Ezra-Nehemiah is the Old Testament equivalent of the Acts of the Apostles--it is a book of new beginnings. Just as Acts narrates the early history of the church through the work of the apostles, Ezra-Nehemiah narrates the re-establishment of the people of God after the exile through the work of Sheshbazzar, Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. Allen explores Ezra-Nehemiah as a single literary text made up of three parts telling the story of three missions and the opposition they meet with. Wise and insightful, Leslie Allen has written a commentary that illuminates these texts and their intended message.

Esther is a story about a young girl who becomes queen. Laniak's thoughtful commentary examines this narrative as a story with many levels of meaning. Esther is about the minority Jewish community in the dependent state of Diaspora, navigating a precarious existence in two worlds, and it is about the triumph of right over wrong, of God's people over their enemies.

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Expert help for understanding the Bible

Each volume in the Understanding the Bible Commentary Series breaks down the barriers between the ancient and modern worlds so that the power and meaning of the biblical texts become transparent to contemporary readers. They present a careful section-by-section exposition of the biblical books with key terms and phrases highlighted and all Hebrew transliterated. Notes at the close of each chapter provide additional textual and technical comments for those who want to dig deeper. A bibliography as well as Scripture and subject indexes are also included. Pastors, students, and Bible teachers will find in this series a commitment to accessibility without sacrificing serious scholarship.

Allen and Laniak direct the reader's attention to the literary elements of these three postexilic books while examining the historical setting and details, which in turn point to the valuable lessons to be learned. Though the focus is on human activity, the hand of God in restoration and deliverance is clearly seen. This helpful commentary sheds light on these sometimes misunderstood books.

Leslie C. Allen is senior professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. He has written many books, including commentaries on Ezekiel, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Psalms, and Jeremiah.

Timothy S. Laniak is professor of Old Testament at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary- Charlotte. He is the author of Shepherds After My Own Heart: Pastoral Traditions and Leadership in the Bible.

About the Author

Leslie C. Allen is professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. He has written many books, including commentaries on Ezekiel, 1 and 2 Chronicles, and Psalms.

Timothy S. Laniak is associate professor of Old Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Charlotte. He is the author of Shame and Honor in the Book of Esther.

Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther

Similar Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther