 Ashby, G. W. (1998) Go out and Meet God: A Commentary on the Book of Exodus. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans (ITC). xiv + 146 pp. Ashby, a retired bishop in the Anglican Church of South Africa, writes with the experience of someone involved in the country’s anti-apartheid movement. In a series that explores the theological importance of the Old Testament within a global setting, Ashby seeks to show how Exodus can be applied to liberation movements within current societies. The commentary, which focuses on themes such as oppression and liberation, features a foreword by Desmond Tutu. Readership: M |
 Beer, G. (1939) Exodus. Tübingen: Mohr (HAT, 3). 179 pp. Compared to the earlier works by McNeile and Driver, Beer, writing in the 1930s, was already less certain about the sources of Exodus and somewhat more tentative regarding historical and geographical issues. Readership: F |
 Binz, S. J. (1993) The God of Freedom and Life: A Commentary on the Book of Exodus. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press. 147 pp. This commentary, which is based on the translation of the New American Bible, according to the publishers is aimed at adult study groups, college courses and individuals who want to understand the Scriptures. Readership: L |
 Bruckner, J. K. (2008) Exodus. Milton Keynes: Paternoster Press (NIBCOT, 2). xvi + 348 pp. Readership: ML |
 Brueggemann, W. (1994) ‘The Book of Exodus: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections’, in Keck, L. (ed.) The New Interpreter’s Bible. Volume 1: General Articles on the Bible. General Articles on the Old Testament. Genesis. Exodus. Leviticus. Nashville: Abingdon Press, pp. 675-982. Like other commentaries in the New Interpreter’s Bible, Brueggemann’s work reproduces the text from the NIV and NRSV in parallel columns and applies the latest interpretive methods to Exodus. Brueggemann discerns four key themes in the book: liberation, law, covenant and the presence of God. As regards the prominent theme of liberation, he argues that, although this has been ‘a voice for alternative possibilities in the world’ for some time, it exists in tension with a countervailing theme of conservatism in the book’s priestly parts. Readership: ML |
 Burns, R. J. (1983) Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers: With Excursuses on Feasts/Ritual and Typology. Wilmington, DE: Michael Glazier (OTM, 3). 298 pp. This commentary is somewhat selective in that not every chapter of the three books is dealt with, but Exodus receives more attention than the other two. Burns adopts a traditional literary-critical approach. Readership: ML |
 Cassuto, U. (1967) A Commentary on the Book of Exodus. Translation by I. Abrahams. Jerusalem: Magnes Press. xvi + 509 pp. This is a classic commentary that looks at Exodus from a Jewish perspective. Cassuto rejects the documentary hypothesis and posits an ancient heroic poem as the principle source of the book. He is adamant that the final form of the text, which he regards as a ‘sublime religious document’, has to be the object of study. His commentary is to be commended for its philological analysis and its sensitivity to the book’s literary artistry – Cassuto is especially helpful in identifying literary patterns. Although the comments are based on the Hebrew text, the commentary can be consulted profitably by a wider readership. The Hebrew original was published in 1951. Readership: SM |
 Childs, B. S. (1974) Exodus: A Commentary. London: SCM Press (OTL). xxv + 659 pp. This is a true landmark as far as commentaries on Exodus are concerned. Childs is known for pioneering the canonical approach, and he used Exodus as a showcase for demonstrating its potential. His work on Exodus was ground-breaking in that Childs paid attention not only to standard critical issues, such as textual criticism, philology and critical methodology (i.e. source, form and traditio-historical criticism), but also to the canonical shape of Exodus, its theological significance in relation to its Old and New Testament context and its Jewish and Christian reception history. Readership: SM |
 Clements, R. E. (1972) Exodus. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (CBC). viii + 248 pp. The Cambridge Bible Commentary is aimed at a general readership and designed for use with the New English Bible. Clements, in line with the format of the series, provides summary interpretation on sections of text together with further comments on selected verses. Readership: L |
 Coggins, R. J. (2000) The Book of Exodus. Peterborough: Epworth (Epworth Commentaries). xxi + 130 pp. Commentaries in the Epworth series, which are based on the Revised English Bible, are intended to be ecumenical, multicultural and multifaith in outlook. Coggins therefore appropriately incorporates feminist and liberationist readings of the text while noting that certain aspects of the book (e.g. the suffering of the Egyptians, or the absence of women in the second half of Exodus) remain problematic for anyone with an inclusivist agenda. Readership: ML |
  Cole, R. A. (1973) Exodus: An Introduction and Commentary. Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press (TOTC). 239 pp. Volumes in the Tyndale commentary series do not reproduce the biblical text and comment selectively on individual words and phrases. They do not presuppose knowledge of Hebrew but assume that readers have an interest in the nuances of the biblical language. Cole’s commentary is to be noted especially for its helpful theological introduction to the book of Exodus. Readership: ML |
 Craghan, J. F. (1985) Exodus. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press (Collegeville Bible Commentary. Old Testament, 3). 110 pp. The Collegeville Bible Commentary series adopts the New American Bible translation. Like other volumes in the series, Craghan’s comments on Exodus are very brief, but the book includes review aids and discussion questions to facilitate group study. Readership: L |
  Currid, J. D. (2000) A Study Commentary on Exodus. Volume 1: Chapters 1–18. (2001) A Study Commentary on Exodus. Volume 2: Chapters 19–40. Auburn, MA: Evangelical Press. 415 and 398 pp. Readership: ML |
| Davies, G. H. (1967) Exodus: Introduction and Commentary. London: SCM Press (TBC). 253 pp. Davies adopts a standard source-critical approach and pays little attention to historical and geographical questions. For him, the theme of the presence of God is at the heart of Exodus’s theology, an approach developed further by Durham in his contribution to the Word Biblical Commentary. Readership: ML |
 Dohmen, C. (2004) Exodus 19–40. Freiburg: Herder Verlag (HTKAT). 415 pp. Readership: F |
 Dozeman, T. B. (2009) Exodus. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans (ECC). xix + 868 pp. This is a substantial commentary of over 800 pages in the tradition of critical scholarship. Questions of authorship and the distinction between P and Non-P materials receive detailed attention, as do the central themes of each passage. Readership: SM |
| Driver, S. R. (1911) The Book of Exodus in the Revised Version, with Introduction and Notes. Cambridge: University Press (CBSC). lxxii + 443 pp. Another classic, Driver was one of the pioneers of a source-critical analysis of Exodus in the English speaking world and an advocate of the documentary hypothesis. His commentary exhibits special expertise regarding texts and versions and pays particular consideration to geographical and historical matters. It is, however, quite dated now. |
 Dunnam, M. D. (2004) Exodus. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson (The Preacher’s Commentary, 2). 395 pp. Orig.: (1987) Waco, TX: Word (The Communicator’s Commentary Series. Old Testament, 2). The focus in this commentary, which seeks to interpret Exodus through the lens of the New Testament, is on application rather than serious engagement with the text. Dunnam’s work should therefore not be used on its own, but it can be a useful supplement for the preacher. The Bible translation used is the New King James Version. Readership: M |
 Durham, J. I. (1987) Exodus. Waco, TX: Word (WBC, 3). xxxiv + 516 pp. This commentary, which includes a new translation of Exodus from the Hebrew as well as serious engagement with textual criticism and detailed exegetical comments on the text, focuses strongly on the theology of Exodus. Durham regards the theme of God’s presence with his people as central to the book’s message, he engages with source criticism throughout, and he offers some fine exegetical insights along the way. Readership: SM |
 Ellison, H. L. (1982) Exodus. Philadelphia: Westminster Press (DSB). xi + 203 pp. This commentary, which follows the RSV, is too brief to be really useful, but Ellison provides some helpful comments that are aimed at the layperson. There is a particular emphasis here on the theology of Exodus, and Ellison reads the book as a prelude to the New Testament, as it were. Having said that, however, he is sensitive to Exodus’s own historical context and its ongoing significance for Judaism. Readership: L |
 Enns, P. (2000) Exodus. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan (NIVAC). 620 pp. Of all the commentaries aimed specifically at the preacher, this is one of the best. Enns deals with many important historical issues, but his commentary is to be commended especially for the author’s thoughtful theological engagement with the text. Readership: ML |
 Fischer, G. and Markl, D. (2009) Das Buch Exodus. Stuttgart: Verlag Katholisches Bibelwerk (NSKAT, 2). 408 pp. F |
 Fretheim, T. E. (1991) Exodus. Louisville, KY: John Knox Press (Int.). xii + 322 pp. Fretheim’s very readable commentary contains many stimulating literary, hermeneutical and theological insights. It does not engage with the more technical issues in the interpretation of Exodus, but that should not detract anyone from engaging with Fretheim’s creative work. There is a particular focus here on the meaning of liberation and on Exodus as paradigm, but Fretheim cautions readers against misreading liberation as license, since the book leads from slavery to freedom understood as service to God. Readership: ML |
 Gispen, W. H. (1982) Exodus. Translation by E. van der Maas. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan (Bible Student’s Commentary). 335 pp. First published in Dutch in 1951, this commentary offers some helpful exegetical and theological comments from a Reformed perspective. Readership: SM |
 Greenberg, M. (1969) Understanding Exodus. New York: Behrman House. (Heritage of Biblical Israel, 2). viii + 214 pp. Greenberg’s commentary, which offers perceptive comments on Exodus 1–11, unfortunately, was never completed. For each section, Greenberg looks at the movement of the story as well as its themes, structure and redaction. One of the interesting features of this commentary is its engagement with rabbinical sources. |
   Houtman, C. (1993) Exodus. Volume 1: Chapters 1:1–7:13. (1996) Exodus. Volume 2: Chapters 7:14–19:25. (1999) Exodus. Volume 3: Chapters 20–40. (2002) Exodus. Volume 4: Supplement. Kampen: Kok (HCOT). xx + 554, xii + 466, xiv + 738 and vii + 70 pp. This commentary, which runs to over 1800 pages, is one of the most extensive treatments of Exodus available today. There is a strong focus on European scholarship here, and Houtman is worth reading for his judicious yet at the same time creative approach. He offers detailed exegesis as well as a consideration of the text’s reception history and its theological significance. Readership: SM |
 Hyatt, J. P. (1980) Commentary on Exodus. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans (NCB). 351 pp. Orig.: (1971) London: Oliphants. This is a mainstream critical commentary on Exodus in the tradition of McNeile and Driver, although Hyatt supplements their source-critical focus with traditio-historical insights. Like some other volumes in the New Century Bible series, the commentary unfortunately is rather sketchy in its exegetical engagement with the text and offers little theological comment. It is worth consulting primarily for its excurses on a number of topics. Readership: SM |
 Ibn Ezra, A. (1996) Ibn Ezra’s Commentary on the Pentateuch. Volume 2: Exodus (Shemot). Translation by H. N. Strickman and A. M. Silver. New York: Menorah. |
 Ibn Ezra, A. (2000) Abraham ibn Esras langer Kommentar zum Buch Exodus. Bd. 1: Parascha Schemot bis Beschalach (Ex. 1–17). (2000) Abraham ibn Esras langer Kommentar zum Buch Exodus. Bd. 2: Parascha Jitro bis Pekudej (Ex. 18–40). Translation by D. U. Rotzoll. Berlin: de Gruyter (Studia Judaica/Forschungen zur Wissenschaft des Judentums, 17). cl + 482 and 1117 pp. Readership: F |
| Jacob, B. (1992) The Second Book of the Bible, Exodus. Translation by W. Jacob. Hoboken, NJ: Ktav. xxxv + 1099 pp. Readership: S |
 Jacob, B. (1997) Das Buch Exodus. Stuttgart: Calwer Verlag. xxv + 1098 pp. Readership: F |
 Janzen, J. G. (1997) Exodus. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press (WBComp). xii + 275 pp. The focus in this commentary, which is meant to assist laity in their study of the Bible as a guide to Christian faith and practice, is on the theology of Exodus. Janzen regards the story of the exodus as a revelation of God’s concern for the liberation and redemption of all people. He stresses that the book of Exodus holds out hope for all who are oppressed but also admonishes the liberated not to perpetuate the evils under which they suffered. Readership: L |
 Janzen, W. (2000) Exodus. Waterloo, Ontario: Herald Press (BCBC). 496 pp. The Believers Church Bible Commentary, which stands in the tradition of Anabaptism, is aimed at lay leaders, teachers, pastors, college and seminary students, and all those searching the Bible for truth and life. Including outlines, explanatory notes, sections on the text in biblical context and on the text in the life of the church, the commentary aims to offer a balance of exegesis, theological reflection and life appropriation. Readership: ML |
 Kaiser, W. C. (2008) ‘Exodus’, in Longman, T. and Garland, D. E. (eds) Expositor’s Bible Commentary. Volume 1: Genesis – Leviticus. Rev. edn. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, pp. 333-561. Readership: M |
| Knight, G. A. F. (1976) Theology as Narration: A Commentary on the Book of Exodus. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. xiv + 209 pp. Knight thinks of Exodus as an ‘incarnational theological essay’, which is written by one person whom he calls ‘Ex’. |
 Langston, S. M. (2006) Exodus through the Centuries. Malden, MA: Blackwell (BBC). xiv + 294 pp. Langston’s work is not a commentary in the traditional sense. The focus rather is on the reception history of Exodus. Readership: SM |
 Larsson, G. (1999) Bound for Freedom: The Book of Exodus in Jewish and Christian Traditions. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson. xvii + 334 pp. While seeking to do justice to the historical setting of Exodus, Larsson focuses on its history of theological interpretation, beginning with early Jewish interpretive traditions. His work shows that Exodus presents a defining act of liberation not only in Judaism but also in the Christian understanding of salvation history. |
 Lienhard, J. T. (ed.) (2001) Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press (ACCSOT, 3). xxxi + 382 pp. Readership: SM |
 Mackay, J. L. (2001) Exodus. Fearn: Mentor (Mentor Commentary). 623 pp. |
 Martin, G. S. (2002) Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman (HOTC, 2). xi + 387 pp. Readership: ML |
 McCurley, F. R. (1979) Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers. Philadelphia: Fortress Press (ProcC). 128 pp. Readership: M |
 McNeile, A. H. (1908) The Book of Exodus with Introduction and Notes. London: Methuen (WC). cxxxvi + 247 pp. Like Driver (see above), McNeile was an advocate of the documentary hypothesis, just as he shared Driver’s interest in historical and geographical issues in relation with the Exodus narrative. McNeile’s commentary, too, is very dated now. The full text is available at the Internet Archive. |
 Meyer, L. (1983) The Message of Exodus: A Theological Commentary. Minneapolis: Augsburg. 171 pp. Readership: ML |
 Meyers, C. (2005) Exodus. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (NCBC). xxiv + 310 pp. This commentary, which is aimed at a wide readership, includes the translation of the NRSV. Meyers offers a section-by-section interpretation of Exodus as well as a number of excurses on key issues in the text and features, such as the Passover or the Decalogue, that have survived in post-biblical times. She seeks to enable readers to follow the story line of Exodus, understand its sociocultural context, appreciate its literary features, recognise its major themes and values, and note the book’s interpretive problems. Readership: ML |
 Motyer, J. A. (2005) The Message of Exodus: The Days of Our Pilgrimage. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press (BST). 327 pp. Readership: ML |
 Noth, M. (1958) Das zweite Buch Mose: Exodus. Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht (ATD, 5). 230 pp. This is the German original of what has become a classic commentary. Noth, one of the most important German Old Testament scholars in the twentieth century, focuses particularly strongly on the text’s pre-history. His Exodus commentary was a significant milestone in the critical discussion of the book, but it offers little to the preacher or layperson. Readership: F |
 Noth, M. (1962) Exodus: A Commentary. Translation by J. S. Bowden. London: SCM Press (OTL). 283 pp. This is the English translation of the German commentary listed above. Readership: SM |
 Osborn, N. D. and Hatton, H. A. (1999) A Handbook on Exodus. New York: United Bible Societies (UBS Handbook Series). ix + 946 pp. Aimed at translators, the volumes in the UBS Hanbook Series provide exegetical, historical and linguistic information about individual words and phrases. Readership: SM |
 Oswalt, J. N. (2008) ‘Exodus’, in Ross, A. and Oswalt, J. N. Genesis, Exodus. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House (CsBC, 1). Readership: ML |
 Page, H. R. (2006) Exodus: A Bible Commentary for Every Day. Oxford: Bible Reading Fellowship (PBC). 176 pp. Readership: L |
 Pixley, G. V. (1987) On Exodus: A Liberation Perspective. Translation by R. R. Barr. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis. xx+ 236 pp. As the subtitle suggests, this commentary approaches Exodus from a liberationist perspective. It is aimed at a wide readership but especially those who feel ‘an identification with the oppressed in their urgent longing for liberation’ (p. xv). Discussion of the text of Exodus is fairly brief and non-technical, and there are a number of excurses on history and geography, philological problems, literary composition, and philosophical and theological themes. Pixley devotes some attention to the socio-political contexts in which the book of Exodus was produced. Readership: ML |
  Propp, W. H. C. (1999) Exodus 1–18: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. (2006) Exodus 19–40: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. New York: Doubleday (AB, 2 and 2A). xl + 680 and xxx + 865 pp. Propp’s two-volume work offers detailed exposition with a strong interest in anthropology, comparative religion and the text’s ancient Near Eastern parallels. Each section features comments on text, source and redaction-critical issues, and the commentary is characterised by careful scrutiny of Hebrew terms as well as literary, folkloric and historical interpretation of the narrative. Propp provides his own, very literal translation of Exodus, which can be awkward to read. However, this is quite deliberate, as he seeks to confront readers with the foreignness of the text. Although the Anchor Bible series is aimed not just at scholars but at the interested layperson (all Hebrew is transliterated), the extensive and academically sophisticated discussion of technical issues make Propp’s commentary most suitable for scholars. Laypersons would have to be very committed to be willing to plow through this massive work. Readership: S |
 Rashbam (1997) Rashbam’s Commentary on Exodus: An Annotated Translation. Edited and translated by M. I. Lockshin. Atlanta: Scholars Press (Brown Judaic Studies, 310). x + 452 pp. Readership: S |
 Ryken, P. G. (2005) Exodus: Saved for God’s Glory. Wheaton, IL: Crossway (Preaching the Word). 1247 pp. Readership: M |
| Rylaarsdam, J. C. (1952) ‘Introduction and Exegesis to the Book of Exodus’, in Buttrick, G. A. (ed.) The Interpreter’s Bible. Volume 1. Nashville: Abingdon Press, pp. 833-1099. Readership: ML |
 Sarna, N. M. (1991) Exodus: The Traditional Hebrew Text with the New JPS Translation. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society (JPSTC). xxv + 278 pp. In contrast to the above, this is a commentary on Exodus, again written from a Jewish perspective, which reproduces the Hebrew and English in parallel columns. Verse-by-verse notations include brief summaries of the ongoing narrative, explorations of nuance in the original Hebrew and allusions to traditional Jewish commentary. Sarna is particularly strong on the exegesis of individual terms, he devotes special attention to Exodus’s ancient Near Eastern context and he defends the historical veracity of many of the narrative features. Readership: SM |
| Scharbert, J. (1989) Exodus. Würzburg: Echter Verlag (NEB, 24). 151 pp. Readership: F |
 Schmidt, W. H. (1974–) Exodus. Neukirchen-Vluyn: Neukirchener Verlag (BKAT, 2). Still unfinished, Schmidt’s massive work features extensive bibliographies, notes and commentary. It pays detailed attention to source, form and traditio-critical issues as well as to historical and geographical questions. Readership: F |
 Stuart, D. K. (2006) Exodus. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman (NAC, 2). 827 pp. Stuart offers a verse-by-verse exposition of the book with valuable exegetical insights. The discussion of more technical issues has been relegated to the footnotes. Readership: M |
 Willi-Plein, I. (1988) Das Buch vom Auszug: 2. Mose. Neukirchen-Vluyn: Neukirchener Verlag (Kleine Biblische Bibliothek). vi + 247 pp. Readership: F |
Aune, D. E. (1997) Revelation 1–5. Dallas, TX: Word. (1998) Revelation 6–16. (1998) Revelation 17–22. Nashville: Thomas Nelson (WBC, 52A, 52B, 52C). ccxi + 374, xlv + 526 and xlvi + 449 pp.
Beasley-Murray, G. R. (1974) The Book of Revelation. Reprint, Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2010 (NCB). 352 pp. Beasley-Murray pays attention to theological issues and in particular to Revelation’s Christology, which is seen as inseparable from its eschatology.
Boxall, I. (2006) The Revelation of Saint John. London: Continuum (BNTC, 18). xvi + 347 pp.
Koester, C. R. (2001) Revelation and the End of All Things. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. xiv + 209 pp.
Reddish, M. G. (2001) Revelation. Macon, GA: Smyth & Helwys (SHBC). xxiv + 472 pp.
Sweet, J. P. M. (1979) Revelation. London: SCM Press (Pelican Commentaries). xv + 361 pp. Sweet’s volume, which is strong on the significance of Old Testament allusions, is one of the better short commentaries on Revelation.
Talbert, C. H. (1994) The Apocalypse: A Reading of the Revelation of John. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press. ix + 123 pp.
Witherington, B. (2003) Revelation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (NCBC). xviii + 307 pp.
Cole, R. A. (1989) The Gospel according to Mark: An Introduction and Commentary. 2nd edn. Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press (TNTC, 2). 340 pp.
Cranfield, C. E. B. (1959) The Gospel according to Saint Mark: An Introduction and Commentary. Reprint, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1983 (CGTC). xv + 503 pp.
Donahue, J. R. and Harrington, D. J. (2002) The Gospel of Mark. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press (SP, 2). xv + 491 pp.
Edwards, J. R. (2002) The Gospel according to Mark. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans (PNTC). xxvi + 552 pp.
Evans, C. A. (2001) Mark 8:27–16:20. Nashville: Thomas Nelson (WBC, 34B). xciii + 594 pp.
France, R. T. (2002) The Gospel of Mark: A Commentary on the Greek Text. Carlisle: Paternoster Press (NIGTC). xxxvii + 719 pp.
Guelich, R. A. (1989) Mark 1–8:26. Dallas, TX: Word (WBC, 34A). xliii + 454 pp.
Gundry, R. H. (1993) Mark: A Commentary on His Apology for the Cross. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. lv + 1069 pp.
Healy, M. (2008). The Gospel of Mark. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic (CCSS). 348 pp.
Hooker, M. D. (1991). A Commentary on the Gospel according to St Mark. Reprint, London: Continuum, 2001 (BNTC). viii + 424 pp.
Lane, W. L. (1974) The Gospel according to Mark: The English Text with Introduction, Exposition and Notes. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. (NICNT, 2). xvi + 652 pp.
Malbon, E. S. (2002) Hearing Mark: A Listener’s Guide. Harrisburg, PA: Trinity Press International. xi + 114 pp.
Mann, C. S. (1986) Mark: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Garden City, NY: Doubleday (AB, 27). xxvi + 714 pp.
Marcus, J. (2000) Mark 1–8: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. New York: Doubleday. (2009) Mark 8–16: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press (AB, 27 and 27A). xix + 569 and lx + 610 pp.
Moloney, F. J. (2002) The Gospel of Mark: A Commentary. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson. xviii + 398 pp.
Schweizer, E. (1971) The Good News according to Mark: A Commentary on the Gospel. Translated by D. H. Madvig. London: SPCK. 395 pp.
Taylor, D. B. (1992) Mark’s Gospel as Literature and History. London: SCM Press. xii + 388 pp.
Witherington, B. (2001) The Gospel of Mark: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. xxiv + 463 pp.
Wright, T. (2001) Mark for Everyone. London: SPCK. xii + 243 pp.
Coats, G. W. (1999) Exodus 1–18. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans (FOTL, 2A). xiv + 178 pp. As the title of the series indicates, this project seeks to apply a form-critical perspective to the Old Testament books. It does not offer detailed exegetical (philological) engagement with the text but focuses on questions regarding structure (which receives more attention here than in any other commentary available), genre, setting and intention. Coats’s earlier work on Genesis is one of the strongest works in the series, but the volume on Exodus 1–18, unfortunately, falls far short of this standard due to the author’s deteriorating health. Readership: S
Gowan, D. E. (1994) Theology in Exodus: Biblical Theology in the Form of a Commentary. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press. xviii + 297 pp. This is more like a theological treatise that investigates what Exodus teaches about God, hence the title Theology in Exodus rather than Theology of Exodus. Particular attention is paid to Exodus 3–4, but Gowan works his way through the whole book, which he reads within its canonical context while also taking into consideration the history of Jewish and Christian thought on this book. Readership: SM
Johnstone, W. (1990) Exodus. Sheffield: JSOT Press (OTG). 120 pp. *** Reprint: Johnstone, W. (2001) ‘Exodus’, in Rogerson, J. W., Moberly, R. W. L. and Johnstone, W. Genesis and Exodus. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press (OTG). This is an introduction to the critical issues in the study of the book. It looks at historical questions (such as the biblical chronology, ancient Near Eastern sources, whether Exodus should be regarded as a historical work, the figure of Moses), institutional matters (i.e. Passover, unleavened bread, firstlings, theophany, covenant and law), literary issues (e.g. literary criticism, tradition history, redaction criticism, the new literary approach) and theological concerns (the revelation of the divine name, the theologies of the D version and the P edition). Readership: S
Krochmalnik, D. (2000) Schriftauslegung: Das Buch Exodus im Judentum. Stuttgart: Verlag Katholisches Bibelwerk (NSKAT, 33/3). 183 pp. Readership: F
Longman, T. (2009) How to Read Exodus. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic. 187 pp. Readership: ML
Origenes (Origen) (2008) Predigten des Origenes zum Buch Exodus: lateinisch–deutsch. Translation by T. Heither. Münster: Aschendorff. 278 pp. Readership: F
Sarna, N. M. (1986) Exploring Exodus: The Heritage of Biblical Israel. New York: Schocken. xii + 277 pp. *** Second Edition: Sarna, N. M. (1996) Exploring Exodus: The Origins of Biblical Israel. 2nd edn. New York: Schocken. xx + 277 pp. This is not quite a commentary in the strict sense, even though Sarna does follow the book’s narrative sequence, but rather a study of many key issues arising out of the text. Written for students, teachers and the educated layman, it offers a Jewish perspective on Exodus. The focus is on the book’s ‘spiritual values and moral and ethical imperatives’. In a new foreword added to the 1996 edition, Sarna dissents from recent scholarship that questions the historicity of the Exodus narrative. Readership: ML
Ashby, G. W. (1998) Go out and Meet God: A Commentary on the Book of Exodus. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans (ITC). xiv + 146 pp. Ashby, a retired bishop in the Anglican Church of South Africa, writes with the experience of someone involved in the country’s anti-apartheid movement. In a series that explores the theological importance of the Old Testament within a global setting, Ashby seeks to show how Exodus can be applied to liberation movements within current societies. The commentary, which focuses on themes such as oppression and liberation, features a foreword by Desmond Tutu. Readership: M
Beer, G. (1939) Exodus. Tübingen: Mohr (HAT, 3). 179 pp. Compared to the earlier works by McNeile and Driver, Beer, writing in the 1930s, was already less certain about the sources of Exodus and somewhat more tentative regarding historical and geographical issues. Readership: F
Binz, S. J. (1993) The God of Freedom and Life: A Commentary on the Book of Exodus. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press. 147 pp. This commentary, which is based on the translation of the New American Bible, according to the publishers is aimed at adult study groups, college courses and individuals who want to understand the Scriptures. Readership: L
Bruckner, J. K. (2008) Exodus. Milton Keynes: Paternoster Press (NIBCOT, 2). xvi + 348 pp. Readership: ML
Brueggemann, W. (1994) ‘The Book of Exodus: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections’, in Keck, L. (ed.) The New Interpreter’s Bible. Volume 1: General Articles on the Bible. General Articles on the Old Testament. Genesis. Exodus. Leviticus. Nashville: Abingdon Press, pp. 675-982. Like other commentaries in the New Interpreter’s Bible, Brueggemann’s work reproduces the text from the NIV and NRSV in parallel columns and applies the latest interpretive methods to Exodus. Brueggemann discerns four key themes in the book: liberation, law, covenant and the presence of God. As regards the prominent theme of liberation, he argues that, although this has been ‘a voice for alternative possibilities in the world’ for some time, it exists in tension with a countervailing theme of conservatism in the book’s priestly parts. Readership: ML
Burns, R. J. (1983) Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers: With Excursuses on Feasts/Ritual and Typology. Wilmington, DE: Michael Glazier (OTM, 3). 298 pp. This commentary is somewhat selective in that not every chapter of the three books is dealt with, but Exodus receives more attention than the other two. Burns adopts a traditional literary-critical approach. Readership: ML
Cassuto, U. (1967) A Commentary on the Book of Exodus. Translation by I. Abrahams. Jerusalem: Magnes Press. xvi + 509 pp. This is a classic commentary that looks at Exodus from a Jewish perspective. Cassuto rejects the documentary hypothesis and posits an ancient heroic poem as the principle source of the book. He is adamant that the final form of the text, which he regards as a ‘sublime religious document’, has to be the object of study. His commentary is to be commended for its philological analysis and its sensitivity to the book’s literary artistry – Cassuto is especially helpful in identifying literary patterns. Although the comments are based on the Hebrew text, the commentary can be consulted profitably by a wider readership. The Hebrew original was published in 1951. Readership: SM
Childs, B. S. (1974) Exodus: A Commentary. London: SCM Press (OTL). xxv + 659 pp. This is a true landmark as far as commentaries on Exodus are concerned. Childs is known for pioneering the canonical approach, and he used Exodus as a showcase for demonstrating its potential. His work on Exodus was ground-breaking in that Childs paid attention not only to standard critical issues, such as textual criticism, philology and critical methodology (i.e. source, form and traditio-historical criticism), but also to the canonical shape of Exodus, its theological significance in relation to its Old and New Testament context and its Jewish and Christian reception history. Readership: SM
Clements, R. E. (1972) Exodus. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (CBC). viii + 248 pp. The Cambridge Bible Commentary is aimed at a general readership and designed for use with the New English Bible. Clements, in line with the format of the series, provides summary interpretation on sections of text together with further comments on selected verses. Readership: L
Coggins, R. J. (2000) The Book of Exodus. Peterborough: Epworth (Epworth Commentaries). xxi + 130 pp. Commentaries in the Epworth series, which are based on the Revised English Bible, are intended to be ecumenical, multicultural and multifaith in outlook. Coggins therefore appropriately incorporates feminist and liberationist readings of the text while noting that certain aspects of the book (e.g. the suffering of the Egyptians, or the absence of women in the second half of Exodus) remain problematic for anyone with an inclusivist agenda. Readership: ML
Cole, R. A. (1973) Exodus: An Introduction and Commentary. Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press (TOTC). 239 pp. Volumes in the Tyndale commentary series do not reproduce the biblical text and comment selectively on individual words and phrases. They do not presuppose knowledge of Hebrew but assume that readers have an interest in the nuances of the biblical language. Cole’s commentary is to be noted especially for its helpful theological introduction to the book of Exodus. Readership: ML
Craghan, J. F. (1985) Exodus. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press (Collegeville Bible Commentary. Old Testament, 3). 110 pp. The Collegeville Bible Commentary series adopts the New American Bible translation. Like other volumes in the series, Craghan’s comments on Exodus are very brief, but the book includes review aids and discussion questions to facilitate group study. Readership: L
Currid, J. D. (2000) A Study Commentary on Exodus. Volume 1: Chapters 1–18. (2001) A Study Commentary on Exodus. Volume 2: Chapters 19–40. Auburn, MA: Evangelical Press. 415 and 398 pp. Readership: ML
Dohmen, C. (2004) Exodus 19–40. Freiburg: Herder Verlag (HTKAT). 415 pp. Readership: F
Dozeman, T. B. (2009) Exodus. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans (ECC). xix + 868 pp. This is a substantial commentary of over 800 pages in the tradition of critical scholarship. Questions of authorship and the distinction between P and Non-P materials receive detailed attention, as do the central themes of each passage. Readership: SM
Dunnam, M. D. (2004) Exodus. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson (The Preacher’s Commentary, 2). 395 pp. Orig.: (1987) Waco, TX: Word (The Communicator’s Commentary Series. Old Testament, 2). The focus in this commentary, which seeks to interpret Exodus through the lens of the New Testament, is on application rather than serious engagement with the text. Dunnam’s work should therefore not be used on its own, but it can be a useful supplement for the preacher. The Bible translation used is the New King James Version. Readership: M
Durham, J. I. (1987) Exodus. Waco, TX: Word (WBC, 3). xxxiv + 516 pp. This commentary, which includes a new translation of Exodus from the Hebrew as well as serious engagement with textual criticism and detailed exegetical comments on the text, focuses strongly on the theology of Exodus. Durham regards the theme of God’s presence with his people as central to the book’s message, he engages with source criticism throughout, and he offers some fine exegetical insights along the way. Readership: SM
Ellison, H. L. (1982) Exodus. Philadelphia: Westminster Press (DSB). xi + 203 pp. This commentary, which follows the RSV, is too brief to be really useful, but Ellison provides some helpful comments that are aimed at the layperson. There is a particular emphasis here on the theology of Exodus, and Ellison reads the book as a prelude to the New Testament, as it were. Having said that, however, he is sensitive to Exodus’s own historical context and its ongoing significance for Judaism. Readership: L
Enns, P. (2000) Exodus. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan (NIVAC). 620 pp. Of all the commentaries aimed specifically at the preacher, this is one of the best. Enns deals with many important historical issues, but his commentary is to be commended especially for the author’s thoughtful theological engagement with the text. Readership: ML
Fischer, G. and Markl, D. (2009) Das Buch Exodus. Stuttgart: Verlag Katholisches Bibelwerk (NSKAT, 2). 408 pp. F
Fretheim, T. E. (1991) Exodus. Louisville, KY: John Knox Press (Int.). xii + 322 pp. Fretheim’s very readable commentary contains many stimulating literary, hermeneutical and theological insights. It does not engage with the more technical issues in the interpretation of Exodus, but that should not detract anyone from engaging with Fretheim’s creative work. There is a particular focus here on the meaning of liberation and on Exodus as paradigm, but Fretheim cautions readers against misreading liberation as license, since the book leads from slavery to freedom understood as service to God. Readership: ML
Gispen, W. H. (1982) Exodus. Translation by E. van der Maas. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan (Bible Student’s Commentary). 335 pp. First published in Dutch in 1951, this commentary offers some helpful exegetical and theological comments from a Reformed perspective. Readership: SM
Greenberg, M. (1969) Understanding Exodus. New York: Behrman House. (Heritage of Biblical Israel, 2). viii + 214 pp. Greenberg’s commentary, which offers perceptive comments on Exodus 1–11, unfortunately, was never completed. For each section, Greenberg looks at the movement of the story as well as its themes, structure and redaction. One of the interesting features of this commentary is its engagement with rabbinical sources.
Houtman, C. (1993) Exodus. Volume 1: Chapters 1:1–7:13. (1996) Exodus. Volume 2: Chapters 7:14–19:25. (1999) Exodus. Volume 3: Chapters 20–40. (2002) Exodus. Volume 4: Supplement. Kampen: Kok (HCOT). xx + 554, xii + 466, xiv + 738 and vii + 70 pp. This commentary, which runs to over 1800 pages, is one of the most extensive treatments of Exodus available today. There is a strong focus on European scholarship here, and Houtman is worth reading for his judicious yet at the same time creative approach. He offers detailed exegesis as well as a consideration of the text’s reception history and its theological significance. Readership: SM
Hyatt, J. P. (1980) Commentary on Exodus. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans (NCB). 351 pp. Orig.: (1971) London: Oliphants. This is a mainstream critical commentary on Exodus in the tradition of McNeile and Driver, although Hyatt supplements their source-critical focus with traditio-historical insights. Like some other volumes in the New Century Bible series, the commentary unfortunately is rather sketchy in its exegetical engagement with the text and offers little theological comment. It is worth consulting primarily for its excurses on a number of topics. Readership: SM
Ibn Ezra, A. (1996) Ibn Ezra’s Commentary on the Pentateuch. Volume 2: Exodus (Shemot). Translation by H. N. Strickman and A. M. Silver. New York: Menorah.
Ibn Ezra, A. (2000) Abraham ibn Esras langer Kommentar zum Buch Exodus. Bd. 1: Parascha Schemot bis Beschalach (Ex. 1–17). (2000) Abraham ibn Esras langer Kommentar zum Buch Exodus. Bd. 2: Parascha Jitro bis Pekudej (Ex. 18–40). Translation by D. U. Rotzoll. Berlin: de Gruyter (Studia Judaica/Forschungen zur Wissenschaft des Judentums, 17). cl + 482 and 1117 pp. Readership: F
Jacob, B. (1997) Das Buch Exodus. Stuttgart: Calwer Verlag. xxv + 1098 pp. Readership: F
Janzen, J. G. (1997) Exodus. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press (WBComp). xii + 275 pp. The focus in this commentary, which is meant to assist laity in their study of the Bible as a guide to Christian faith and practice, is on the theology of Exodus. Janzen regards the story of the exodus as a revelation of God’s concern for the liberation and redemption of all people. He stresses that the book of Exodus holds out hope for all who are oppressed but also admonishes the liberated not to perpetuate the evils under which they suffered. Readership: L
Janzen, W. (2000) Exodus. Waterloo, Ontario: Herald Press (BCBC). 496 pp. The Believers Church Bible Commentary, which stands in the tradition of Anabaptism, is aimed at lay leaders, teachers, pastors, college and seminary students, and all those searching the Bible for truth and life. Including outlines, explanatory notes, sections on the text in biblical context and on the text in the life of the church, the commentary aims to offer a balance of exegesis, theological reflection and life appropriation. Readership: ML
Kaiser, W. C. (2008) ‘Exodus’, in Longman, T. and Garland, D. E. (eds) Expositor’s Bible Commentary. Volume 1: Genesis – Leviticus. Rev. edn. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, pp. 333-561. Readership: M
Langston, S. M. (2006) Exodus through the Centuries. Malden, MA: Blackwell (BBC). xiv + 294 pp. Langston’s work is not a commentary in the traditional sense. The focus rather is on the reception history of Exodus. Readership: SM
Larsson, G. (1999) Bound for Freedom: The Book of Exodus in Jewish and Christian Traditions. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson. xvii + 334 pp. While seeking to do justice to the historical setting of Exodus, Larsson focuses on its history of theological interpretation, beginning with early Jewish interpretive traditions. His work shows that Exodus presents a defining act of liberation not only in Judaism but also in the Christian understanding of salvation history.
Lienhard, J. T. (ed.) (2001) Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press (ACCSOT, 3). xxxi + 382 pp. Readership: SM
Mackay, J. L. (2001) Exodus. Fearn: Mentor (Mentor Commentary). 623 pp.
Martin, G. S. (2002) Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman (HOTC, 2). xi + 387 pp. Readership: ML
McCurley, F. R. (1979) Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers. Philadelphia: Fortress Press (ProcC). 128 pp. Readership: M
McNeile, A. H. (1908) The Book of Exodus with Introduction and Notes. London: Methuen (WC). cxxxvi + 247 pp. Like Driver (see above), McNeile was an advocate of the documentary hypothesis, just as he shared Driver’s interest in historical and geographical issues in relation with the Exodus narrative. McNeile’s commentary, too, is very dated now. The full text is available at the Internet Archive.
Meyer, L. (1983) The Message of Exodus: A Theological Commentary. Minneapolis: Augsburg. 171 pp. Readership: ML
Meyers, C. (2005) Exodus. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (NCBC). xxiv + 310 pp. This commentary, which is aimed at a wide readership, includes the translation of the NRSV. Meyers offers a section-by-section interpretation of Exodus as well as a number of excurses on key issues in the text and features, such as the Passover or the Decalogue, that have survived in post-biblical times. She seeks to enable readers to follow the story line of Exodus, understand its sociocultural context, appreciate its literary features, recognise its major themes and values, and note the book’s interpretive problems. Readership: ML
Motyer, J. A. (2005) The Message of Exodus: The Days of Our Pilgrimage. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press (BST). 327 pp. Readership: ML
Noth, M. (1958) Das zweite Buch Mose: Exodus. Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht (ATD, 5). 230 pp. This is the German original of what has become a classic commentary. Noth, one of the most important German Old Testament scholars in the twentieth century, focuses particularly strongly on the text’s pre-history. His Exodus commentary was a significant milestone in the critical discussion of the book, but it offers little to the preacher or layperson. Readership: F
Noth, M. (1962) Exodus: A Commentary. Translation by J. S. Bowden. London: SCM Press (OTL). 283 pp. This is the English translation of the German commentary listed above. Readership: SM
Osborn, N. D. and Hatton, H. A. (1999) A Handbook on Exodus. New York: United Bible Societies (UBS Handbook Series). ix + 946 pp. Aimed at translators, the volumes in the UBS Hanbook Series provide exegetical, historical and linguistic information about individual words and phrases. Readership: SM
Oswalt, J. N. (2008) ‘Exodus’, in Ross, A. and Oswalt, J. N. Genesis, Exodus. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House (CsBC, 1). Readership: ML
Page, H. R. (2006) Exodus: A Bible Commentary for Every Day. Oxford: Bible Reading Fellowship (PBC). 176 pp. Readership: L
Pixley, G. V. (1987) On Exodus: A Liberation Perspective. Translation by R. R. Barr. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis. xx+ 236 pp. As the subtitle suggests, this commentary approaches Exodus from a liberationist perspective. It is aimed at a wide readership but especially those who feel ‘an identification with the oppressed in their urgent longing for liberation’ (p. xv). Discussion of the text of Exodus is fairly brief and non-technical, and there are a number of excurses on history and geography, philological problems, literary composition, and philosophical and theological themes. Pixley devotes some attention to the socio-political contexts in which the book of Exodus was produced. Readership: ML
Propp, W. H. C. (1999) Exodus 1–18: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. (2006) Exodus 19–40: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. New York: Doubleday (AB, 2 and 2A). xl + 680 and xxx + 865 pp. Propp’s two-volume work offers detailed exposition with a strong interest in anthropology, comparative religion and the text’s ancient Near Eastern parallels. Each section features comments on text, source and redaction-critical issues, and the commentary is characterised by careful scrutiny of Hebrew terms as well as literary, folkloric and historical interpretation of the narrative. Propp provides his own, very literal translation of Exodus, which can be awkward to read. However, this is quite deliberate, as he seeks to confront readers with the foreignness of the text. Although the Anchor Bible series is aimed not just at scholars but at the interested layperson (all Hebrew is transliterated), the extensive and academically sophisticated discussion of technical issues make Propp’s commentary most suitable for scholars. Laypersons would have to be very committed to be willing to plow through this massive work. Readership: S
Rashbam (1997) Rashbam’s Commentary on Exodus: An Annotated Translation. Edited and translated by M. I. Lockshin. Atlanta: Scholars Press (Brown Judaic Studies, 310). x + 452 pp. Readership: S
Ryken, P. G. (2005) Exodus: Saved for God’s Glory. Wheaton, IL: Crossway (Preaching the Word). 1247 pp. Readership: M
Sarna, N. M. (1991) Exodus: The Traditional Hebrew Text with the New JPS Translation. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society (JPSTC). xxv + 278 pp. In contrast to the above, this is a commentary on Exodus, again written from a Jewish perspective, which reproduces the Hebrew and English in parallel columns. Verse-by-verse notations include brief summaries of the ongoing narrative, explorations of nuance in the original Hebrew and allusions to traditional Jewish commentary. Sarna is particularly strong on the exegesis of individual terms, he devotes special attention to Exodus’s ancient Near Eastern context and he defends the historical veracity of many of the narrative features. Readership: SM
Schmidt, W. H. (1974–) Exodus. Neukirchen-Vluyn: Neukirchener Verlag (BKAT, 2). Still unfinished, Schmidt’s massive work features extensive bibliographies, notes and commentary. It pays detailed attention to source, form and traditio-critical issues as well as to historical and geographical questions. Readership: F
Stuart, D. K. (2006) Exodus. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman (NAC, 2). 827 pp. Stuart offers a verse-by-verse exposition of the book with valuable exegetical insights. The discussion of more technical issues has been relegated to the footnotes. Readership: M
Willi-Plein, I. (1988) Das Buch vom Auszug: 2. Mose. Neukirchen-Vluyn: Neukirchener Verlag (Kleine Biblische Bibliothek). vi + 247 pp. Readership: F
