Ezra-Nehemiah

Joseph Blenkinsopp's commentary, along with Hugh Williamson's, set the standard for critical commentaries on Ezra-Nehemiah in the 1980s. Even though this commentary is approaching 40 years old, it remains the gold standard in its careful treatment of the text, its clear evaluation of the critical issues, and its poignant theological engagement. Blenkinsopp illuminates the literary, social, and historical aspects of Ezra-Nehemiah, while also concisely outlining the compositional and text-critical issues in the text. [Full Review]

More technical than Fensham, and more reader-friendly formatting than Williamson. Blenkinsopp is Roman Catholic, critical scholar, who writes beautifully. The introduction lays out the historical criticism issues, as well as engaging with canonical criticism approaches.

An important discussion reflecting opinions held by many scholars and stressing the importance of the period for Judaism. [Full Review]