New Interpreter's Bible: 1 & 2 Maccabees, Job, Psalms

The New Interpreter's Bible Commentary - 12 Volume Set #4

by Leander E. Keck (Editor), Carol A. Newsom, Adele Berlin

New Interpreter's Bible offers critically sound biblical interpretations for the 1990s and beyond. Guided by scholars, pastors, and laity representing diverse traditions, academic experience, and involvement in the Church, this entirely new collection of writings is specifically prepared to meet the needs of preachers, teachers, and all students of the Bible. Easy-to-use Format: * Full texts and critical notes: NIV and NRSV * A detailed, critical Commentary providing an exegetical "close-reading" of the biblical text * Reflections that present a detailed exposition of issues raised in the discussion and dealt with in the Commentary Key Features: * The entire Bible (including the Apocrypha Deuterocanonical books) in twelve volumes * Introductions to each book that cover essential historical, sociocultural, literary, and theological issues * An ecumenical roster of contributors * Comprehensive, concise articles * Numerous visual aids (illustrations, maps, charts, timelines) enhance use. Download The NIB Vol. 4 Errata Sheet

Genres: Reference, Old Testament

1287 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1996

Reviews

[Matt Candler · Rating 5 out of 5]

McCann's work on the book of Psalms is fantastic in this commentary, I reference it frequently.
Big 'ole book though. it is unfortunately not available;able in Logos Bible Software as a single volume, otherwise I would recommend purchasing it there, although the series is wonderful, just pricey in Logos.

[John Hayward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only used McCann to study Psalms, together with his "A Theological Introduction to the Book of Psalms"

[Steven Bullmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reading of this Commentary went up in stars because I specifically read the commentary and reflections on the book of Job. I've read Job before, but always in the context of a larger Bible study where we had to read through Job in two or three weeks, so the 42 chapters whizzed by. At that speed the arguments all melded together, the nuances were lost, and it seemed like a crazy story about a bar bet in heaven between God and Satan as to whether Satan could torment Job to the point of cursing God (God betting Job would not), and three friends coming to comfort Job by trying to get him to confess to sins he didn't commit (not sure why that's comforting), then a fourth person shows up uninvited, claims nobody know what they're talking about, and proceeds to say the same thing the three friends just said. Then God shows up and wants to talk about meteorology, zoology and mythology (and what does that have to do with anything); to which Job has a change of heart (though we're not sure what the change was). Then God gives Job back everything he lost, and then some, and everybody lives happily ever after. What kind of story is that?

This time, I read the book of Job one chapter a day, with this excellent commentary by Carol A. Newsom guiding me. At this slower pace I could see the nuances so that each speech stood on its own merits, I could see the plot develop, I could understand why God said what God did, and learned so much more.

If anyone is considering reading the book of Job, I highly recommend reading it at the speed of one chapter a day, and with a commentary. A most confusing book became one of the most profound books I've ever read.