Both of these commentaries focus on three Old Testament books: Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. Ezra-Nehemiah was originally a single work; Esther is included here primarily because it belongs with Ezra-Nehemiah in the Persian period.

The Daily Study Bible is intended to be a continuation of the New Testament series made famous by William Barclay, and there is much evidence within the pages suggesting that those who are fond of the New Testament commentary will likewise be pleased with the Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther commentary. The primary focus of The Daily Study Bible series is not academic. The purpose here is similar to Barclay’s: to enable Christians ‘to know Jesus Christ more clearly, to love him more dearly, and to follow him more nearly’ (p. v).

1. G. McConville’s book demonstrates his commitment to this aim. In discussing the laying of the foundation of the temple, the author reminds us of other occasions like David’s bringing the ark to Jerusalem. For McConville these events serve as reminders that worship in Jerusalem was no sordid affair and that there is no place for ‘dry formality in Christian worship today’ (p. 22).

Frequently, and in accordance with the author’s objective, the pericope being considered is related to a New Testament passage. In discussing Nehemiah’s prayer in chapter 9, McConville admits that the people of Israel are exhorted to grow in their faithfulness and to become the children of Abraham. McConville, as he frequently does, quickly reminds his readers that this passage should be balanced with a New Testament teaching: in Galatians 3:6–14 Paul warns against any wrong interpretation of what this might mean. There are numerous other examples that the author, if not writing exclusively for a Christian audience, is focusing on Christian issues.

McConville’s suggestion is that these three Old Testament books are not only time-oriented, but also transcendent. Additionally, he cautions against the hermeneutical error of immediately projecting the social setting of ancient and inspired writings onto the fabric of modern culture. This is nowhere more apparent than in the command of mass divorce as described in Ezra 10:1–44. The reader is soon met by McConville’s stinging rhetorical question: ‘Is the Book of Ezra … utterly without sensitivity to human distress?’ (p. 70). In his three-layered answer McConville asserts that the action of Ezra is unique because his situation is without analogy, and at least in this instance, modern application of this imperious measure is hardly within the realm of marriage at all.

When one turns to the commentary by Clines, it is apparent that one has come upon a book different in scope. This recent addition to The New Century Bible Commentary continues the tradition of scholarly commentaries already established by the previous volumes in the Old and New Testament series.

Students and teachers should respond favourably to Clines’ commentary because he has not only scrupulously provided an illuminating sketch of contemporary scholarship but has also fairly represented those opposing his particular viewpoints. For example, after discussing Ezra’s coming to Jerusalem in the seventh year of Artaxerxes (458 bc) and Nehemiah’s arriving in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes (445 bc), Clines discusses the problems of this portrait. He offers a strong argument, consisting of thirteen sections, for the priority of Nehemiah before stating five reasons, fewer but more convincing, for his belief that Ezra’s activity preceded that of Nehemiah.

Clines’ book is a worthwhile investment. His presentation of an enormous amount of scholarly material is lucid and interesting. One finds numerous bits of significant information in this commentary. For example, Clines believes that it is significant that Esther is the one Old Testament book not found in the Qumran community, and he reminds us that Qumran was not representative of mainstream Judaism.

Later in the commentary he returns to the question of the date of the Ezra-Nehemiah activity and admits that it may be that we simply do not know the answer to this question, and after reiterating his view on the priority of the Ezra activity, admits judiciously that the problem is best left unsolved (p. 181).

Teachers and students should find room on their bookshelves for both of these books. McConville demonstrates how the three Old Testament books can become a relevant force in our daily living; in its own way Clines’ sensitive scholarship reinforces the same witness.

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