Interpretation Comm-Exodus [Hardcover]

For one of many who found Fretheim's book The Suffering of God to be, well, life-changing, reading more of his work in this commentary was just as refreshing. If you like reading biblical theology (theology that follows the narrative, as opposed to systematic theology) then you will find helpful insights in this commentary on Exodus.

Personally Exodus is my favorite book of the Bible, and Fretheim mines many of the depths of it without being difficult to read. I did not read the entire book but I did blow through about a 100 pages of it in a few sittings and enjoyed every minute.

This series is geared for "teaching and preaching"--so readability and usefulness take precedence over analyzing technicalities of the text--although you will find some balanced looks at difficult passages if that is what you need.

My review is not one of having read the entire book page for page, but more along the lines of having used it for certain passages I was working through and/or for background.

Fretheim does a really good job of placing the stories in literary context, with an overview to understanding the general sense of the passages. Given that there isn't that enough space to devote to an in depth analysis, this is probably the best approach one could hope for. He does occasionally highlight key words if needed , but the commentary is aimed at students comprehending the grand themes or underlying threads for the book of Exodus. Like an onion there certainly are layers upon layers to discover, but most readers can go back later to visit the depths after appreciating the grand vista's . The author's strength then is in this first approach.

I found the writing style to be clear and authentic; he gives praise and reference to outside sources when writing. Also the author was not afraid to admit that sometimes the passage is hard to understand. If there is a divergence of opinion, he gives a fair review and outline to the various positions. Good footnotes and the necessary references are included for research.

Overall one of the better commentaries out for the book of Exodus. Given that there isn't a lot of real choice out there for this important book, I would recommend it as a very wise buy.

Good price for book, though the book was thorough, The author gives a unique perspective on the cosmic view of Creationism which he goes to through as to his own perspective of it, otherwise the book was good on the study of Exodus!