Exodus

This commentary rose in the rankings before there were many recent, substantial conservative commentaries on Exodus. Currid's EP Study Commentary came out the same year, but in a series that was not well-known. Stuart (NAC), Victor Hamilton, Duane Garrett (KEL), T. D. Alexander (ApOTC), and Eugene Carpenter (EEC) all wrote more substantial volumes subsequent to Enns. While Enns is not without insight, he looks to find problems in the text where there are none, and at times he verges on blasphemy: "The Lord does not know how he might react at some point in the journey; he does not seem to trust himself to control his anger. Thus, it is better that he does not go at all. We should resist the temptation to gloss over this description of God. This is God's Word and this is how he is described. We should not dismiss it on the basis of what we 'know' God to be like" (Enns, NIVAC, 578). This is not a matter of God not knowing what he will do and not trusting himself. God makes this statement precisely because he knows exactly what the people will do (as recounted in Numbers) and that he will in righteousness (not due to any loss of control!) consume them in the way.

Enns easily navigates between historical background and theological significance. His insights make this a great resource for pastors and students. [Full Review]

Probably one of the stronger commentaries in the NIVAC series and probably the most versatile on the list (scholars to laymen can benefit from it). The format of the commentary is simple and easy to use. Each block of text is discussed in three sections: Original Meaning, Bridging Contexts, and Contemporary Significance. Being an “Application Commentary”, Enns certainly moves to the application of the Biblical text more than others on this list... [Full Review]

This volume also receives many accolades from a wide variety of experts. Tremper Longman calls this an “incredibly insightful theological study” of the book of Exodus and says, “This commentary is ideal for those preaching on Exodus, because he so thoughtfully explores the book’s trajectory toward the New Testament gospel.”

[Full Review]

A good first option for preaching and teaching. One shortfall is the lack of content on 34:6-7 and its importance for OT theology.

ExodusCap.20-40

Enns does a tremendous job showing how the OT points to Jesus. That focus comes across on every page of this work.

Enns' commentary is good. Indeed, I can see how this will be for many people a good first choice. It is scholarly yet practical. He does well at relating Exodus to the whole story of the Bible. Many people will be happy that Enns has taken many of Fretheim's insights and approached them from a more reformed perspective. But on a whole, this commentary often just made me go back to Fretheim. This is partly due to the layout of the “NIV Application Commentary” Series which I do not find so helpful.