The Book of Ruth
in New International Commentary on the Old Testament
Pages
384
Publisher
Eerdmans
Published
3/7/2023
ISBN-13
978-0-8028-7726-0
“Do not urge me to abandon you, to turn back from following after you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you lodge, I will lodge. Your people are my people, and your God is my God.”
In this pivotal verse, Ruth’s self-sacrificial declaration of loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi forms the relationship at the heart of the book of Ruth. Peter H. W. Lau’s new translation and commentary explores the human and divine love at the center of the narrative as well as the book’s relevance to Christian theology.
In the latest entry in the New International Commentary on the Old Testament, Lau upholds the series’ standard of quality. The Book of Ruth includes detailed notes on the translation and pays careful attention to the original Hebrew and the book's historical context, all the while remaining focused on Ruth’s relevance to Christian readers today. An indispensable resource for pastors, scholars, students, and all readers of Scripture, Lau’s commentary is the perfect companion to one of the most beloved books of the Old Testament.
In this pivotal verse, Ruth’s self-sacrificial declaration of loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi forms the relationship at the heart of the book of Ruth. Peter H. W. Lau’s new translation and commentary explores the human and divine love at the center of the narrative as well as the book’s relevance to Christian theology.
In the latest entry in the New International Commentary on the Old Testament, Lau upholds the series’ standard of quality. The Book of Ruth includes detailed notes on the translation and pays careful attention to the original Hebrew and the book's historical context, all the while remaining focused on Ruth’s relevance to Christian readers today. An indispensable resource for pastors, scholars, students, and all readers of Scripture, Lau’s commentary is the perfect companion to one of the most beloved books of the Old Testament.
Collections
This book appears in the following featured collections.
- Non-Western and BIPOC Commentaries by Matt Quintana
Reviews
ThomasCreedy
December 14, 2023
December 14, 2023
Some words from close to the close of Lau’s commentary sum things up: “From a theological perspective, God’s quiet providence is revealed again: he has heard and answered another prayer” (p. 305). This is a commentary that carefully and respectfully reads the book of Ruth, and the author brings a range of tools to bear. I would strongly recommend this as both an example of solid evangelical commentary on Ruth, and also as a tool for pastors looking to go deeper into this book of the Bible.
[Full Review]
Phillip J. Long
March 22, 2023
March 22, 2023
Peter Lau’s commentary on Ruth is a worthy successor to Hubbard’s. Since Ruth is often combined with Judges in commentaries, it does not always get the attention it deserves. At 342 pages, Lau’s Ruth commentary is substantial and detailed, yet is written in a clear style that will appeal to scholars, teachers, and pastors.
[Full Review]