Book Reviews -- By: Anonymous

Journal: Conservative Theological Journal
Volume: CTJ 08:25 (Dec 2004)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous


Book Reviews

Ecclesiastes/Song of Songs by Iain Provan, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001, 399 pp., cloth, $24.99

This commentary by Pro van, part of the NIVAC Series, has taken on a difficult assignment - interpreting Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs. In keeping with the style of the series, each portion of the commentary consists of three sections: Original Meaning, Bridging Contexts, and Contemporary Significance.

Pro van believes both of these OT books were composed after the exile. Both concern Solomon but were not written by him. He tends to favor a literal interpretation of Ecclesiastes, but doesn’t rule out an allegorical or sensus plenior understanding of the Song of Songs.

On the positive side, he writes well, discusses various viewpoints, and presents a history of interpretation for each book.

Charles H. Ray,
Associate Editor

Genesis by John H. Walton, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001, 759 pp., cloth, $29.99

This volume in the NIVAC Series has much going for it. It is well written, covers many subjects thoroughly, and interacts with other relevant literature. A Bibliography, a lengthy Introduction, and several indices (including one entitled “Allusions, Analogies, and Illustrations”) bolster the work’s usefulness.

A few weaknesses, however, will bother some evangelicals. While most of the conspicuous issues are dealt with (days of creation, sons of God, etc.), some are not addressed at all (the JEDP Theory, and “where did Cain get his wife?” are two examples). Walton believes the days of Genesis 1 are twenty-four hours long, but he does not hold to a young earth. Finally, he will

often write about matters which are tangential to the passage under consideration.

Nevertheless, this commentary will be helpful for teaching and preaching this very pivotal Old Testament book.

Charles H. Ray,
Associate Editor

Haggai, Malachi by Richard A. Taylor and E. Ray Clendenen, Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2004, 496 pp., cloth, $29.95

This is the most recent addition to The New American Commentary series. This volume seems to this reviewer to be one of the best in the set now being published and completed. As described it is indeed “An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture.”

Taylor is the author of Haggai. He holds a Ph.D. from the Catholic University of America, though he also studied at Dallas Seminar}’. His specialties include Aramaic and...

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