ESV Expository Commentary: Ezra–Job (volume 4)

ESV Expository Commentary: Ezra–Job, Volume 4 (Crossway, 2020).

This volume is the fourth OT entry in the ESV Expository Commentary series. It features an exposition of Ezra and Nehemiah by Brian Aucker, Esther by Eric Ortlund, and Job by Douglas Sean O'Donnell. These biblical books are sometimes treated primarily as historical books with a focus on historical reconstruction and comparative analysis with Ancient Near Eastern backgrounds. While each entry engages the historical context adequately, the helpful focus in these comments is on the literary shape of these books and the theological richness that these narratives display for readers. 

Aucker's treatment of Ezra and Nehemiah provides an example of this interpretive dynamic. He briefly signals some of the debate about the compositional history of these books but also makes a quick case for the unity of Ezra-Nehemiah as a discrete work and also its basic reliability in terms of chronology. This allows Aucker to prioritize the flow of the narrative in his comments on the book. He also shows the literary patterns that extend from Ezra into Nehemiah. This interpretive move in particular will help orient preachers to the theological themes that undergird this account of Israel's return from exile (and hopefully mitigate a few planned sermon series on Nehemiah and "church building campaigns"!). 

Ortlund's treatment of Esther likewise takes note of the historical context but also prioritizes the literary features of this unique OT narrative. Ortlund suggests that the Esther story is told in the genre of "historical novella" and "diaspora story." This characterization implies that the story told is historically accurate but also includes strategic literary elements that affect the meaning of the book's message. As Ortlund observes, "The book's humor, vivid characterizations, and abundance of coincidences and reversals all imply the author is giving us reliable history in the form of a story. Thus we will have to attend to the book as a story with characters and unfolding plot,. to learn what the narrator would teach us" (242). 

What's more, these literary features complement the theological themes the author is developing. There is a tight chiastic structure that details Haman's plot to destroy the Jewish people and the striking symmetry of the exact reversal of these fortunes. There is also a careful portrayal of the setting and unfolding of scenes that remind the attentive reader of key Jewish expectations that Esther and Mordecai essentially fail to observe (e.g., prayer to God or observance of Torah!). Readers and preachers often simply "fill in" what they perceive to be missing from the story (i.e., explicit references to God and the piety of Esther & Mordecai). In doing so, however, they obscure the effect of the biblical book that actually confronts us as we read. This allows us to observe "the kindness of the Lord to a portion of Abraham's seed that seems to have forgotten about him" (241). 

Worth noting, as well, is O'Donnell's thoughtful treatment of the sprawling and theological provocative book of Job. While noting the clearly artistic elements of the book (imagery, poetry, discourse shifts, etc), O'Donnell affirms the reasonableness of seeing Job as a real historical figure: "Even if poetic license is allowed, a historical narrative is implied. The use of real names and places, as well as a seemingly real-life story (a story no more dramatically unrealistic than the Evangelists' narratives of the creatures' killing their Creator), support this view . . . It makes best sense to see the book of Job as an embellished retelling of actual people and events" (293). 

O'Donnell moves from this historical reasoning to a literary analysis of the lengthy speeches and the narrative effect of the book's setting in the heavenly realm. The message of the book reveals insight into the nature of human suffering and also prefigures the suffering messiah: "The book of Job prefigures the purposeful sufferings of Jesus Christ. That is, the story of God's servant Job prepares us for the story of Jesus, the suffering servant who in his passion and death exhibits how innocent suffering can show forth the justice of God" (291). 

Overall, this volume maintains a pastoral tone, clear exposition, and a helpful balance between historical and theological analysis. Another worthwhile entry in this commentary series. 

Some Notes:

• See details on the other volumes in the ESV Expository Commentary series; Cf. my goodreads  & reviews of other volumes in this series; Thanks to Crossway for this review copy.