Do you need a quality exegetical commentary on an area of Scripture that is, comparatively, poorly served? You might, then, want to check out this newest title in the Apollos Old Testament Commentary series. Though this is my first title from the series, this volume on Kings by Lissa Wray Beal shows this series one to consider. On a technical level, it has some comparison to the World Biblical Commentary series in my view.

The commentary was actually more conservative than I expected. There wasn’t endless discussions about sources. The commentary focused on the text we have. The introduction was enlightening in many ways. I personally could not agree with the author’s chronological conclusions. Thiele is a truer guide in that area in my judgment.

Since I have especially studied the lives of Elijah and Elisha, I really focused on that area in this volume. The comments were helpful and at times spiritually insightful. The exegetical judgments were reasonable and the conclusions often sound. Of course there are points where I would disagree. For example, I don’t see the evidence in stating that the account of Elisha is compiled from all over his ministry and put in II Kings 4 rather than being true chronologically.

Pastors will find the “Comments” section superior to the “Form and Structure” one. Every verse is discussed, which is essential in a good exegetical commentary. As a pastor myself, if forced to have only two exegetical commentaries on Kings, I would choose the NAC volume by Paul House and this fine commentary. This commentary is worthy of your consideration.

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.