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Recounting the greatest event of divine salvation in the Old Testament, the book of Exodus is not merely a story about the Lord God rescuing enslaved Israelites from the power of a despotic and xenophobic dictator. More importantly, it highlights how a compassionate and justice-seeking God transforms the lives of victimized people so that they may experience life in all its fullness in his holy presence. The story of Exodus illustrates an all-important paradigm for understanding the nature and goal of divine salvation, anticipating an even greater exodus that will come through Jesus Christ.
Desmond Alexander grapples with the varied complexities of the carefully constructed literary collage of Exodus. As an integral part of the longer narrative that runs from Genesis to 2 Kings, Exodus recounts a dramatic and unified story of how the Israelites come to a deeper and closer relationship with the Lord God. Narrating past events, Exodus speaks to contemporary society, revealing a God who passionately desires to draw people into an intimate and exclusive relationship with himself. This detailed commentary sheds light on one of the most influential books ever written.
Desmond Alexander grapples with the varied complexities of the carefully constructed literary collage of Exodus. As an integral part of the longer narrative that runs from Genesis to 2 Kings, Exodus recounts a dramatic and unified story of how the Israelites come to a deeper and closer relationship with the Lord God. Narrating past events, Exodus speaks to contemporary society, revealing a God who passionately desires to draw people into an intimate and exclusive relationship with himself. This detailed commentary sheds light on one of the most influential books ever written.
784 pages, Hardcover
Published June 15, 2017
About the author
T. Desmond Alexander
34 books56 followersT. Desmond Alexander (PhD, The Queen’s University, Belfast) is senior lecturer in biblical studies and director of postgraduate studies at Union Theological College in Belfast, Ireland. He is the coeditor of the New Dictionary of Biblical Theology.
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June 26, 2018
For a fuller review, see SpoiledMilks (6/26/18).
T. D. Alexander, senior lecturer in Biblical Studies at Union Theological College in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has spent the better part (or all) of his career in the book of Exodus. Having written on the Pentateuch and biblical theology, he has written two commentaries on Exodus: One in the Teach the Text series and this one in the Apollos OT Commentary series.
In his short, 32-page introduction, Alexander spend a few pages on the story of Exodus and how it leads to the rest of the OT and NT books. Alexander doesn't think all of Exodus (nor the Pentateuch) had to be written by Moses. Rather, the title “book of Moses” (Mk 12.26) may just refer to Moses' influence as a central figure on the Pentateuch. One does not have to be dogmatic on the issue while still not agreeing with the Documentary Hypothesis (DH), a theory Alexander helpfully and graciously critiques all throughout his commentary.
With each section of the commentary Alexander provides his own translation of the Hebrew text, relevant notes on the text dealing with translational and linguistic matters, the form and structure of the unit, comments on the passage, and a final explanation which often brings together Exodus with the rest of the Bible and pairs it with our daily life and ministries.
I've summarized a few of Alexander's points on debated matters below.
4.24-26: The blood of Gershom's circumcision averts the death of Moses whom God was going to kill. Even Yahweh's own messenger "cannot be presumptuous regarding the continuation of his own life." (109).
6.3: Alexander agrees that God's words should be translated as "My name is YHWH. Did I not make myself known to them [the patriarchs]?" (125), and that the Patriarchs didn't understand the significance of Yahweh's name like the redeemed Israelites will.
Alexander is extremely insightful with keeping the context of Exodus and of the whole canon in view in his exegesis. God is not an angry deity. Rather, he wants his people to be holy, and he expects them to be loyal and to leave behind egregious sinful ways.
34.11-14: "YHWH involves Moses as mediator in the process by which God will both forgive and punish the Israelites (cf. 34:6-7)" (625). God's anger and willingness to destroy Israel shows how horrid their sin was: adultery against their marriage partner, the God of the universe who would give them every blessing and to whom Israel said they would obey in every way.
The Spoiled Milks
Alexander doesn’t provide his own outline. He divides Exodus into 64 sections with four broad headings: 1.1-2.25; 7.8-11.10; 15.22-18.27; 19.1-40.38. But as you can see, there is no heading for 3.1-7.7 or 12.1-15.21. How should the reader group these two sections?
Second, there are no footnotes. Although that is more aesthetically pleasing to the eye, it causes the text to be cramped when Alexander critiques others’ views. Footnotes allow the flow of thought to be easier to follow.
Regardless, these points in no way outweigh the weight of Alexander's own scholarship and work in this volume.
Recommended?
Alexander’s Exodus volume is a wealth of critical and conservative knowledge. He has written much on both the Pentateuch and biblical theology, and his wisdom shows forth in his work. If you can only own one scholarly commentary on Exodus, make it Alexander’s. If you have others, sell them. Now buy Alexander’s.
For preaching resources, along with Alexander’s Teach the Text volume, Motyer is good. I've not found Enns to be helpful the times I've used him, especially not now when compared to Alexander.
Disclosure: I received this book free from IVP Academic. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
T. D. Alexander, senior lecturer in Biblical Studies at Union Theological College in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has spent the better part (or all) of his career in the book of Exodus. Having written on the Pentateuch and biblical theology, he has written two commentaries on Exodus: One in the Teach the Text series and this one in the Apollos OT Commentary series.
In his short, 32-page introduction, Alexander spend a few pages on the story of Exodus and how it leads to the rest of the OT and NT books. Alexander doesn't think all of Exodus (nor the Pentateuch) had to be written by Moses. Rather, the title “book of Moses” (Mk 12.26) may just refer to Moses' influence as a central figure on the Pentateuch. One does not have to be dogmatic on the issue while still not agreeing with the Documentary Hypothesis (DH), a theory Alexander helpfully and graciously critiques all throughout his commentary.
With each section of the commentary Alexander provides his own translation of the Hebrew text, relevant notes on the text dealing with translational and linguistic matters, the form and structure of the unit, comments on the passage, and a final explanation which often brings together Exodus with the rest of the Bible and pairs it with our daily life and ministries.
I've summarized a few of Alexander's points on debated matters below.
4.24-26: The blood of Gershom's circumcision averts the death of Moses whom God was going to kill. Even Yahweh's own messenger "cannot be presumptuous regarding the continuation of his own life." (109).
6.3: Alexander agrees that God's words should be translated as "My name is YHWH. Did I not make myself known to them [the patriarchs]?" (125), and that the Patriarchs didn't understand the significance of Yahweh's name like the redeemed Israelites will.
Alexander is extremely insightful with keeping the context of Exodus and of the whole canon in view in his exegesis. God is not an angry deity. Rather, he wants his people to be holy, and he expects them to be loyal and to leave behind egregious sinful ways.
34.11-14: "YHWH involves Moses as mediator in the process by which God will both forgive and punish the Israelites (cf. 34:6-7)" (625). God's anger and willingness to destroy Israel shows how horrid their sin was: adultery against their marriage partner, the God of the universe who would give them every blessing and to whom Israel said they would obey in every way.
The Spoiled Milks
Alexander doesn’t provide his own outline. He divides Exodus into 64 sections with four broad headings: 1.1-2.25; 7.8-11.10; 15.22-18.27; 19.1-40.38. But as you can see, there is no heading for 3.1-7.7 or 12.1-15.21. How should the reader group these two sections?
Second, there are no footnotes. Although that is more aesthetically pleasing to the eye, it causes the text to be cramped when Alexander critiques others’ views. Footnotes allow the flow of thought to be easier to follow.
Regardless, these points in no way outweigh the weight of Alexander's own scholarship and work in this volume.
Recommended?
Alexander’s Exodus volume is a wealth of critical and conservative knowledge. He has written much on both the Pentateuch and biblical theology, and his wisdom shows forth in his work. If you can only own one scholarly commentary on Exodus, make it Alexander’s. If you have others, sell them. Now buy Alexander’s.
For preaching resources, along with Alexander’s Teach the Text volume, Motyer is good. I've not found Enns to be helpful the times I've used him, especially not now when compared to Alexander.
Disclosure: I received this book free from IVP Academic. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
August 26, 2017
Careful, detailed, cautious, seasoned, thorough – these are the first words that come to my mind after perusing this latest volume in the Apollos Old Testament Commentary series. Mr. Alexander has literally spent his career in the Book of Exodus. Beyond his background in Exodus, the author’s preface states: “I write from a position of believing that the book of Exodus carries an authority that is of divine origin, being more than simply the product of a human author.” In admitting his bias, he makes me feel that I’m in better hands.
For years I’ve been hearing that we should expect a major, conservative exegetical work for Mr. Alexander on Exodus. From what I can see, he has lived up to the hype. It seems that Exodus has been blessed with more pastor-friendly volumes than top exegetical works that the scholars would salivate over. Mr. Alexander has managed to write in the commentary sections material that will please pastors while his lengthy discussions of form and structure on every passage would give the scholars all they could hope for.
I genuinely enjoyed the Introduction. He began with a section on what he called the Exodus Story that exposed the big picture and showed the author particularly adept at theological observation. His discussion of the literary context of Exodus, the relation of Exodus to the rest of the Old Testament, and especially the section on relating Exodus to the New Testament were all brilliant. After that, he got more into the scholarly issues like structure, authorship and date, and criticism. I feel more comfortable with Moses having written Exodus than he does, and can’t be as generous to some critical scholars as he is, but he clearly describes the boundaries of the discussion. He seems to want to date the Exodus in the 15th century BC, but a few arguments that didn’t impress me pushed him into the 13th century BC. His section on the text of Exodus was short as he deals with so many things in the commentary itself.
Mr. Alexander well handles the Apollos commentary framework. Each passage has his own translation that focuses more on pointing out unique things in the text rather than flowing English, appropriate notes on the text, all followed by an extensive form and structure discussion that ranges from worthwhile information to interacting with esoteric, critical viewpoints. Next, we find a commentary section that is of great value followed by a shorter explanation section that is helpful to expositors.
There’s not many reviews out there before mine, so I will venture a prediction that this volume will be highly respected and important for decades to come. I highly recommend it.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
For years I’ve been hearing that we should expect a major, conservative exegetical work for Mr. Alexander on Exodus. From what I can see, he has lived up to the hype. It seems that Exodus has been blessed with more pastor-friendly volumes than top exegetical works that the scholars would salivate over. Mr. Alexander has managed to write in the commentary sections material that will please pastors while his lengthy discussions of form and structure on every passage would give the scholars all they could hope for.
I genuinely enjoyed the Introduction. He began with a section on what he called the Exodus Story that exposed the big picture and showed the author particularly adept at theological observation. His discussion of the literary context of Exodus, the relation of Exodus to the rest of the Old Testament, and especially the section on relating Exodus to the New Testament were all brilliant. After that, he got more into the scholarly issues like structure, authorship and date, and criticism. I feel more comfortable with Moses having written Exodus than he does, and can’t be as generous to some critical scholars as he is, but he clearly describes the boundaries of the discussion. He seems to want to date the Exodus in the 15th century BC, but a few arguments that didn’t impress me pushed him into the 13th century BC. His section on the text of Exodus was short as he deals with so many things in the commentary itself.
Mr. Alexander well handles the Apollos commentary framework. Each passage has his own translation that focuses more on pointing out unique things in the text rather than flowing English, appropriate notes on the text, all followed by an extensive form and structure discussion that ranges from worthwhile information to interacting with esoteric, critical viewpoints. Next, we find a commentary section that is of great value followed by a shorter explanation section that is helpful to expositors.
There’s not many reviews out there before mine, so I will venture a prediction that this volume will be highly respected and important for decades to come. I highly recommend it.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
October 3, 2017
T. Desmond Alexander is Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Director of Postgraduate Studies at Union Theological College in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Alexander received a Ph.D. from The Queen’s University of Belfast and is author or coauthor of numerous books, including From Paradise to the Promised Land: An Introduction to the Pentateuch, From Eden to the New Jerusalem: An Introduction to Biblical Theology, and Exodus: Teach the Text. Alexander is also general editor of the widely used New Dictionary of Biblical Theology: Exploring the Unity and Diversity of Scripture and Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch. In his most recent work, Alexander has brought together decades of disciplined scholarship and devotion on Exodus to a growing and increasingly useful commentary series on the Old Testament.
Exodus: Apollos Old Testament Commentary begins with a 32-page introduction. Alexander has covered much of the necessary introductory matters with care and rigor, including the story and literary context of Exodus, its relationship to the Old Testament and New, structure, authorship, date, the placement of Exodus in history, and more. It is evident that Alexander is familiar with scholarship on Exodus both New and Old, and he does a tremendous service by surveying the issues while remaining conclusively agnostic where the evidence demands no commitment (e.g. Authorship and Date). Alexander is unashamed and open about his Christian commitments and how such inevitably makes its way onto the pages of the book. Alexander notes, “I write from the position of believing that the book of Exodus carries an authority that is of divine origin, being more than simply the product of a human author” (p. xi). Despite some lacking material that readers may expect, overall, most will appreciate the care that Alexander takes in handling the introductory matters.
The commentary proper is impressive. Alexander follows the organization of the series well and provides several excurses along the way. Alexander offers readers an original translation of the Hebrew text, including ample notes on various aspects of the text and translation. He also offers comments around the form and structure of the larger units of text, verse-by-verse commentary, and an explanation of the text within the broader framework of biblical theology. The translation that Alexander provides is readable and the annotations offer the reader a goldmine of textual information. Truthfully, the translation and notes are easily worth the price of the commentary, which says volumes because Alexander is strongest in the explanation section. The comments on the individual verses offer a balance of depth and understanding, but Alexander’s ability to pull everything together under the umbrella of biblical theology is simply unparalleled in relation to other commentaries. Alexander can extract various themes with detail and depth, and still never lose sight of the peripheral narrative of the Old and New Testament.
There isn’t much not to appreciate about Alexander’s work here. The introduction is somewhat small considering the size of the commentary, and while Alexander provides sufficient contact with the needed information, some readers will lament the omission of a formal outline after his survey of the structure of the book, among other things. For perspective, the bibliography alone is roughly 50% larger than the entire introduction. Thus, those looking for detailed interaction with introductory matters should consult an introduction to the Old Testament or From Paradise to the Promised Land (p. 187-223). Where readers will find Alexander’s work helpful, both the introduction and beyond, is his constant engagement with critical theories from a conservative perspective—especially the Documentary Hypothesis. Alexander is always generous and charitable, and regardless of conviction, readers of all backgrounds and theological persuasions should find useful interaction therein.
Exodus: Apollos Old Testament Commentary by T. Desmond Alexander is a comprehensive, up-to-date examination that leaves readers with little left to want from a commentary. Alexander is a seasoned scholar and an established biblical-theological voice. The organization and structure of the commentary allows Alexander to display his strengths, and the reader will benefit over and over again. I had several preferred commentaries on Exodus before Alexander, including Enns, Stuart, and Durham. After reading Alexander, I can say with confidence that it will be the first to leave my shelf, and possibly the only. If you’re looking for a commentary on the book of Exodus that offers a comprehensive balance between depth and devotion, then Exodus by T. Desmond Alexander is the recommendation for the foreseeable future. I couldn’t recommend it more strongly.
Exodus: Apollos Old Testament Commentary begins with a 32-page introduction. Alexander has covered much of the necessary introductory matters with care and rigor, including the story and literary context of Exodus, its relationship to the Old Testament and New, structure, authorship, date, the placement of Exodus in history, and more. It is evident that Alexander is familiar with scholarship on Exodus both New and Old, and he does a tremendous service by surveying the issues while remaining conclusively agnostic where the evidence demands no commitment (e.g. Authorship and Date). Alexander is unashamed and open about his Christian commitments and how such inevitably makes its way onto the pages of the book. Alexander notes, “I write from the position of believing that the book of Exodus carries an authority that is of divine origin, being more than simply the product of a human author” (p. xi). Despite some lacking material that readers may expect, overall, most will appreciate the care that Alexander takes in handling the introductory matters.
The commentary proper is impressive. Alexander follows the organization of the series well and provides several excurses along the way. Alexander offers readers an original translation of the Hebrew text, including ample notes on various aspects of the text and translation. He also offers comments around the form and structure of the larger units of text, verse-by-verse commentary, and an explanation of the text within the broader framework of biblical theology. The translation that Alexander provides is readable and the annotations offer the reader a goldmine of textual information. Truthfully, the translation and notes are easily worth the price of the commentary, which says volumes because Alexander is strongest in the explanation section. The comments on the individual verses offer a balance of depth and understanding, but Alexander’s ability to pull everything together under the umbrella of biblical theology is simply unparalleled in relation to other commentaries. Alexander can extract various themes with detail and depth, and still never lose sight of the peripheral narrative of the Old and New Testament.
There isn’t much not to appreciate about Alexander’s work here. The introduction is somewhat small considering the size of the commentary, and while Alexander provides sufficient contact with the needed information, some readers will lament the omission of a formal outline after his survey of the structure of the book, among other things. For perspective, the bibliography alone is roughly 50% larger than the entire introduction. Thus, those looking for detailed interaction with introductory matters should consult an introduction to the Old Testament or From Paradise to the Promised Land (p. 187-223). Where readers will find Alexander’s work helpful, both the introduction and beyond, is his constant engagement with critical theories from a conservative perspective—especially the Documentary Hypothesis. Alexander is always generous and charitable, and regardless of conviction, readers of all backgrounds and theological persuasions should find useful interaction therein.
Exodus: Apollos Old Testament Commentary by T. Desmond Alexander is a comprehensive, up-to-date examination that leaves readers with little left to want from a commentary. Alexander is a seasoned scholar and an established biblical-theological voice. The organization and structure of the commentary allows Alexander to display his strengths, and the reader will benefit over and over again. I had several preferred commentaries on Exodus before Alexander, including Enns, Stuart, and Durham. After reading Alexander, I can say with confidence that it will be the first to leave my shelf, and possibly the only. If you’re looking for a commentary on the book of Exodus that offers a comprehensive balance between depth and devotion, then Exodus by T. Desmond Alexander is the recommendation for the foreseeable future. I couldn’t recommend it more strongly.
December 22, 2017
Exodus can be a rather daunting biblical book. From the harshness and inhumanity of the beginning chapters, to the scourges, through the evacuation, up to the heights of Sinai, and climaxing in the splendor of the kavod of YHWH (the glory of the LORD) filling the tent; the reader is taken from a veritable grave through a resurrection of sorts, and on to an ascension. How in the world can a preacher or Bible teacher keep it all together if they are taking their congregation through Exodus? T. Desmond Alexander, senior lecturer in biblical studies and director of postgraduate studies at Union Theological College in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and author, has done painstaking work in his new 708 page hardcover commentary, “Exodus”. This volume is another installment in the Apollos Commentary Series. It is ideal for preachers, teachers and Bible scholars.
The work begins with all of the customary niceties of a worthy commentary; some 33 pages of preliminary material covering the literary setting, canonical context, structure, authorship, and so forth. Alexander makes clear that throughout the tome he will take note of source-analysis proposals on the various pericopes in Exodus, not because he agrees with them, “but rather to caution readers against the exaggerated claims of critics who rely overly on these to exegete the text” (13), which he accomplishes consistently from beginning to end. Further, he affirms a double layer of authorship to Exodus, the original material composer and the later editor “responsible for shaping the MT of Exodus as we now know it” (14). By the time the reader finishes the entry-level material, it is clear that Alexander has shown all of the cards in his hand, and no presuppositional surprises are lurking around the corner.
After the prefatory remarks, “Exodus” runs along through all forty of the biblical chapters sequentially, breaking segments down into subdivisions. The format dependably walks through an orderly pattern. Alexander will introduce the larger picture of each subdivision with an overview. Then as he delves into a given passage he first presents his own translation. Once the translation is accomplished he points out various anomalies or lexical issues or translational distinctions in the text. Next he looks over the form and structure, noting the ways that source-analysis proposals have handled it, and their weaknesses. Afterward there are the explanations and observations that walk through a given episode step by step. Finally, the author explains the import and value of the passage and occasionally gives homiletical or didactic help. Two supplemental, beneficial and in-depth excurses surface in these pages and they cover the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart, and the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread. I read these hundreds of pages with the eye of a preacher and pastor. By the time I finished reading I felt that if I was about to do a Bible class or a sermon series on Exodus, this voluminous exposition would necessarily be part of my “grunt-work” for preparation. It lends itself to scholarly discussions, homiletical deliberations, and personal developments.
“Exodus” by Alexander is a huge tool that will give any worker in the Lord’s vineyard a big help. My only real beef with the material was the way the Sabbath was dealt with, since the author leans more to the side of D.A. Carson than my traditional Reformed position. Beyond that, this opus would make a fabulous gift for your favorite seminarian, pastor or Bible teacher. Seminary and University libraries should snatch up a copy as well. And it would be invaluable for the reader who is simply desiring to grow deeper in their comprehension of Exodus. I highly recommend this book.
Thanks to IVP Academic for providing, upon my request, the free copy of the book used for this review. The assessments are mine given without restrictions or requirements (as per Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255).
The work begins with all of the customary niceties of a worthy commentary; some 33 pages of preliminary material covering the literary setting, canonical context, structure, authorship, and so forth. Alexander makes clear that throughout the tome he will take note of source-analysis proposals on the various pericopes in Exodus, not because he agrees with them, “but rather to caution readers against the exaggerated claims of critics who rely overly on these to exegete the text” (13), which he accomplishes consistently from beginning to end. Further, he affirms a double layer of authorship to Exodus, the original material composer and the later editor “responsible for shaping the MT of Exodus as we now know it” (14). By the time the reader finishes the entry-level material, it is clear that Alexander has shown all of the cards in his hand, and no presuppositional surprises are lurking around the corner.
After the prefatory remarks, “Exodus” runs along through all forty of the biblical chapters sequentially, breaking segments down into subdivisions. The format dependably walks through an orderly pattern. Alexander will introduce the larger picture of each subdivision with an overview. Then as he delves into a given passage he first presents his own translation. Once the translation is accomplished he points out various anomalies or lexical issues or translational distinctions in the text. Next he looks over the form and structure, noting the ways that source-analysis proposals have handled it, and their weaknesses. Afterward there are the explanations and observations that walk through a given episode step by step. Finally, the author explains the import and value of the passage and occasionally gives homiletical or didactic help. Two supplemental, beneficial and in-depth excurses surface in these pages and they cover the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart, and the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread. I read these hundreds of pages with the eye of a preacher and pastor. By the time I finished reading I felt that if I was about to do a Bible class or a sermon series on Exodus, this voluminous exposition would necessarily be part of my “grunt-work” for preparation. It lends itself to scholarly discussions, homiletical deliberations, and personal developments.
“Exodus” by Alexander is a huge tool that will give any worker in the Lord’s vineyard a big help. My only real beef with the material was the way the Sabbath was dealt with, since the author leans more to the side of D.A. Carson than my traditional Reformed position. Beyond that, this opus would make a fabulous gift for your favorite seminarian, pastor or Bible teacher. Seminary and University libraries should snatch up a copy as well. And it would be invaluable for the reader who is simply desiring to grow deeper in their comprehension of Exodus. I highly recommend this book.
Thanks to IVP Academic for providing, upon my request, the free copy of the book used for this review. The assessments are mine given without restrictions or requirements (as per Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255).
September 23, 2017
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.
This book was provided to me free of charge from IVP Academic in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
Exodus: Apollos Old Testament Commentary
© 2017 by T.D. Alexander
Publisher: IVP Academic
Page Count: 784 Pages
ISBN: 978-1783594344
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.
This book was provided to me free of charge from IVP Academic in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
Exodus: Apollos Old Testament Commentary
© 2017 by T.D. Alexander
Publisher: IVP Academic
Page Count: 784 Pages
ISBN: 978-1783594344
May 11, 2018
Excellent commentary. For each pericope or paragraph, there is discussion on the structure, the hebrew, commentary verse by verse and an narrative and theological explanation (insights on the place and goal of the paragraph in the Exodus and on biblical theology).
Pros :
- Excellent insights on the literary form of the text, on biblical theology (Exodus place in the Bible and links with Genesis and the rest of the Bible). This is because Alexander is in fact one of the best current biblical theologian. And for me one or two pages of biblical theology on a paragraph is better for understanding than twenty pages on structure or separate notes on details or words.
- Very readible and clear
- Alexander commit himself in the conservative tradition.
Cons :
- Not so long or complete, the book has a lot of pages but I think it is because the police is huge. When I ask myselve some questions (for example on the two midwifes' lie to Pharaon), I didn't get an answer. So it is not the kind of commentary where I could get answer to any question (unlike Douglas Moo's commentary on Romans for example).
- More details could have been give in the introduction. Alexander don't focus a lot on the goal of Exodus for its original recipients (Israel). He presents different outlines of Exodus suggested by other commentators but he doesn't engage himself.
- The contents part is horrible. After precise references to the different parts of the Introduction, there only is one line for the whole commentary on the text which make it impossible for you to immediately go to the interesting part. Nowhere you can find an outline. And this is a pity because the commentary is actually divided in many paragraphs.
Pros :
- Excellent insights on the literary form of the text, on biblical theology (Exodus place in the Bible and links with Genesis and the rest of the Bible). This is because Alexander is in fact one of the best current biblical theologian. And for me one or two pages of biblical theology on a paragraph is better for understanding than twenty pages on structure or separate notes on details or words.
- Very readible and clear
- Alexander commit himself in the conservative tradition.
Cons :
- Not so long or complete, the book has a lot of pages but I think it is because the police is huge. When I ask myselve some questions (for example on the two midwifes' lie to Pharaon), I didn't get an answer. So it is not the kind of commentary where I could get answer to any question (unlike Douglas Moo's commentary on Romans for example).
- More details could have been give in the introduction. Alexander don't focus a lot on the goal of Exodus for its original recipients (Israel). He presents different outlines of Exodus suggested by other commentators but he doesn't engage himself.
- The contents part is horrible. After precise references to the different parts of the Introduction, there only is one line for the whole commentary on the text which make it impossible for you to immediately go to the interesting part. Nowhere you can find an outline. And this is a pity because the commentary is actually divided in many paragraphs.
March 15, 2018
I liked this commentary. It has an excellent introduction, it's solidly evangelical, it has lots of good things to say on the text, it's helpful on the Law, and it sets out to read Exodus as one book. I learnt things from this book. And certainly, it's amongst the better commentaries I've read on Exodus.
But I didn't love this commentary. Partly, that's the format. The Apollos Old Testament Commentary series has gone most of the way towards adopting the format of the Word Biblical Commentary series - which must be a contender for the least reader-friendly book format humanity has yet devised. And truth be told, it feels a little pointless: what's the value of having a separate section for each passage on sources if the answer every time is, 'there's so little agreement amongst source critics on this question, it's probably better to read the text as it stands.' I agree with the conclusion; I'm not sure I needed to read it 100 times. More importantly, I was a little disappointed with the exegesis. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad - but it wasn't very imaginative, it tended to dismiss allusions too quickly. And despite Alexander's insistence that we read Exodus as one, integrated story-line, too often that story-line slipped from view. After a very strong start, I'd really hoped for more.
But this commentary is decent. It'll take its place alongside Stuart, Enns, Childs and Fretheim as a good Old Testament commentary on Exodus. I don't regret reading it, and I'll doubtless use it again. It's just that when I read the introduction, I thought it might be a game changer. It wasn't.
But I didn't love this commentary. Partly, that's the format. The Apollos Old Testament Commentary series has gone most of the way towards adopting the format of the Word Biblical Commentary series - which must be a contender for the least reader-friendly book format humanity has yet devised. And truth be told, it feels a little pointless: what's the value of having a separate section for each passage on sources if the answer every time is, 'there's so little agreement amongst source critics on this question, it's probably better to read the text as it stands.' I agree with the conclusion; I'm not sure I needed to read it 100 times. More importantly, I was a little disappointed with the exegesis. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad - but it wasn't very imaginative, it tended to dismiss allusions too quickly. And despite Alexander's insistence that we read Exodus as one, integrated story-line, too often that story-line slipped from view. After a very strong start, I'd really hoped for more.
But this commentary is decent. It'll take its place alongside Stuart, Enns, Childs and Fretheim as a good Old Testament commentary on Exodus. I don't regret reading it, and I'll doubtless use it again. It's just that when I read the introduction, I thought it might be a game changer. It wasn't.
November 4, 2019
Exodus is my book of the year for 2019. Enjoyed this commentary as a supplement to my Scripture study each morning. Highly recommend this OT series.
July 9, 2022
Best technical commentary on Exodus available in my humble opinion.
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