Book Reviews of Reformation Commentary on Scripture: Old Testament IV--Joshua, Judges Ruth

 

Book Review of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture: Old Testament IV --Joshua, Judges, and Ruth

 

Reformation Commentary on Scripture: Old Testament IV --Joshua, Judges, Ruth

Edited by N. Scott Amos

IVP Academic

ISBN 978-0-8308-2954-5

This book is part of a larger study called the Reformation Commentary on Scripture. In each of these studies, the editors attempt to go back to the original source material of the Reformation, and then put different Reformation ministers and theologians side by side in their take on a specific passage of Scripture. 

The Reformation Commentary on Scripture has four goals:

• Renewing contemporary Biblical interpretation by bringing to light Reformation era interpretation
• Strengthening contemporary preaching through exposure to biblical insights of Reformation writers
• Deepening understanding of the Reformation and the breadth of perspectives represented within it
• Advancing Christian scholarship in the fields of historical, biblical, theological, and pastoral studies (xvi-xix)

This particular commentary is on Joshua, Judges, and Ruth--all considered part of the historical canon of the Hebrew Scriptures. N. Scott Amos is well qualified to edit this compilation, as he written several books on the Reformation era's streams of biblical interpretation and theological development from a historical context.

These historical books uniquely offer insight into Scripture, but they also offer a clear light into the context of the interpreters. The Reformation Era and Ancient Israel in the time of the Judges and the entrance into the promised land were times of social and political upheaval. The truth of this connection was not lost on the Reformers, who applied the Scripture clearly to their context overtly and more subtly. 

In the introduction, the editor draws to the readers' attention that these three books, especially Judges and Ruth, speak about women, and their place in Scripture and in the world at this time. Some are heroes, such as Deborah and Ruth. Other stories are more cautionary and sad, such as the story of Jepthah's daughter (xlvii). I personally enjoyed the emphasis on Ruth being a key person in illuminating that the gospel and the work of God in the world is for Gentiles as well as Hebrew persons (p. 530-531).

I would not use this commentary exclusively for preparing a bible study or a sermon. I would, however, use it to add breadth to my studies for both of those tasks and much more.