1 Chronicles

Selman achieves an unusually strong combination of originality, theological insight and accessibility within the limitations of the Tyndale format. His most distinctive contribution is his understanding of Chronicles as a major exercise in inner-biblical exegesis: the Chronicler does not merely rewrite Samuel–Kings but interprets the wider Scriptures—Genesis, Torah, Prophets and Psalms—and integrates them into a coherent theological vision. Selman is also particularly persuasive in resisting an overly mechanical understanding of “immediate retribution,” emphasizing instead grace, repentance, forgiveness, restoration and hope, especially in texts such as 2 Chronicles 7 and the accounts of Rehoboam and Manasseh. He cannot offer the technical detail of Japhet, Knoppers or Dillard, but remarkably often he gets to the theological heart of a passage with clarity and economy. One of the most useful commentaries on Chronicles per page.

Selman’s commentary is a strong resource that concisely introduces readers to these historical books and situates them within the larger biblical canon. [Full Review]