Judges and Ruth

Tyndale Old Testament Commentary

by Arthur E. Gundall

Arthur Cundall and Leon Morris join forces in this introduction and commentary to the books of Judges and Ruth. They follow a similar pattern, discussing political and religious questions raised by these books and bringing out forcibly the present relevance of their messages.

Genres: Reference, Theology, Old Testament, Biblical Studies

318 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1968

Reviews

[Deb Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5/5)
Commentary on Judges and Ruth

[Joe Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two commentaries in one volume are both solid though quite different. Judges is aimed more at the introductory student, while Ruth edges toward the technical but both are understandable for the layman.

In Judges, Dr. Cundall is respectful of the text, but not afraid to explore several options or meanings where appropriate. His thoughts about the dating of the book were quite helpful.

He is good at supplying explanations for some of the odder parts of the book like the two passages at the end. When I read something that has me scratching my head and after reading the commentary I have some understanding, I consider the commentator to have done a good job.

Dr. Morris presented a more textual commentary based on the Hebrew in the short book of Ruth. I must admit some of this just was beyond my level or interest such as why the fields of Moab were singular or plural. However his discussion on the name of God as the Patriarchs knew it was very enlightening. He has a light enough touch to get away with the technical in this sort of volume.

[Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cundall rightly notes in the introduction to his commentary on Judges that the book was reckoned by the Hebrews as one of the former prophets rather than a simple history book. I expected him, for that reason, to devote some time to exposition of the moral and theological message behind the texts. This was clearly not a priority for him, however. Though his commentary was helpful in linguistic, historical, and literary details, it was not very helpful in application.

Morris, commenting on Ruth, does much better in this regard. If his commentary stood alone, I may have given it four stars instead of three.

[LitMom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruth is my favorite Old Testament book for a variety of reason, principally because of the Kinsman Redeemer.

[Nicholas Quient · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent commentary on Judges, and his notes on Judges 4-5 helped quite a bit in my research. Quite fun.

--Nick