Book Review

A commentary on 1 & 2 Chronicles

Eugene H. Merrill

Kregel Exegetical Library

Kregel Academic, Grand Rapids MI 2015

This is a part of the Bible that most of us give only lip service, rarely reading it, let alone study it in depth. Part of the problem is that most helps in this effort are hard to read, mystifying, and perplexing. In sharp contrast, this commentary is plain, understandable, and readable. Aiding in understanding are a number of charts and special excurses, hymns-prayers, and theological discourses. The text is not over technical or critical. The format includes outline, theological principles, critical notes, and exposition.

Merrill does three commendable things in this commentary:

First, its views the history of the Ezra-Nehemiah in an understanding and relevant way. It’s history is more than merely supplemented Samuel-Kings.

Second, there is a strong emphasis on the Davidic rule. Merrill sees the Chronicler as a theologian, especially with emphasis on the Davidic covenant and its hope. This is fundamental for the Chronicler. He sees it as the stepping stone to the Davidic hope and its realization.

Third, the Chronicler weighs the spirituality of the people. It calls upon renewal as symbolized by the rebuilding of the Temple and restoration of the Levitical system. 

The are two major weaknesses:

First, the Hebrew text needs to be transliterated. Most of us are not that Hebrew savvy.

Second, the critical remarks are too brief at times. It is also true of some of the exposition sections.

Overall, this is one of the better commentaries on 1 & 2 Chronicles. It is Evangelical and balanced. It is biblical, sound and concise. It fits a needed space in the study of these books. It will be welcomed by any student or Pastor. It will be helpful and not overbearing. It will give the reader a good understanding of this book and history.

[Thanks to Kregel Academic for supplying this copy for the purpose of my honest review.]