Exalting Jesus in Ezra-Nehemiah (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary)

There is much to be gained from James M. Hamilton Jr's commentary on Ezra and Nehemiah. He does a worthy job of setting the two books within the greater history of the Bible and of the ancient world. He explains the political dynamics as well as the cultural and social pressures that Ezra and Nehemiah had to confront. He stresses the unity and continuity of the two books with each other. He always starts with the big picture then explains the details in that context. He even draws lessons from the several lists of names (“All Scripture … is useful …”). Hamilton's commentary is well worth reading for these reasons.However, Hamilton's commentary falls short of being a “Christ-centered” exposition. This goal seems to be an after thought. He only sporadically mentions Jesus except in the conclusions of each of the chapters. In his discussion of Nehemiah 13 for example he never once even mentions Jesus. The reader must wait until a final chapter after his exposition of the two books is complete to learn of the typological correspondence between Ezra-Nehemiah and Jesus. This was disappointing. It seems that so much more could have been brought to light regarding the role these these two books in the greater redemptive story of the Bible that culminates in Jesus.

"Exalting Jesus in Ezra and Nehemiah" does a great job of connecting Ezra/Nehemiah to the larger Old Testament and New Testament narrative. It also includes excellent illustrations and applications. Some of my favorite parts are: pretend you've never heard of an acorn or butterfly; God's reality show (a.k.a. Living in a Poem); the "success" of the opponents to the rebuilding of the temple; and “Do you want to change the world?” Home run!

Dr. Hamilton has done a superb job of interpreting the text, showing a Christ centered historical perspective, encouraging believers to live for Christ, and as a bonus - he has engaging writing style. He covers technical difficulties without becoming burdensome. I have several good commentaries on Ezra-Nehemiah but this one is by the far the most useful. Very highly recommended.

Outstanding Commentary. Buy it now. I'm a missionary in Taiwan and this has really ministered to me both personally and professionally. Great insights, but more importantly the illustrations and applications to life are very relevant. This is exactly what a commentary should be. I also have enjoyed James Hamilton's other book on Salvation through Judgement. Great author.

Along with Derek Kidner's commentary on Ezra-Nehemiah this is other commentary I have fallen back onto while studying and preaching through Nehemiah. Why I value this work especially is because of its Christological focus.

Very good

This book is not a scholarly commentary at all. It is an extended devotion, following Nehemiah, asking questions about your life in Christ etc. If you are looking for a light reading devotion, this is it. If you are looking for a commentary to increase your knowledge of Christ in the scriptures, look elsewhere.

Very helpful, practical and encouraging collection of sermons put into book form.

This new series of "commentaries" is truly excellent. I've bought a number of them for use in teaching our young, aspiring leaders. They are just what we were looking for.I've put the word "commentaries" in quotes because they are not what you would normally expect from commentaries. For a start they are eminently readable and understandable. They are not written in Theologically complex language, but they ARE Theologically sound and from an Evangelical standpoint. The authors have the knack of introducing complex ideas in a straightforward manner and without the need for lots of jargon.Each chapter is gauged to provide someone with the background they need to prepare a sermon or a Bible Study. In other words they are written in "bite-sized" chunks.The only niggle I have (and it is a very minor one) is that the only hint at what the structure of a book might be is the contents page. That said, I can highly recommend these books to anyone responsible for raising up a new generation of leaders.

Another topical book but with substance. Reminds me of a group of sermons but with more content. Quick and easy read. Authors draw in related ideas from the Bible that give more depth to understanding Nehemiah. A very good companion to Packer's, "A passion for faithfulness: Wisdom from the book of Nehemiah" if the reader wants to get as much out of Nehemiah as possible.Each chapter unpacks a chapter in Nehemiah and provides an overview of the what it's about and finishes with useful, more penetrating questions for discussion and examination beyond personal opinion. Suitable for individual and group study and for causing me to think beyond the confines of my own comfortable but limited knowledge, experience and maturity. That's not to say this book is for dummies of which I'm one. It's not (and I'm not). As I said, it makes me think and it makes me want to find out more, two ingredients for a useful and appreciable, expository study.