Exodus: An Introduction and Commentary

Tyndale Old Testament Commentary #2

by R. Alan Cole

Book by Cole, R. Alan

Genres: Reference, Old Testament, Biblical Studies, Theology, Nonfiction, Christian, Biblical

239 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1973

Reviews

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5 stars)

This was an okay commentary on the book of Exodus, part of the Tyndale Commentary series. It is refreshingly sparse in its commentary and orthodox, although the author seems to feel that most numbers listed in Exodus might be symbolic. Sure, that is a possibility, but it seems like our first response should be to accept the number as literal unless we have good grounds not to do so.

I would have liked to see the commentary on the building of the tabernacle do a little more with the symbology of it all, rather than mere description. The tabernacle points forward to Christ and the author could have been a little more clear and direct when it came to understanding that.

[Joe Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Tyndale Commentary series is known as a work that is rarely less than solid, conservative and aimed at the Sunday School teacher or the layman looking to learn more about the Holy Scripture. This volume fulfills all these requirements.

The verse by verse commentary is that of an able Bible teacher in a workman like effort. It doesn't have the raw inspiration of some commentaries, but it certainly will teach and won't lead you astray. One frustration is the seemingly constant suggestions to read other commentaries for more on a particular idea or theme. To be fair, this might be helpful to a student in a library with dozens of other commentaries on Exodus. To someone who bought the Tyndale series because he didn't have a multitude of other commentaries, it can become annoying.

The introduction is solid and worth reading, but what really stands out to a Christian who is more learning than learned is The Theology of Exodus. This fairly lengthy section feels both inspired and inspiring as Doctor Cole seems to cover the entirety of biblical thought from themes in the book of Exodus. If you have access to this volume, read this section even if you don't plan on using the rest of the work.

[James Ruley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generally solid overview of Exodus, primarily focused on explaining the text. The drive-by approach to commentary was less helpful than some other works, and I had some minor quibbles with interpretative decisions. Overall, a decent resource, but there are better.

3/5

[Paul Dubuc · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very useful and informative short commentary on what is probably the most important Old Testament book of the Bible.