarship at the disposal of a wide readership - not simply the academic specialists but a range of readers with widely differing interests and concerns. Students will derive excellent guidance from it. Those who have primarily an interest in the Bible as literature will find it a source of new insights. Preachers, teachers and pastors who recognize the essential link today between scholarship and exposition, will find it enormously helpful. (The Expository Times )

Easily the best one volume Bible commentary available ... The Oxford Bible Commentary sticks to the text - and the fullest text possible, including all the apocrypha, some Post-Biblical Jewish Literature and some extra-canonical early Christian literature. This makes it unique as well as extra valuable. (The Reader )

Unlike some one-volume commentaries the OBC is valuable on the major books as well as the lesser-writings, especially on the Gospels. (The Reader )

Excellent model of what the finest reference books should be ... It is written for a wide readership and is expressed clearly without jargon or obscurity, and should prove invaluable not only to the priest and the student, but to the ordinary person in the pew ... will be invaluable for any religious or specialist library. (The Irish Catholic )

This rich, far-reaching commentary ... is warmly recommended ... Generous coverage of the full gamut of critical and postcritical approaches characterizes the many fine introductory essays, and sensitive attention to theological and literary insights find ample space in the book-by-book commentries that also do full justice to "traditional" scholarly concerns. (Choice )

For its comprehensiveness, diversity and liveliness, it is a valuable and exciting resource. It deserves and richly rewards careful attention. (Theology Journal )

A very superior commentary indeed ... and despite its imposing bulk and imprimatur, a very human book. (Gabriel Josipovici, Times Literary Supplement )

...an authoritative guide to reading the books of the Bible...a very accessible volume for everyone (Caroline Woollard, South Wales Argus )