Building Bridges to God and Helping People Across
"It's urgent that you listen carefully to this: Anyone here who believes what I am saying right now and aligns himself with the Father, who has in fact put me in charge, has at this very moment the real, lasting life and is no longer condemned to be an outsider. This person has taken a giant step from the world of the dead to the world of the living. -- John 5:24 (The Message)
Commentaries
Note About Walter Brueggemann - Brueggemann is by far my favorite scholar. But he must be read with care. I found the words of an Amazon.com review on his 1-2 Kings Commentary to be helpful --
He ends with "There is still much here that is worth reading," and I couldn't agree more. Brueggemann gives such insights on the Bible that he can not be discarded simply because I don't agree with all of his conclusions.
Daniel -- Concordia Commentary -- By Andrew E Steinmann - This is a Lutheran commentary. I found it difficult to find a commentary that was Amillennial. Whether you are Amillennial or not, Steinmann lays out the arguments in each chapter for a liberal interpretation, a traditional interpretation, or an end times interpretation. Steinmann usually sees the visions pointing toward the first advent of Christ during the Roman Empire. From his layout, you can make an informed decision about how you would like to interpret the text. He is also very detailed about the history, which enabled me to bring the text alive. Note: Steinmann identifies the Anti-christ. This type of open speculation can be very damaging. I do not share this view.
Daniel -- An Expositional Commentary -- By James Montgomery Boice -- Boice was the senior pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA. His theology is Reformed, but his commentaries reflect his preaching, and I find that helpful in constructing the sermon outline. However, surprisingly, Boice takes a strong end times position on Daniel. I still read through his commentary first for every chapter. He was a great communicator.
"Also, evangelicals should note that it appears doubtful that Brueggemann is an evangelical himself. For instance, regarding the miracle stories of Elisha, he says, "I have no interest in championing the historicity of the narratives that surely seem to us implausible. We ought, however, at least to struggle with the intention of the text" (326). Similar comments are made in various places that, on the whole, leave the impression that Brueggemann does not hold to the inerrancy of Scripture. If that bothers you (as it bothers me), be forewarned. But don't let that drive you away. There is still much here that is worth reading. " -- from a review on Amazon.com of 1-2 Kings Commentary by Brueggemann
He ends with "There is still much here that is worth reading," and I couldn't agree more. Brueggemann gives such insights on the Bible that he can not be discarded simply because I don't agree with all of his conclusions.
Daniel -- Concordia Commentary -- By Andrew E Steinmann - This is a Lutheran commentary. I found it difficult to find a commentary that was Amillennial. Whether you are Amillennial or not, Steinmann lays out the arguments in each chapter for a liberal interpretation, a traditional interpretation, or an end times interpretation. Steinmann usually sees the visions pointing toward the first advent of Christ during the Roman Empire. From his layout, you can make an informed decision about how you would like to interpret the text. He is also very detailed about the history, which enabled me to bring the text alive. Note: Steinmann identifies the Anti-christ. This type of open speculation can be very damaging. I do not share this view.
Daniel -- An Expositional Commentary -- By James Montgomery Boice -- Boice was the senior pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA. His theology is Reformed, but his commentaries reflect his preaching, and I find that helpful in constructing the sermon outline. However, surprisingly, Boice takes a strong end times position on Daniel. I still read through his commentary first for every chapter. He was a great communicator.
Daniel - Word Biblical Commentary -- By John E Goldingay -- I found this helpful at times, but Steinmann was so thorough I didn't use it much.
Daniel -- The New American Commentary -- By Stephen R Miller
David - A Story of Passion and Destiny -- By Charles Swindoll -- It is always a plus to have a book by a master preacher and Swindoll is that. While I don't always follow his interpretations, he breaks the texts into perfectly preachable chunks and reminds us to angle the sermon to a point.
David's Truth -- In Israel's Imagination and Memory -- By By Walter Brueggemann - Its hard to have too much Brueggemann.
Genesis -- Interpretation Commentary -- By Walter Brueggemann - Genesis is such a great literary treasure, and Brueggemann doesn't miss any nuance that gives the book such a wonderful flavor and at the same time perhaps the deepest insight into what it means to be human. I couldn't recommend this commentary more.
1 & 2 Samuel -- Interpretation Commentary -- By Walter Brueggemann -
No one compares to Brueggemann when it comes to getting to the soul of
early Old Testament literature. He reads the context of the situations
better than anyone I know. When you read Brueggemann, there will be things you disagree with. But for the flavor of the story, you absolutely have to read Brueggemann.
1 & 2 Samuel -- The New American Commentary -- By Robert Bergen -- I didn't use this too much.
Daniel -- Concordia Commentary -- By Andrew E Steinmann -
This is a Lutheran commentary. I found it difficult to find a
commentary that was Amillennial. Whether you are Amillennial or not,
Steinmann lays out the arguments in each chapter for a liberal
interpretation, a traditional interpretation, or an end times
interpretation. Steinmann usually sees the visions pointing toward the
first advent of Christ during the Roman Empire. From his layout, you
can make an informed decision about how you would like to interpret the
text. He is also very detailed about the history, which enabled me to
bring the text alive.1 & 2 Samuel -- The New American Commentary -- By Robert Bergen -- I didn't use this too much.
