Ezra and Nehemiah

Smith’s ZECOT is, in my judgment, the best conservative technical commentary on Ezra–Nehemiah and perhaps the easiest of the major scholarly volumes to use continuously alongside the biblical text. Its distinctive strength is discourse analysis that actually produces interpretive results rather than merely describing grammar and structure. His explanation of the placement of Nehemiah 8–10 is an excellent example: the interruption is purposeful because those who will inhabit the holy city must first be identified with Israel, instructed in Torah, brought through confession and bound to covenant faithfulness. Smith is also unusually good with the books’ lists, arguing that the “official memorial” genre is effectively democratized so that ordinary participants in restoration are remembered alongside leaders, while ultimate credit belongs to YHWH who directs the whole process. Historically informed, attentive to Hebrew and Aramaic, theologically serious and consistently useful for teaching and preaching, this is an excellent first-choice exegetical commentary.

I'm preaching through Ezra now. This commentary is a good blend of high level scholarship while also showing practical significance for the life of the church.

This was my primary text I used when I preached nineteen sermons through Ezra in 2024. It was a great resource.