ESV Expository Commentary: Deuteronomy–Ruth (volume 2)

ESV Expository Commentary: Deuteronomy–Ruth, Volume 2 (Crossway, 2021).

This volume is the second OT entry in the ESV Expository Commentary series. It features an exposition of Deuteronomy by August Konkel, Joshua by David Reimer, Judges by Miles Van Pelt, and Ruth by Mary Hannah.

Regarding the message of Deuteronomy, Konkel observes that the book is "not a mere repetition of the previous giving of the covenant at Sinai. It is a reaffirmation of that covenant, given as a guide to enable the tribes to live together when they enter the land they are about to inherit" (21). Deuteronomy is distinct within the Pentateuch, but also integrally connected to the shape of the book of Moses as a whole. This perspective helps a reader anticipate both historical review but also theological meaning in this book. 

Accordingly, Konkel helpfully notes that Deuteronomy "offers the most systematic presentation of theology in the entire OT" (21). This theological message functions as "a manifesto calling on Israel to respond to God's grace with fear and love" (21). The theology of Deuteronomy includes a focus on the sovereignty of Yahweh, fidelity to the covenant, and the theological basis for later eras represented in the books of the Former Prophets (30–48). 

Regarding Joshua, Reimer notes that this book is often associated with death and violence in the conquest of the land of Canaan. However, there is also a message about life and hope in this book. For Reimer, "the book also contains abiding truths concerning the holiness of God's love, the reality of judgment, the inevitability of serving something or someone, the choice of what or whom that master will be as a matter of life-and-death, and the inevitable tragedy of opposing the true and living God" (318). 

On the difficult issue of the destruction of the Canaanites, Reimer rejects arguments that deny the historicity or the emotional difficulty posed by this account. Rather, he concedes that there are elements of "ancient literary conventions" that are perhaps part of the language used in these commands while also affirming the theological commitment of Torah and Joshua to a God who both metes out justice and also gives life (320–21).  

Van Pelt and Hannah likewise balance discussions of historical background with the theological message of these books that address in their own way the persistent unfaithfulness of the people and the enduring faithfulness of the Lord to his covenant people. Similar to the other volumes on the historical books of the OT, then, this entry also maintains a pastoral tone, clear exposition, and a helpful balance between historical and theological analysis. Another foundational entry in this commentary series that is worth consulting. 

Some Notes:

• See details on the other volumes in the ESV Expository Commentary series; Cf. my goodreads  & reviews of other volumes in this series; Thanks to Crossway for this review copy.