Deuteronomy

Apollos Old Testament Commentary Series

by James Gordon McConville

In this outstanding commentary J. G. McConville offers a theological interpretation of the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy in the context of the biblical canon. He gives due attention to historical issues where these bear on what can be known about the settings in which the text emerged. His dominant method is one that approaches Deuteronomy as a finished work.

McConville argues that in the context of the ancient world Deuteronomy should be understood as the radical blueprint for the life of a people, at the same time both spiritual and political, and profoundly different from every other social, political and religious programe. The book incorporates the tension between an open-minded vision of a perfectly ordered society under God and practical provisions for dealing with the frailty and imperfections of real people. Hence, it is capable of informing our thinking about the organization of societies while maintaining a vision of the kingdom of God.

Genres: Reference, Old Testament, Scripture

544 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2002

About the author

J. Gordon McConville is Professor of Old Testament Theology at the University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, England.

Reviews

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I referenced quite a few commentaries in my sermon series on Deuteronomy, but three were particularly helpful. This one, by McConville, was a tad more academic than the others which was helpful on particularly sticky passages. I was thankful for this resource.

[Other commentaries I referenced: Thompson, Craigie]

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

J. Gordon McConville is Professor of Old Testament Theology at the University of Gloucestershire in Cheltenham, England. McConville received his Ph.D. from Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and has taught at Trinity College and Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford. McConville is the author of several books, including, Exploring the Old Testament: The Prophets, God and Earthly Power: An Old Testament Political Theology, and Being Human in God’s World: An Old Testament Theology of Humanity. Still, McConville is arguably most well-known for his longtime dedication to the book of Deuteronomy and his subsequent commentary in the Apollos Old Testament Commentary series.

Deuteronomy: Apollos Old Testament Commentary is a moderately sized volume packed with the fruit of decades of devotion. McConville starts with a generous introduction, addressing the standard introductory matters, such as the name of the book, its place in the canon, the distinctive features and interpretations of Deuteronomy, its composition, etc. McConville is critical of the modern scholarly consensus concerning the authorship of Deuteronomy, but makes no defense for traditional Mosaic authorship. McConville is generally viewed as a conservative evangelical scholar, but occasionally (as some conclude concerning the authorship of Deuteronomy) lends a more moderately conservative voice to the discussion (another example of such “moderatism” could be identified in McConville’s dating of Deuteronomy). The introduction is appropriate for the volume and will better position readers for the exploration ahead.

The commentary proper is somewhat technical and dense, and less academic readers may find it to be more complicated than other, similar commentaries on the market. McConville provides a translation of the Hebrew text, notes on various aspects of the text and translation, offers form and structural observations, a verse-by-verse commentary, and explanation. The translation notes are meticulous and those who appreciate the work of translators will find them extremely useful. McConville emphasizes the theology of Deuteronomy and keeps the concept of covenant as the regulating principal of the book. Additionally, McConville does an exceptional job establishing the importance of Deuteronomy for understanding the historical narrative of the Hebrew Bible—especially as it relates to the prophetic books. McConville is both clear and engaging, and the keen reader will stand in amazement at his unusual familiarity with nearly every aspect of the book.

I found McConville’s detailed style to be refreshing and reassuring. Refreshing in that it is clear that McConville is deeply devoted and encouraged by Deuteronomy, and finds great satisfaction (spiritually and academically) therein. It’s true that McConville is not the easiest to read. But, the dividends for those who muscle through are worth every re-read. Reassuring in that it is evident that McConville has interacted and engaged with nearly everything on the market by way of the book of Deuteronomy (at least through publication in 2002), and his work has subsequently become formative for new commentaries following in his footsteps. This alone should make McConville closely situated at the top of any student, pastor, or teacher’s commentary list on Deuteronomy. In my opinion, pair McConville with Daniel I. Block (NIVAC) and you will be more than equipped to teach or preach through this imperative book of the Hebrew Bible.

Deuteronomy: Apollos Old Testament Commentary by J. G. McConville is detailed and seasoned with careful exegesis and application. Those preparing to teach or preach through Deuteronomy should see this volume as an easy choice to help them make much of this important book. It will occupy a place somewhere in the top-three commentaries on Deuteronomy for the foreseeable future, and for that reason it should strongly recommended!

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deuteronomy is an Old Testament commentary, written by J. G. McConville published by IVP Academic, one that this pastor, has been anxiously awaiting for since it’s announcement. It has been a long time since a conservative yet highly scholarly work has been published on the Book of Deuteronomy and J. G. McConville did not disappoint, weighing in at almost 544 pages.

This commentary is the newest edition of the Apollos Old Testament Commentary Series with editors David W. Baker and Gordon J. Wenham, a series which is synonymous with excellent exegesis and superior application, this volume not only continues this legacy, but truly propels it to new heights. This volume is one of the most articulate and practical commentaries on the fifth book of the Pentateuch. Yet while McConville does answer these critical issues, something he does flawlessly by the way, he interacts with critical scholarship in a way most conservative commentators don’t. From this it is easy to see why McConville is a highly regarded scholar and superior exegete.

Deuteronomy has two main sections the typical general introduction, and then followed by a insightful exegetical commentaries on the fifth book of the Pentateuch. With regard to the general introduction it is the typical study into the introductory matters of the book and how they relate to the Bible as a whole. This is a serious scholarly work which dives into contextual as well as the as the different methodical approaches to study of this book McConville takes great care in carefully showing the original context of passage while applying it directly to the modern day reader. He also uses his own translation of the Hebrew text, which demonstrates his depth of knowledge of the text itself. I do wish though that there was more application to some of the more difficult passages

While I disagree with McConville on a few minor issues with regard to Old Testament interpretation, the arguments he makes are sound and brought up new ideas I had never considered before. McConville is innovate in his interpretation and application while staying stalwart in his commitment to orthodoxy. In the vein of recommending, Deuteronomy, to others I would recommend this commentary to pastors and scholars, yet I would highly recommend pastors, such as myself, to pair this scholarly commentary with one that is one that has more of a pastoral tone. There are many commentaries about Exodus available at this moment but Deuteronomy of the Apollos Old Testament Commentary series is a very scholarly works worthy of your time.

This book was provided to me free of charge from IVP Academic in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.

Deuteronomy: Apollos Old Testament Commentary

© 2002 by J. G. McConville

Publisher: IVP Academic

Page Count: 544 Pages

ISBN: 978-0830825059

[Spencer R · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can read my fuller review at Spoiled Milks (9/9/19).

McConville “does not defend Mosaic authorship” (39), though he does advocate for a “relatively early date” (40). Rather than trying to pin down an exact date, McConville tries “to look for the place it had in the life of Israel” (40). Though that was disappointing to read, he does offer a theological interpretation of Deuteronomy in the context of the biblical canon. Since Moses gave God’s word to a new generation, those of us today, a new generation, grafted into the people of Israel through Christ, the true Israel, McConville’s theological reading makes Deuteronomy meaningful to you. Historical issues are dealt with, but they do not eclipse the theological reading.

With each section of the commentary McConville provides his own translation of the Hebrew text, relevant notes on the text dealing with translational and linguistic matters, the form and structure of the unit, comments on the passage, and a final explanation which often brings together Exodus with the rest of the Bible and pairs it with our daily life and ministries.

The Spoiled Milk
Just like with the Exodus commentary in this series, McConville does not give his own outline of Deuteronomy. I’ve not looked at any of the other volumes yet, but I assume this is standard for the series.

Recommended?
McConville’s Deuteronomy volume is a wealth of critical and conservative knowledge. McConville has spent years writing on Deuteronomy, and it shows in his commentary. He is careful and thorough with each section before him. His theological perspective understands Deuteronomy as God’s word. I enjoyed the commentary, and want to go through the rest of it with Daniel Block's NIVAC commentary, along with a shorter commentary like Wright (NIBC) or Woods (TOTC).

[Matthew Bonzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent exposition of Deuteronomy. McConville does well in letting Deuteronomy define Deuteronomy, giving us a helpful theological understanding of the book.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume was the first in what is developing into a major commentary series. This entry has enjoyed a favorable reception in the scholarly world and so I looked forward to reviewing it. Now that I have used all the titles in the Apollos series, I personally think the first two volumes (this one and Daniel) has a different feel than later volumes.

I found the Introduction to be unhelpful. He tackled issues of composition that I couldn’t agree with, and more importantly, most pastors find irrelevant. Only when he gave some theological insights was I helped. He also did not accept Mosaic authorship. Though the Apollos is earning a conservative reputation, this one would have trouble earning that designation in places.

Still, the quality of the commentary proper is high. The writing is good, the scholarship mature, and the information helpful. It was engaging throughout. This alone will make for a great commentary volume. The layout is similar to all the volumes: translation, notes on the text, form and structure, comment, and explanation. Consistently, I enjoyed the last two the list the most.

When I said that the first two Apollos volumes had a different feel, it seemed to me they were more for the scholar while the later volumes were better for pastors. If you are a scholar, add a star! In any event, I still recommend this volume and the entire series.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Davin · Rating 5 out of 5]

good stuff. up to date scholarship and continuing on from the work of Gordon Wenham. doesn't get any better than this.