Jonah - Concordia Commentary

Concordia Commentary

by R Reed Lessing

This commentary interprets the narrative of Jonah as true history that reveals the God of Israel as gracious toward all who repent and believe in him. The introduction discusses the historical setting, archaeological evidence, and themes in the book. An original translation is based on the textual notes, which explain all the grammatical features of the Hebrew, revealing the literary artistry of Jonah’s author. The commentary clearly expounds the book’s message in harmony with the rest of the Scriptures. Ironically, Jonah the Israelite begrudges God’s abundant grace, while Gentiles are converted to saving faith through the power of the preached Word. Excursuses cover evangelism in the OT, “The Sign of Jonah” in the Gospels, death and resurrection motifs from Jonah 2 in Christian Baptism, and God changing his verdict from judgment to salvation. The commentary’s focus is on the “one greater than Jonah”: Jesus Christ, the Savior of all peoples.

496 pages, Hardcover

First published May 30, 2007

Reviews

[Jonathan Ginn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal commentary—perhaps the most exhaustive work I've come across on the book of Jonah. Engages extensively with the Hebrew text, paying close attention to intertextual and intratextual connections while also dealing thoughtfully with theological themes and pointing readers back to Christ. This and Youngblood's work are hands down the two best commentaries on Jonah that I've encountered. However, I would have to give Lessing the nod if I were forced to choose one.

[Rebecca Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Lutheran commentary on the book of Jonah is probably my favorite Jonah commentary of the 10-15 I've read over the course of the two major papers on Jonah I've done while working on MDiv degree. I definitely imagine reading another Concordia in the future. Lessing gives the detailed descriptions of Hebrew language decisions that I've been looking for in so many commentaries as well as providing theological ideas and direction in a verse by verse manner. Included excursions on "The Sign of Jonah," "Sheol," and "When Yahweh Changes a Prior Verdict" are top notch. I also really appreciated the sections of Jonah's literary genre (satire) and the comparisons between Jonah's character and both Noah and Elijah. This was so much fun to read!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great commentary on the Hebrew text with many useful applications.