Exodus: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching

Dr. Terence E. Fretheim is a strange theologian, and I mean that in the best possible way. This will not be your usual commentary. Fretheim is a biblical scholar, to be sure, but he is more concerned with doing theology with the bible than giving you historical fact. Of course, historical fact still plays heavily into his commentary (it is a commentary after all), but the reading is very engaging in that Fretheim appears to be honestly and thoughtfully wrestling with the text and the theology he can draw from it. In this commentary, for example, not only will one learn about history, what other commentators have written, and issues with the text, but one will be presented with some ways in which the text engages contemporary issues, such as disabilities studies, climate change, and the ever-present problem of theodicy. While I may not agree with every conclusion that Fretheim draws, I appreciate his putting himself out there, daring to do theology so close to the text, and taking his commentary one step further in making it speak to our world and its issues. If you're looking for a challenging and engaging commentary, one that won't put you to sleep, this might be it. I highly recommend it.

Fretheim does not shy away from what the text obviously says, even if our modern sensibilities tend towards surprise. Fretheim has noticed that the book of Exodus presents God as responding to changing reality and making new plans for Israel as circumstances change. While Israel is learning how to relate to God, God is learning how to relate to Israel. Most commentators tend to try to explain that the text does not really mean what it seems to say. Not Fretheim. His approach is, what does this text say about God? What does that mean for a people who want to relate to God?

Condition of book is excellent .

I've learned through heavy use of multiple, quality, academic commentaries that the Interpretation Series leans fairly heavily towards redaction criticism, even starting from a position of doubting the authority of the manuscripts. However, it also provides another lens from which to view Scripture, and I welcome varying inputs of thought when it comes to diving deeply into Scripture. It is easy to read and well written. Although I use this source (Interpretation series), I tend to not lean too heavily into the author's opinions when preparing sermons / lessons. I much prefer Word Biblical Commentary, the International Critical Commentary (new and old), the NICOT and NICNT, and the Hermeneia series.

There are a number of other Exodus commentaries that I prefer to this one.

I prepare and lead a bible study in my church based on this commentary. Reading this commentary, I throw many questions and our bible study group answers diversely and abundantly.

Pretty fantastic most of the time. Fretheim brings an ecological element to this commentary, which I think really helps the Exodus text be clearer. A little dated, responding to JEPD, etc, but overall, good.

Good price for book, though the book was thorough, The author gives a unique perspective on the cosmic view of Creationism which he goes to through as to his own perspective of it, otherwise the book was good on the study of Exodus!

This commentary places the book in the context of an ongoing process of revelation. As such , creation extends into ethics and forms of history, filling a gap in such studies.

Well written - would have liked more challenges but cannot mark it down.

excellent value. Purchased for about 7$