I Chronicles

Knoppers provides what is probably the strongest technical commentary available on 1 Chronicles. His handling of textual criticism is exemplary, especially his use of Qumran and the pluriform textual history of Samuel to prevent every difference from being attributed automatically to deliberate Chronicler revision. More distinctively, he transforms the notoriously difficult genealogies into some of the most interesting material in the book, showing how they construct social, territorial and ethnic identity and, at points, portray a surprisingly diverse Judah in contrast to Ezra–Nehemiah. His treatment of David is similarly rich, especially his argument that the census narrative presents David not merely as founder of the temple site but as a paradigmatic repentant sinner and intercessor. Dense and sometimes demanding, but extraordinarily rewarding and indispensable for serious work on 1 Chronicles.

This is a sentimental favorite for me. It’s also among the most exhaustive technical commentaries that you’ll find. No stone is left unturned. [Full Review]