R. Alan Cole provides introductory information and a passage-by-passage commentary on Exodus, a book crucial for understanding the message of the New Testament. Exodus tells of the saving acts of God, the instituting of Passover, the giving of the Law, and the stories of Moses (first prophet) and Aaron (first hight priest).

In ancient times numbers were seen as mysterious and symbolic. Today they are associated with computers and depersonalization. To bridge this gulf, Gordon Wenham explains the background of Numbers, discussing its structure, sources, date, authorship, theology and Christian use. Includes a passage-by-passage analysis of Old Testament ritual.

The book of Esther describes how a genocide threatening the Jewish people was averted through the bravery of Esther, the wisdom of Mordecai and the unity of their people. It also reveals the God who quietly -and sometimes unexpectedly- works behind the scenes to order the events of our lives.

The book of Joshua memorializes a transitional episode in Israel's national history. The heroic figure Joshua, imbued with strength, courage and faith, leads the new generation of Israel across the Jordan into the land of promise. Richard S. Hess explores the historical, theological and literary dimensions of the book of Joshua.

Donald Wiseman's study of the Books of 1 and 2 Kings is part of the Tyndale Old Testament Commentary Series, a series which offers thorough, up-to-date, passage-by-passage commentary on the books of the Old Testament.

The Chronicler wrote as a pastoral theologian. The congregation he addressed was an Israel separated from its former days of blessing by a season of judgment. The books of 1 and 2 Chronicles bring a divine word of healing and reaffirm the hope of restoration to a nation that needed to regain its footing in God's promises and to reshape its life before God. The Chronicler expounds the Bible as he knows it, skillfully weaving his commentary into the linear text of Israel's history. His theme is straightforward--the promises of God revealed in the Davidic covenant are as trustworthy and as...

Ezra and Nehemiah chart the Jews' return to Jerusalem from exile and the beginnings of a rebirth. Derek Kidner clearly and succinctly deals with the complex literary and historical problems surrounding these two books and their chief characters.

Francis Andersen calls the book of Job "one of the bests gifts of God to men." It is the story of one man's agony "reaching out to the mystery of God, beyond words and explanations." He discusses Job's vast range of ideas, its broad coverage of human experience, the intensity of its passion and the immensity of its concept of God.

John Taylor writes, "For most Bible readers Ezekiel is almost a closed book...Their knowledge of him extends little further than his mysterious vision of God's chariot-throne, with its wheels within wheels, and the vision of the valley of dry bones." However, the structure of Ezekiel is simple and orderly, and that makes it easy to analyze for modern readers.

Hosea's bold imagery--a recounting of his own marriage to a prostitute--sets the stage for his message of God's enduring love, righteous judgment and persistent offer of reconciliation. David Allan Hubbard explores the historical, cultural, literary and theological dimensions of Hosea's life and message.